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Abstract: Carbon nanowall films were synthesized by plasma enhanced hot filament chemical vapour deposition on carbon paper, a three dimensionally structured material. The micro-structured nature of the carbon paper, which is composed of an irregular and open mesh of carbon fibres, allowed one to determine the microstructure of the carbon nanowalls both at the tip and at the fibre–nanowall base interface. The number of graphenes which pile up to form the structure of a single nanowall ranges from 1 to 2 at the tip up to several 10s at the base, making this material suitable to study and eventually exploit the electronic properties of graphenes on a macroscopic scale. Such material is promising for electrochemical applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Even in the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era, individuals HIV-infected through injecting drug use (IDUs) are at increased risk of death due to the burden of competing events such as liver disease, overdose and suicide. The objective of this study was to explore the role which life events' experience, in particular drug-related events such as detoxification or withdrawal symptoms, may play on the risk of death in HIV-infected IDUs. Our analysis was based on longitudinal data of 296 HIV-infected IDUs from when they started HAART. Data collection included medical records and patient's self-reports detailing, among other information, life events including drug-related problems. Multiple imputations for missing data in the explanatory variables together with Cox models were used to identify predictors of death. During HAART follow-up, 26 deaths occurred, corresponding to 1.8 deaths per 100 person-years. The majority (N=8) were attributable to liver disease while 5 were from unknown causes (found deceased at home or in a car). After adjustment for age and time-dependent viral load (>10,000cp/ml) individuals experiencing withdrawal symptoms had a fivefold increased risk of death with respect to the others. Withdrawal symptoms in IDUs living with HIV reflect physicians' difficulties in managing their patients' opioid dependence. Early detection and increasing substitution dosages or switching to a more adequate treatment could prevent possible drug-related deaths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neurotensin (NT) produced in the hypothalamus and in pituitary gonadotrophs and thyrotrophs participates in neuroendocrine regulation. Recently, the involvement of this peptide in normal and neoplastic cell proliferation has been postulated. In the present study, we evaluated the expression of NT and its receptors (NTR1, 2 and 3) in a series of 50 pituitary adenomas [11 growth hormone (GH)-, eight prolactin (PRL)-, four adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)- and 27 nonfunctioning adenomas]. NT mRNA expression was significantly higher in functioning compared to nonfunctioning adenomas and with normal pituitary. Nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas showed lower expression of NT mRNA than normal pituitary. In the immunohistochemical study of functioning adenomas, NT was colocalised with GH, PRL and ACTH secreting cells. In nonfunctioning adenomas, the NT immunoreactivity intensity was variable among the samples. NTR3 mRNA expression was observed in all examined samples and was higher in the adenomas, both functioning and nonfunctioning, compared to normal pituitary. By contrast, NTR1 and NTR2 mRNA were not detected in either pituitary adenomas or normal tissue. The higher expression of NTR3, as well as the expression of NT by tumoural corticotrophs, lactotrophs and somatotrophs, which are cells types that do not express this peptide in the normal pituitary, suggests that NT autocrine and/or paracrine stimulation mediated by NTR3 may be a mechanism associated with the tumourigenesis of functioning adenomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nanocrystalline diamond was prepared by hot filament assisted chemical vapor deposition technique. The nanometer sized dimension of diamond grains was determined by X-ray line broadening. AC electrical response of deposits, constituted by well formed diamond grains, was studied by admittance spectroscopy at different temperatures. Grain boundary and grain surface were considered different regions able to influence differently the frequency dependent AC response. Observed variations in admittance spectra were attributed to a modification of the grain surface response as frequency and temperature rise. A semiconductor to metal-like transition was evidenced in admittance spectra increasing the frequency of applied signal at lower temperatures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Even though treatments for depression are available, and indeed help many sufferers, current antidepressant strategies remain burdened by partial efficacy, poor side-effects profile, and a slow onset of therapeutic action. Therefore we investigated the effects of the statin atorvastatin on a battery of tests sensitive to detect and investigate the antidepressant action of novel compounds. Analysis of hsCRP within our study and further neuropsychological studies of statin treatment in different participant populations (e.g. depressed patients with inflammation) are needed to further understand this finding. [Extracted from the article]

Preservation of waterlogged wooden artifacts, and in particular ancient wrecks, is a challenge in cultural heritage conservation. Samples, from the Swedish warship Vasa, are under investigation in order to develop innovative methods for wood de-acidification and preservation. The Vasa represents a unique case in the study of ancient wrecks. In the past four years the problem of the acidity of wood emerged as a strong threat to its conservation. The production of sulphuric acid inside the ship wood might be the cause of both chemical damage through the acid hydrolysis of cellulose, and of physical damage of the wood’s pore structure, due to the crystallization of sulphate minerals in the wood pores. In this paper we show that wood acidity can be neutralized by the application of nanoparticles of alkaline-earth carbonates and/or hydroxides. The treatment provides an alkaline reservoir inside the wood. Nanoparticles absorbed in the wood from an alcoholic dispersion adhere to the wood wall and release hydroxyl ions leading to the wood neutralization. Oak and pine samples from the Vasa wreck were characterized and treated with alkaline magnesium or calcium nanoparticle dispersions in non-aqueous solvents. De-acidification was monitored by pH changes and thermal analysis, and all the treated samples were submitted to thermal artificial ageing in order to demonstrate the efficacy of the method. The results obtained opened a new perspective in wood conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acetylcholine (ACh) plays an important role in smooth muscle contraction and in the development of airway narrowing; preliminary evidences led us to hypothesize that ACh might also play a role in the development of airways inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: We evaluated the concentrations of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) in induced sputum, and the expression of Ach M1, M2, and M3 receptors in sputum cells (SC) obtained from 16 patients with COPD, 11 smokers, and 14 control subjects. The SC were also treated with ACh and the production of LTB4 assessed in the presence or absence of a muscarinic antagonist (oxitropium). In blood monocytes, we evaluated LTB4 release and activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) pathway after treatment with Ach. Results: The LTB4 concentrations were higher in COPD than in controls ( P < 0.01) and correlated with the number of neutrophil ( P < 0.01). The M3 receptors expression was increased in COPD subjects when compared to smokers and control ( P < 0.05 and 0.0001, respectively), while M2 expression resulted decreased ( P < 0.05 and 0.01). The ACh-induced LTB4 production was observed in peripheral blood monocytes, and was sensitive to ERK inhibition. Similarly, ACh significantly increased neutrophil chemotactic activity and LTB4 released from SC of COPD patients only, and these effects were blocked by pretreatment with the inhibitor of ERK pathway PD98059. Conclusions: The results obtained show that muscarinic receptors may be involved in airway inflammation in COPD subjects through ACh-induced, ERK1/2-dependent LTB4 release. Muscarinic antagonism may contribute to reduce neutrophil infiltration and activation in COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to search for candidate genes related to pituitary adenoma aggressiveness, the present investigation was intended to compare the mRNA expression profile from a pool of four nonfunctional pituitary adenomas (NFPA) with a spinal cord metastasis of a nonfunctional pituitary carcinoma (MNFPC). The metallothionein isoform 3 (MT3) gene was differentially expressed in nonfunctional adenomas in comparison to the metastasis of nonfunctional carcinoma. A microarray dataset comprising 19,881 probes was employed for comparing expression profiles of a spinal cord metastasis of a nonfunctional pituitary carcinoma with a pool of four nonfunctional pituitary adenomas. RT-qPCR confirmed the microarray findings and was used to investigate MT3 mRNA gene expression in tumor samples of a series of 52 different pituitary adenoma subtypes comprising 10 corticotropin (ACTH)-producing, 18 growth hormone (GH)-producing, 8 prolactin (PRL)-producing, and 16 nonfunctional adenomas. Microarray data analysis by GeneSifter program unveiled Gene Ontology terms related to zinc ion-binding activity closely related to MT3 function. MT3 mRNA expression was statistically significantly higher in ACTH-producing pituitary adenomas and in nonfunctional pituitary adenomas in comparison to the other pituitary adenoma subtypes. The more abundant expression of this gene in ACTH-producing pituitary adenomas suggests that MT3 could be related to distinct pituitary cell lineage regulating the activity of some transcription factor of importance in hormone production and/or secretion. Copyright © 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) were grown on carbon fibres, both PAN- and pitch-based, by hot filament chemical vapour deposition (HFCVD) using H2 and CH4 as precursors. Nickel clusters were electrodeposited on the fibre surfaces to catalyse the growth, and uniform CNT coatings were obtained on both PAN- and pitch-based carbon fibres. Ni cluster features varied, depending on the deposition parameters, showing on average larger dimensions and denser distribution on pitch fibres. Multi-walled CNTs with smooth walls and low impurity content were grown. The morphological features, both before and after the growth process, were characterised by SEM. This novel material based on carbon fibres coated with CNT, shows a potential for applications in polymeric matrix composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE:To describe the relations between foveal avascular zone (FAZ) size and outline in patients presenting diabetic retinopathy. METHODS:110 high-quality fluorescein angiograms from 110 diabetics were chosen from our digital retinal image databank. Patients with significant media opacities, macular scars, macular hard exsudates, high ametropia, and associated macular pathology were excluded. Both FAZ perimeter and surface area were measured with image analysis software. FAZ outline was graded according to ETDRS report Number 11 (from 0=normal to 4=capillary outline completely destroyed). Data were compared to that of 31 healthy controls. FAZ surface in diabetics was compared to that of controls and FAZ surface was compared to FAZ grade, FAZ perimeter and retinopathy stage in diabetics. Quantitative variables were compared using the U-test of Mann-Whitney or Kruskal-Wallis test and correlations between quantitative variables were estimated with the Spearmann coefficient. RESULTS:All patients presented diabetic retinopathy (54 BDR, 30 PPDR, 26 PDR). FAZ size was larger in diabetics than controls (P<0.001). In diabetics, FAZ size increased with FAZ grade (P

Abstract: The aim of the Bias Enhanced Nucleation (BEN) step is to increase the nucleation density during the CVD diamond growth process with respect to more traditional methods like scratching. Diamond seeds were grown in a HFCVD reactor with several vertical straight filaments and a double bias geometry allowing BEN over large area silicon substrates. The effect of the substrate temperature and the gas composition was studied. Spectroscopic and morphological characterisation has been performed on the substrates, both after the BEN and the subsequent growth process. The substrate temperature was found to be an important parameter controlling the nucleation. When the substrate temperature is above 1100 °C, both the nucleation and the growth resulted in nanocrystalline SiC while at lower temperature optimal diamond nucleation and growth were found. Simultaneously, intermediate phases between elemental and non-stoichiometric SiC were observed by XPS. Nucleation densities of 1011 cm−2 and higher were obtained over a surface of several squared centimeters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article focuses on a simulation study of memory performance of SMP multiprocessors running a TPC-W workload. The infrastructure to support electronic commerce is one area where more processing power is needed. A multiprocessor system can offer advantages for running electronic commerce applications. The memory performance of an electronic commerce server is evaluated in the case of shared-bus multiprocessor architecture. The software architecture of this server is based on a three-tier model and the workloads have been setup as specified by the TPC-W benchmark.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were grown on nickel catalysts by hot filament chemical vapour deposition (HFCVD) using H2 and CH4 as gas precursors. CNTs with different characteristics were observed varying some growth parameters, such as the substrate temperature, the total pressure and the methane concentration. These parameters were optimised in order to obtain untangled CNTs with high density and smooth walls. Catalyst nanoparticles were obtained through the clustering of Ni thin films deposited by sputtering techniques. CNTs grown on samples with the silicon native oxide or with a SiO2 coating between Si substrate and Ni film were compared. Catalytic layers and CNTs were characterised by SEM and XPS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, the Scheduled Dataflow (SDF) architecture?a decoupled memory/execution, multithreaded architecture using nonblocking threads?is presented in detail and evaluated against Superscalar architecture. Recent focus in the field of new processor architectures is mainly on VLIW (e.g., IA-64), superscalar, and superspeculative designs. This trend allows for better performance, but at the expense of increased hardware complexity and, possibly, higher power expenditures resulting from dynamic instruction scheduling. Our research deviates from this trend by exploring a simpler, yet powerful execution paradigm that is based on dataflow and multithreading. A program is partitioned into nonblocking execution threads. In addition, all memory accesses are decoupled from the thread's execution. Data is preloaded into the thread's context (registers) and all results are poststored after the completion of the thread's execution. While multithreading and decoupling are possible with control-flow architectures, SDF makes it easier to coordinate the memory accesses and execution of a thread, as well as eliminate unnecessary dependencies among instructions. We have compared the execution cycles required for programs on SDF with the execution cycles required by programs on SimpleScalar (a superscalar simulator) by considering the essential aspects of these architectures in order to have a fair comparison. The results show that SDF architecture can outperform the superscalar. SDF performance scales better with the number of functional units and allows for a good exploitation of Thread Level Parallelism (TLP) and available chip area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This letter reports on the fabrication of regular arrays of three dimensional graphitic structures, by growing carbon nanowalls on forests of conical Si microspikes. The high field enhancement achieved by this hierarchical growth process indicates a potential for electron emission applications. Experiments show that the field emission performance and long-term stability of the structures is by far superior to that of planar carbon nanowall mats and comparable to that reported for optimized carbon nanotube based emitters. The improved field emission properties of the fabricated arrays are attributed to the dual micro and nanomorphology of the emitters, involving a two-scale enhancement process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L'espérance de vie des patients β-thalassémiques a augmenté ces 20 dernières années. Nous avons évalué dans cette étude l'état de santé actuel et la qualité de vie de ces patients pris en charge dans un centre de référence à Marseille. Il s'agit d'une étude monocentrique, descriptive menée entre juin et août 2019 chez des patients de plus de 18 ans atteints de β-thalassémie majeure ou intermédiaire. Les données cliniques et paracliniques ont été collectées rétrospectivement et un questionnaire de qualité de vie SF-36 a été proposé à chaque patient. Sur 64 patients sélectionnés, 43 ont été inclus et repartis en 2 groupes : 35 patients thalassémiques dépendants des transfusions et 8 non-dépendants des transfusions. La surcharge hépatique en fer est la complication la plus fréquente, présente chez 80 % des thalassémiques dépendants des transfusions et 62,5 % des non dépendants des transfusions. La surcharge myocardique en fer est présente uniquement dans le groupe dépendant des transfusions (20 %). L'hypogonadisme hypogonadotrope reste l'atteinte endocrinienne la plus fréquente (41,9 %) suivie de l'ostéoporose (37,2 %). Parmi les 31 patients ayant complété le questionnaire SF-36, les scores physique et mental de qualité de vie étaient abaissés chez les thalassémiques dépendants des transfusions (respectivement 42,7 et 46,8) comme chez les non dépendants (respectivement 43,9 et 28,9). Malgré une amélioration de leur prise en charge, nos patients β-thalassémiques montrent une altération de leur qualité de vie qu'il va falloir explorer dans l'ensemble de la cohorte française. The life expectancy of β-thalassemia patients has increased over the last 20 years. In this study, we evaluated the current health status and quality of life of these patients managed in a reference center in Marseille. This is a single-center, descriptive study conducted between June and August 2019 in patients over 18 years of age with β-thalassemia major or intermedia. Clinical and paraclinical data were collected retrospectively and the SF-36 health survey questionnaire was proposed to each patient. 43 of 64 selected patients were included and divided into 2 groups: 35 patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia and 8 patients with non-transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia. Liver iron overload is the most frequent complication, present in 80% of transfusion-dependent and 62.5% of non-transfusion-dependent patients. Cardiac iron overload is present only in the transfusion dependent β-thalassemia group (20%). Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism remains the most common endocrine disorder (41.9%) followed by osteoporosis (37.2%). Among the 31 patients who completed the SF-36 questionnaire, physical and mental quality of life scores were lowered in transfusion dependent (respectively 42.7 and 46.8) as in non-transfusion-dependent patients (respectively 43.8 and 28.9). Despite an improvement in medical care, our patients with β-thalassemia show an alteration in their quality of life that will need to be characterized in the entire French cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultural Heritage (CH) represents a fundamental societal, ethical and economical resource, and a driver for education and social inclusion. An extensive physico-chemical characterization of the combined TC-PNs-NSF system clarified that the fluid is partially free to diffuse through the network, but also interacts with the gel walls; during the cleaning, the dynamics of the fluid at the gel-artifact interface are controlled by the osmotic balance among the interconnected pores of the gel. Moving to different types of artistic substrates, a paper by Mirabile et al. provides a critical overview and expansion on the use of two novel methodologies for the removal of pressure sensitive tapes (PSTs), which employ different cleaning fluids loaded into retentive gels [[8]]. [Extracted from the article]

Relative survival methods used to estimate the excess mortality of cancer patients rely on the background (or expected) mortality derived from general population life tables. These methods are based on splitting the observed mortality into the excess mortality and the background mortality. By assuming a regression model for the excess mortality, usually a Cox-type model, one may investigate the effects of certain covariates on the excess mortality. Some covariates are cancer-specific whereas others are variables that may influence the background mortality as well. The latter should be taken into account in the background mortality to avoid biases in estimating their effects on the excess mortality. Unfortunately, the available life table might not include such variables and, consequently, might provide inaccurate values of the background mortality. We propose a model that uses multiplicative parameters to correct potentially inaccurate background mortality. The model can be seen as an extension of the frequently used Estève model because we assume a Cox-type model for the excess mortality with a piecewise constant baseline function and introduce additional parameters that multiply the background mortality. The original and the extended model are compared, first in a simulation study, then in an application to colon cancer registry data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It's well known that x-ray line profile analysis is a powerful and convenient method to probe the microstructural characteristics of nanocrystalline samples. In the literature well-documented techniques are normally used to obtain crystalline size distributions from x-ray line-broadening analysis. However, it is less considered that the shape of such size distributions may be a means to determine by which mechanism the particles have grown. A simple method is presented here to distinguish between two different growth mechanisms: the coalescence and Ostwald ripening process. An application of the method to platinum nanoparticle electrocatalysts with different size distributions, dispersed on high-surface-area carbon blacks, is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We introduce a new package for checking key assumptions in the Cox regression and Fine and Gray regression models. • It implements tests based on cumulative sums of residuals including Anderson-Darling type statistics and is available from CRAN R repositories. • Approximations to the null distribution were obtained using Monte-Carlo methods, and validated using extensive numerical studies. • It may help the spread of recent goodness-of-fit methods in medical applications and other fields, such as finance, criminology and industrial engineering studies. In this paper, we introduce a new R package goftte for goodness-of-fit assessment based on cumulative sums of model residuals useful for checking key assumptions in the Cox regression and Fine and Gray regression models. Monte-Carlo methods are used to approximate the null distribution of cumulative sums of model residuals. To limit the computational burden, the main routines used to approximate the null distributions are implemented in a parallel C++ programming environment. Numerical studies are carried out to evaluate the empirical type I error rates of the different testing procedures. The package and the documentation are available to users from CRAN R repositories. Results from simulation studies suggested that all statistical tests implemented in goftte yielded excellent control of the type I error rate even with modest sample sizes with high censoring rates. As compared to other R packages goftte provides new useful method for testing functionals, such as Anderson-Darling type test statistics for checking assumptions about proportional (sub-) distribution hazards. Approximations for the null distributions of test statistics have been validated through simulation experiments. Future releases will provide similar tools for checking model assumptions in multiplicative intensity models for recurrent data. The package may help to spread the use of recent advocated goodness-of-fit techniques in semiparametric regression for time-to-event data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To evaluate the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) in a population of patients treated for an advanced oropharyngeal cancer (AJCC Stage III or IV), depending on treatment strategy, and to evaluate its impact on quality of life. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting University Teaching Hospital of La Conception, Marseille, France. Participants Fifty-one disease-free patients were included. Forty-one patients received a combined chemoradiotherapy, while 10 patients were treated by surgery followed by chemoradiotherapy. Main Outcome Measures Every patient underwent a formal sleep consultation and was asked to complete the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and EORTC QLQ C-30 and the EORTC H&N 35 questionnaires. A home overnight respiratory polygraphy was performed in every subject. Results The mean time between the end of cancer treatment and the OSAS analysis was 54.04 months [20; 84]. An OSAS was found in 25.49% of our patients. There was no significant difference between patients treated with either surgery (30%) or CRT (24.39%), P=.79. The EORTC QLQ C-30 questionnaire showed a significant difference between positive and negative OSAS groups in the Global Health Status Scale (50.64 vs 67.11, P=.02) and in the fatigue item (35.04 vs 17.25, P=.03). Conclusions Our population with advanced oropharyngeal cancer, whatever the treatment strategy it may be, was at risk of developing OSAS with negative impact on quality of life. A routine screening and treatment of OSAS seems necessary to improve the quality of life of patients treated for advanced oropharyngeal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Review: 40 refs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Aim of this study was to analyse feasibility, safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic transperitoneal hernia repair (TAPP) approach to inguinal hernias in the emergency setting, with a longer follow-up than the studies present in literature. Methods: We retrospectively analysed all patients who underwent emergency TAPP hernia repair in San Marco Hospital (Zingonia, Italy), from September 2010 to June 2020. A prospectively collected database of 685 consecutive TAPP hernia repair was reviewed. Feasibility and safety were evaluated through operative time, conversion rate, perioperative mortality, morbidity and prosthesis infection rate. Effectiveness was assessed by recurrence and complication rate, acute (during admission) and chronic (during follow-up) pain by Visual Analogic Scale (VAS), and recovery to normal activity in a long-term follow-up (mean period 1718 days). Results: The final study group included 47 patients. The mean age was 59.6 years (range 22–89), 29 patients were male and 18 were female. The mean operation time was 64 min. Two cases were converted to open approach (4%). In four cases bowel resection became necessary (8.5%). Appendicectomy and omentectomy occurred once and twice, respectively (2% and 4%), and orchiectomy was required in two patients (4%). Seroma was the only postoperative complication that we registered in four patients. During a mean follow-up period of 1718 days, there was no recurrence of the hernia or other complications. Five patients referred mild occasional groin pain (VAS < 3), with quick relief without taking any pain killers. Conclusion: TAPP approach is a safe, feasible and effective therapeutic option for groin hernias in emergency setting. No recurrence or severe complications were reported in over 4 years of follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium hydroxide nanoparticles are effective components for the consolidation treatment of immovable works of art, such as carbonate stone and wall paintings that exhibit both surface and structural degradation. Several formulations have been recently developed, with different characteristics (dispersing solvent, particle size distribution and particle structure), which are expected to result in different long-term consolidating properties. In this contribution, the carbonation of a commercial Ca(OH) nanoparticle formulation (Nanorestore) was characterized through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. Nanoparticle films were laid on KBr pellets and stored at room temperature under controlled relative humidity and CO pressure. FTIR analysis was used to quantitatively detect the formation of calcium carbonate. Fitting of the experimental data allowed the description of the mechanism of carbonate nucleation and growth. The compatibility of the Nanorestore formulation for wall painting consolidation was assessed through optical and electron microscopy, colorimetry and water absorption capillarity measurements. The formulation's effectiveness in consolidating powdering painted layers was assessed through application on site and on detached samples of Mesoamerican wall paintings belonging to the pre-Columbian archaeological sites of Ixcaquixtla and Calakmul (Mexico). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SALAS S., HUYNH T.-K., GIORGI R., DEVILLE J.-L., BOLLINI G., CURVALE G., BLESIUS A., GENTET J.-C., BUI B., BOUVIER C. & DUFFAUD F. (2011) European Journal of Cancer Care, 322-329 Limited information is available on clinical management of Flat Bone Osteosarcomas (FBOS). We retrospectively analysed prognostic factors and outcome. Twenty-eight patients were treated in our institution. Survival curves were obtained by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the log-rank test. The overall survival (OS) rates at 5 and 10 years were 52.4% and 45.8% respectively. The event-free survival (EFS) rates at 5 and 10 years were 41.5%. The factors influencing EFS in univariate analysis were location, metastatic disease at diagnosis, effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, histological response and adequate local tumour control. Location, metastatic disease at diagnosis, effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, histological response and local recurrence were statistically correlated with OS. Multivariate analysis retained metastatic disease at diagnosis as prognostic factors of EFS and OS. Our results suggest a more favourable outcome of FBOS as the use of a treatment scheme based on the protocols for long bone osteosarcomas. However, an adequate local treatment is essential to ensure a better outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Carbon nanoparticles and multiwall carbon nanotubes were deposited on an Optically Transparent Electrode (OTE) for application in Dye Sensitised Solar Cells (DSSCs) as counter electrode materials. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) was used to evaluate the behaviour in a electrolyte solution. Results were compared to commercial Pt catalysed OTE and polycrystalline graphite. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes show low series resistance and low charge transfer resistance promising an improved fill factor (and efficiency) in DSSCs assembled with such materials as counter electrodes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

OBJECTIVE: Chronic heart failure (CHF) is accompanied by increased adenosine plasma levels (APLs). It is unknown whether adenosine release occurs at the peripheral level or whether the myocardium itself is the source of adenosine release. To answer this question, we evaluated APLs in the coronary sinus of CHF patients during a resynchronisation procedure and compared the values with those at the peripheral level. We also investigated a possible correlation between APLs and ischaemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels, a useful marker of tissue ischaemia. METHODS: 19 men and seven women were prospectively included. Blood samples for APLs were collected simultaneously from a brachial vein (peripheral) and from the coronary sinus. Blood samples for brain natriutretic peptide (BNP) and IMA were collected from a brachial vein. RESULTS: APLs from the brachial vein were higher than those from the coronary sinus (1.69 vs 0.75 muM p<0.01). IMA levels were correlated with APLs from the brachial vein (r = 0.59, p<0.01). BNP concentrations were correlated with APLs from the brachial vein (r = 0.73, p<0.001) but not with APLs from the coronary sinus (r = 0.38, p>0.05). BNP concentrations and IMA levels were correlated (r = 0.71, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In CHF patients, adenosine release occurs at a peripheral level and not at the myocardium level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Chronic heart failure (CHF) is accompanied by increased adenosine plasma levels (APLs). It is unknown whether adenosine release occurs at the peripheral level or whether the myocardium itself is the source of adenosine release. To answer this question, we evaluated APLs in the coronary sinus of CHF patients during a resynchronisation procedure and compared the values with those at the peripheral level. We also investigated a possible correlation between APLs and ischaemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels, a useful marker of tissue ischaemia. Methods: 19 men and seven women were prospectively included. Blood samples for APLs were collected simultaneously from a brachial vein (peripheral) and from the coronary sinus. Blood samples for brain natriutretic peptide (BNP) and IMA were collected from a brachial vein. Results: APLs from the brachial vein were higher than those from the coronary sinus (1.69 vs 0.75 μM p<0.01). IMA levels were correlated with APLs from the brachial vein (r = 0.59, p<0.01). BNP concentrations were correlated with APLs from the brachial vein (r = 0.73, p<0.001) but not with APLs from the coronary sinus (r = 0.38, p>0.05). BNP concentrations and IMA levels were correlated (r = 0.71, p<0.001). Conclusions: In CHF patients, adenosine release occurs at a peripheral level and not at the myocardium level. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic interest of Hector Battifora mesothelial antigen-1 (HBME-1), thyroid peroxidase (TPO), and dipeptidyl aminopeptidase IV (DPP4) in thyroid fine-needle aspirates obtained from 200 resected thyroid lesions (55 colloid nodules, 54 follicular adenomas, 59 papillary cancers, and 32 follicular carcinomas). Hector Battifora mesothelial antigen-1 or TPO expression (% positive cells) and DPP4 staining score (12-point scale) were evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted and optimal cutoff values for diagnosing malignancy were determined. The TPO ROC curve was consistently higher than the HBME-1 ROC curve. The TPO curve was also higher than the DPP4 curve with regard to sensitivity, but dipped below the DPP4 curve with regard to specificity. Using a cutoff value of <80% positive cells for TPO, >10% positive cells for HBME-1, and staining score > or =1 for DPP4, sensitivity to specificity ratios were 98-83% for TPO, 90-60% for HBME-1, and 88-80% for DPP4. Two particularly interesting findings of this study were the low negative likelihood ratio of TPO (0.02) allowing highly reliable exclusion of malignancy and the 100% specificity of DPP4 staining scores=12. Due to poor performance on follicular lesions, HBME-1 showed no advantage over TPO or DPP4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Carbon nanowalls are grown on silicon substrates through bias assisted Hot Filament Chemical Vapour Deposition (HF-CVD). Different morphology and density are obtained varying the process parameters. Platinum nanoparticles are electrodeposited on nanowalls by galvanostatic polarization to test the effectiveness of their use as electrocatalyst substrates. The electrochemical active surface is determined by cyclic voltammetry and the electrocatalytic activity is tested by measuring the methanol oxidation. A comparison between carbon powder and carbon nanowalls substrates is performed. A correlation between the morphology and electrocatalytic performance of platinum is found. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

OBJECTIVE: Repeated episodes of pulmonary embolism can persistently increase pulmonary arterial pressure and depress right ventricular contractility. We investigated the effects of levosimendan on right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling in this model of right ventricular failure. DESIGN: Prospective, controlled, randomized animal study. SETTING: University research laboratory. SUBJECTS: Fourteen anesthetized piglets. INTERVENTIONS: Repeated acute pulmonary embolisms were induced with autologous blood clots to induce persistent right ventricular failure. Animals were randomly assigned to a control or levosimendan group. Levosimendan 20 microg/kg was administered in 10 mins followed by 0.2 microg/kg/min or same volumes of isotonic saline. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Pulmonary artery distal resistance and proximal elastance by pressure-flow relationships and vascular impedance were measured. We noted right ventricle contractility by the end-systolic pressure-volume relationship (Ees), pulmonary artery effective elastance by the end-diastolic to end-systolic relationship (Ea), and right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling efficiency by the Ees/Ea ratio. The gradual pulmonary artery embolism increased pulmonary artery resistance and elastance, increased Ea from 1.01 +/- 0.17 to 5.58 +/- 0.37 mm Hg/mL, decreased Ees from 1.75 +/- 0.12 to 1.29 +/- 0.20 mm Hg/mL, and decreased Ees/Ea from 1.74 +/- 0.20 to 0.24 +/- 0.09. Compared with placebo, levosimendan decreased pulmonary arterial elastance and characteristic impedance. Right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling was restored by both an increase in right ventricular contractility and a decrease in right ventricular afterload. CONCLUSIONS: A gradual increase in pulmonary artery pressure induced by pulmonary embolism persistently worsens pulmonary artery hemodynamics, right ventricular contractility, right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling, and cardiac output. Levosimendan restores right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling better than placebo, because of combined pulmonary vasodilation and increased right ventricular contractility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AimsTo compare the effect of classic Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) and JPEG2000 compression algorithms on detection of diabetic retinopathy (DR) lesions.MethodsIn total, 45 colour fundus photographs obtained with a digital nonmydriatic fundus camera were saved in uncompressed Tagged Interchanged Files Format (TIFF) format (1.26 MB). They were graded jointly by two retinal specialists at a 1 month interval for soft exudates, hard exudates, macular oedema, newvessels, intraretinal microvascular abnormalities (IRMA), and retinal haemorrhages and/or microaneurysms. They were compressed to 118, 58, 41, and 27 KB by both algorithms and 24 KB by classic JPEG, placed in random order and graded again jointly by the two retina specialists. Subjective image quality was graded, and sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and kappa statistic were calculated for all lesions at all compression ratios.ResultsCompression to 118 KB showed no effect on image quality and kappa values were high (0.94–1). Image degradation became important at 27 KB for both algorithms. At high compression levels, IRMA and HMA detection were most affected with JPEG2000 performing slightly better than classic JPEG.ConclusionPerformance of classic JPEG and JPEG2000 algorithms is equivalent when compressing digital images of DR lesions from 1.26 MB to 118 KB and 58 KB. Higher compression ratios show slightly better results with JPEG2000 compression, but may be insufficient for screening purposes.Eye (2007) 21, 487–493. doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6702238; published online 3 February 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two dimensional graphitic carbon structures, commonly referred to as carbon nanowalls (CNW), are raising increasing interest in the scientific community. Their surface area is theoretically twice that of the closed boundary structures, such as carbon nanotubes, making them extremely attractive for chemical and biosensor applications. In this work CNW, with maximum longitudinal dimension ranging from 10 to 200 nm and wall thickness lower than 5 nm, have been grown in a HFCVD reactor on Si substrates. The growth precursors consisted of methane diluted into He noble gas. The effect of a DC plasma on the growth rate and film morphology was explored. The experimental setup consisted of a two grid system which allowed to vary independently the plasma voltage and current density on the substrate surface. An increase of growth rate was observed as the film thickness increased from a few nanometers to about 200 nm when the substrate current density was increased from 0 to 3.5 mA/cm2 for 30 min. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

OBJECTIVE: Systemic inflammatory response (SIRS) and severe SIRS (SIRS with organ dysfunction) occurring after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) are common causes of morbidity and mortality among cardiac surgical patients. These syndromes are often preceded by a profound vasodilation, characterized by vasoplegia occurring during surgery. Many substances have been implicated in their pathophysiology. Adenosine is a strong endogenous vasodilating agent released by endothelial cells and myocytes under metabolic stress and may be involved in blood pressure failure during CPB induced by severe SIRS. DESIGN: A prospective comparative observational study. SETTING: The operating room and intensive care unit of a tertiary care university hospital. PATIENTS: Adenosine plasma levels (mean+/-sd; APLs) were measured before (baseline), during, and immediately after surgery in 35 patients who underwent aortic valve replacement involving CPB. APLs were correlated to operative and postoperative clinical courses. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: APLs were significantly higher in seven patients with vasoplegia and postoperative severe SIRS (1.6 micromol.L [0.2-2.6] vs. 0.4 micromol.L [0.1-1.0]) at baseline and during surgery. The duration of mechanical ventilation and stay in the intensive care unit were significantly longer for patients with higher APLs. Mean arterial pressure was inversely correlated with mean arterial APLs (Pearson's correlation coefficient: R=-0.66; p<.001). CONCLUSIONS: High APLs were found in patients with operative vasoplegia and postoperative severe SIRS occurring after cardiopulmonary bypass. This suggests that adenosine release is involved in vasoplegia that occurs during the systemic inflammatory response to cardiac surgery. Further studies are needed to clarify the association between cytokine production and adenosine release in severe SIRS following cardiac surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severalin vitrostudies demonstrate that corticosteroids and long-actingβ2 agonists may have a complementary and synergistic mode of action on the inflammatory processes in asthma.Sputum was induced in 20 mild to moderate asthmatic patients and the induced sputum cells (ISC) were cultured with beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) 10−7 M, salbutamol 10−8 M and formoterol 10−8 M either alone or in combination, BDP plus salbutamol and BDP plus formoterol, for 24 h. We measured the levels of growth macrophages-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), released on activation normal T cells expressed and activated (RANTES) and interleukin-8 (IL-8), in the supernatant of stimulated cells by ELISA. Furthermore, we assessed nuclear translocation of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and the expression ofβ2 receptor in ISC by immunofluorescence and RT-PCR, respectively.The release of GM-CSF, RANTES and IL-8 in ISC was significantly reduced by BDP plus salbutamol or formoterol as compared with either drug alone (P < 0.0001).β2 receptor expression was increased after 30 min of incubation with BDP and continued to increase over a time period of 4 h (P < 0.0001). Furthermore after 30 min of incubation, nuclear translocation of GR was greater with BDP plus salbutamol or formoterol than with any of the drugs alone (P < 0.0001).The presentex vivostudy demonstrates a complementary mode of action between BDP and salbutamol or formoterol leading to an enhanced anti-inflammatory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes (CNT) were grown on alumina supported nickel catalyst by thermal Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD), using H2 and CH4 as gas precursors. Commercial Al2O3 pellets with various Ni concentrations, normally used for methane reforming, have been used as catalysts in order to produce massive quantities of CNT. Different growth parameters, such as temperature, time process, total pressure and methane concentration, were investigated on 40% weighted Ni on Al2O3 substrates and relationships with the total product amount were found. CNT with different characteristics were observed by varying growth parameters. These parameters were optimised in order to maximise the yield. CNT with high density and smooth walls were obtained. Morphological characterisation has been performed on grown CNT. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is frequent in patients with essential hypertension (EH); a likely common pathogenetic pathway could be a reduced ability of arteriolar vascular smooth muscle (VSM) to relax. Increasing intracellular levels of cGMP reduce the contractile status of VSM; on the contrary, type 5 cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase (PDE5, codified by PDE5A gene) regulates cGMP levels through its clearance. The PDE5A gene represents a good candidate for the intermediate phenotype EH/ED: genetic variants of the PDE5A may predispose to EH and ED and could affect the local and systemic response to sildenafil administration. Thus, a functionally relevant portion of PDE5 5'-flanking promoter region was analyzed by PCR and direct sequencing in patients with EH and idiopathic ED. The sequences obtained showed a T/G polymorphism at position-1142, near an AP1 regulatory element, that was not apparently associated with the intermediate phenotype. We also studied the relationship between this polymorphism and the effects of oral sildenafil on blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) in men with ED. Sildenafil caused a significant decrease of BP, but had no effects on HR; statistical analysis showed no differences in BP and HR variations among PDE5A genotypes. In conclusion, our data showed no correlations of a novel polymorphism of the PDE5A promoter gene with the intermediate phenotype EH/ED and the BP and HR response to sildenafil administration. Further studies are necessary to define the role of this polymorphism and to study the genetic predisposition for EH with ED.International Journal of Impotence Research (2004) 16, 412-417. doi:10.1038/sj.ijir.3901246 Published online 3 June 2004 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP), procalcitonin (PCT), and troponin I (Tn I) concentrations during and after coronary artery surgery in patients with or without cardiovascular complications.Design and Setting: Prospective, comparative study of 12 months in the cardiovascular intensive care unit in a university hospital.Patients: 60 adult patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting with the off-pump technique.Measurements and Results: Plasma NT-pro-BNP, PCT, and Tn I levels were measured before and immediately after the end of operation and on PODs 1, and 2 and 3. We defined complicated postoperative course as myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock, arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, and death occurring after the fourth postoperative hour. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve cutoff values were used to assess the ability of the three markers to predict future cardiac events. The area under ROC curve (AUC) using NT-pro-BNP to detect a cardiovascular complicated course was 0.780 at the preoperative time and 0.850 at the end of surgery. A preoperative NT-pro-BNP value of 397 pg/ml had a sensitivity of 76%, specificity of 67%, and accuracy of 74% for predicting a subsequent cardiovascular complication. An immediate postoperative NT-pro-BNP value of 430 pg/ml had a sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 77%, and accuracy of 76%. Patients with preoperative NT-pro-BNP levels less than 275 pg/ml had an excellent postoperative prognosis. Other two markers were less appropriate.Conclusions: NT-pro-BNP levels measured before and immediately after off-pump coronary artery bypass seem to be predictive of postoperative cardiac events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corticosteroids play an important role in inflammation and remodelling of airways and are considered an important therapeutic target in asthma. Inflammation in asthma is characterized by a dysregulation of eosinophil apoptosis and of markers of airways remodelling. We evaluated the ability of flunisolide to inhibit in vitro the release of metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9), tissue inhibitor metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1), transforming growth factor (TGF- β) and fibronectin by sputum cells (SC) as well as to induce sputum eosinophil apoptosis. The SC, isolated from induced sputum samples of 12 mild-to-moderate asthmatics, were cultured for 24 h in the presence or absence of flunisolide (1, 10 and 100 μM). The release of mediators was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) whereas apoptosis was studied by TUNEL technique. Flunisolide (10 μM) significantly reduced MMP-9 and TIMP-1 ( P = 0.0011 and P < 0.0001 respectively) and increased MMP-9/TIMP-1 molar ratio ( P = 0.004). In addition, flunisolide decreased TGF- β and fibronectin release by SC ( P = 0.006; and P < 0.0001 respectively) and increased eosinophil apoptosis ( P < 0.001). These results demonstrate that flunisolide may play an important role in the inhibition of airway inflammation and remodelling, by promoting the resolution of eosinophilic inflammation and by inhibiting the release of MMP-9, TIMP-1, TGF- β and fibronectin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A set of Ce3+ activated phosphate glasses is studied. Dependence of the absorption band-edge position on the activator content and glass composition is discussed with respect to variation of the so-called optical basicity. XPS analysis of the samples is performed to get information about the oxidation state of the Ce activator cations in the glasses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The latest advances in construction management are leading towards the transition from traditional activity-based to flow-based management, which imposes that a set of flows be considered to reach efficiency. In addition, planning can no longer be limited to the pre-execution phase, because the variability and contingencies that are always encountered in the execution phase ask for close monitoring and dynamic planning of construction works. These issues have been the subject of well-known research advances, among which, in this paper, online planning and Last Planner System are cited. The core of these approaches is that work progress must be regularly monitored and some decision making models must be available to site managers for them to be able to redirect the work plan during execution. However, this approach is so demanding in terms of communication, computational burden and team collaboration that automation was claimed as the right approach to make it feasible. In this paper it is suggested that holonic management systems can either perform automatic construction site management or support site managers, depending on the level of embedded intelligence. Such systems combine the potentials of hierarchical and heterarchical systems and are capable of self-organisation and multi-objective optimisation. They are designed so as to reason both at a local and global level. As a result, they are safe and do not suffer communication losses or delays. They correctly simulate real world interactions among all the agents typically involved in construction execution and management. A preliminary application for the real-time management of the execution of bored piles in a middle-sized construction site through a holonic management system is presented. Both the system architecture and a possible development platform are defined, so as to assess the potentials of this approach. • A HMS architecture to automate real-time construction management, and interfaced to BIM repositories, is presented. • The HMS architecture can perform dynamic management and it does not suffer neither high computational loads nor communication failures. • When an unexpected event occurs, resources asks for higher level advice just in case they cannot find a new solution at the local level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction of Ca(OH) 2 with CO 2 to form CaCO 3 (carbonation process) is of high interest for construction materials, environmental applications and art preservation. Here, the "Boundary Nucleation and Growth" model (BNGM) was adopted for the first time to consider the effect of the surface area of Ca(OH) 2 nanoparticles on the carbonation kinetics. The carbonation of commercial and laboratory-prepared particles' dispersions was monitored by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and the BNGM was used to analyze the data. The contributions of nucleation and growth of CaCO 3 were evaluated separately. During carbonation the boundary regions of the Ca(OH) 2 particles are densely populated with CaCO 3 nuclei, and transform early with subsequent thickening of slab-like regions centered on the original boundaries. A BNGM limiting case equation was thus used to fit the kinetics, where the transformation rate decreases exponentially with time. The carbonation rate constants, activation energies, and linear growth rate were calculated. Particles with larger size and lower surface area show a decrease of the rate at which the non-nucleated grains between the boundaries transform, and an increase of the ending time of Ca(OH) 2 transformation. The effect of temperature on the carbonation kinetics and on the CaCO 3 polymorphs formation was evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives The relative bleeding risk of aspirin versus vitamin K antagonists (VKA) is unclear. Most of previous meta-analyses included trials with target INR for VKA therapy far beyond usually recommended range (2–3). The aim of this study was to compare the bleeding risk of aspirin and VKA, as indicated by the aggregate body of clinical evidence including data from the recently published WARCEF trial. Methods In this meta-analysis we included randomized controlled trials that compared aspirin to VKA (1.4 < INR < 3.5) for the prevention of arterial thrombosis with a minimum of three month follow-up and of 50 patients per treatment arm. The outcome measures were major bleedings and intracranial bleedings. Results Ten eligible trials including 9047 patients were included, 451 of whom experienced major bleedings and 62 had intracranial bleeding. The 10 studies were homogeneous in spite of different clinical settings, including atrial fibrillation, heart failure and cerebral ischemia from arterial origin. Mean achieved INR on VKA varied from to 2.1 to 2.6. Compared with VKA, aspirin had an overall lower major bleeding risk (relative risk = 0.58; 95% CI: 0.46–0.75; p < 0.001). There was a non-significant trend for a lower intracranial bleeding risk on aspirin versus VKA (relative risk = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.40–1.06; p = 0.09). Conclusion Major bleeding risk is substantially lower on aspirin than on VKA targeting current usual INR range. Physicians should take into account this data when choosing between different antithrombotic regimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titania nanotubes (TNT), thanks to their semiconducting properties, have received wide attention for application in many fields such as photoelectrolysis, dye sensitized solar cells, photocatalysis, and sensors. In this work, highly ordered TNT were grown by controlled electrochemical anodization of titanium sheets. Scanning electron microscope equipped with a field emission gun and electrochemical DC/AC techniques was used to characterize the TNT. Semiconducting properties were investigated through linear sweep voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Donor concentration (N ed ) was obtained by recording Mott–Schottky plots. The high N ed of TNT (around 10 26 m − 3 ) allows an optimal electron transfer when used as photoelectrode. Frequency dispersion of flat band potential from Mott–Schottky plots (− 0.38 ÷ + 0.40 V vs. saturated calomel electrode, SCE) was used as an indicator of the amorphous semiconductor behaviour. The dispersion of flat band in heat treated samples was extremely reduced (0.48–0.51 V vs. SCE) because of the conversion to crystalline semiconductor. The depth of space charge was comparable to the TNT wall thickness, meaning that the entire TiO 2 nanotube walls formed the space charge layer. Considering the high charge carrier concentration, we can hypothesise a high density of electronic defects (e.g., surface states) that enhances the electron transport by percolation inside a porous photoelectrode. The transition from amorphous to crystalline structure of TNT was detected from the change of semiconducting properties and confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deals with a study which assessed the prognostic value of tubular lesions and expression of cell adhesion molecules. Methodology used in the study; Results and conclusion.

Objective To report the short-term (1 year) and long-term (5 years) outcome of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) with subthalamic nucleus (STN) stimulation operated upon under controlled general anaesthesia (GA). Methods 213 consecutive patients with PD were included between January 2000 and March 2009 and operated upon under a particular type of GA with close control of the level of sedation allowing intraoperative recordings. 188 patients were assessed 1 year postoperatively. 65 patients also completed the long-term observation period and were evaluated 5 years postoperatively. Results The Unified PD Rating Scale III score in the 'Off drug--On stim' condition was improved at 1 year and 5 years by 61% and 37%, respectively, (p<0.001). Motor complications decreased at short-term and long-term by 68% and 65%, respectively, for dyskinesia and by 52% and 48%, respectively, for fluctuations, (p<0.001). Dopaminergic treatment could also be reduced at short-term and long-term by 46% and 49%, respectively (p<0.001). There was no significant modification of mood and cognition assessments (Mattis scale and Beck depression inventory) at 1 year and 5 years. Concerning the main adverse events related to the surgery, we report four haematomas (1.9%) with two deaths (0.9%), eight cases of transient confusion (3.7%) and no epileptic seizure. Conclusions Our results confirm that STN stimulation performed under controlled GA is efficient and has similar short-term and long-term motor effects than intervention under local anaesthesia. Furthermore, this specific procedure is not associated with more adverse events. The success of such an intervention requires strict anaesthetic monitoring and accurate STN identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of laser ablation in conservation of paper artifacts of cultural interest is under investigation since the second half of nineties. However, the works carried out on the topic are relatively a few as compared with those dedicated to stone, metal and painted artworks. Furthermore, in the latter cases, widespread applications have been successfully carried out, whereas laser cleaning of aged paper is still far from the conservation practice. There are serious risks to produce short- and/or long-term chemical alterations and/or mechanical damages at relatively low fluences. Here, we report a systematic investigation on laser removal of mold growths from prepared and naturally aged paper samples. Fundamental wavelength and second harmonic of QS Nd:YAG laser are tested and compared through optical and spectroscopic characterizations. This allowed defining optimized irradiation conditions and foreseeing further improvements from pulse duration optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]