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A prospective study was lead in order to analyze the accuracy of an X-ray device settled in the operating room for margin assessment, when performing breast-conserving surgery. Patients and methods One hundred and seventy patients were included. All lesions were visible on the preoperative mammograms. An intraoperative X-ray of the lumpectomy specimen was systematically performed for margins assessment. Final histological data were collected and the accuracy of intraoperative specimen radiography (IOSR) for margin assessment was analyzed. Results IOSR allowed an evaluation of margins status in 155 cases (91.2%). After final histological examination, the positive margins rate would have been 6.5% if margin assessment had relied only on IOSR. Conclusion Margin assessment with a two-dimensional X-ray device would have allowed the achievement of negative margins in 93.5% of the cases. Moreover, this procedure allows important time-saving and could have a substantial economical impact.

High Strength Steels (HSS) and Advanced High Strength Steels (AHSS) are most commonly used nowadays in the automotive industry to achieve a weight reduction of the vehicle while assuring that all the safety requirements are fulfilled. These steels are characterized by very high ultimate stresses, reaching up to 1500MPa with yield strengths of up to 1000MPa. It is mainly because of these exceptional mechanical properties that it is becoming very usual to find these steels in sheets. This study presents a design methodology for integrated security sub-modules (constituting the suspension and steering modules) in the car manufacturing industry. The sub-modules are made up of a steel structure and different anchorage elements (rubber-metal or plastic-metal), which undergo separate surface treatments to avoid corrosion. Afterwards, the elements are traditionally joined by means of adhesives and screws. This process involves a great number of stages, low quality union methods and generation of corrosion areas that shorten its service life. The first step in this study has been the construction of a metallic structure in high strength low alloy steel (HSLA), instead of in traditional steel, in order to benefit from its better safety performance and lower weight at affordable cost, moreover the industrial manufacturing process was simulate with F.E.M in order to reduce the cost in forming manufacturing process. The second step, the improvement proposed is based on the use of laser welding as joining method, a high quality way to reduce the number of anchorage points and to increase the resistance of the sub-module. The last step is the surface treatment on the integrated piece in order provide an unaltered coating. Overcoming the currently need of assembly processes, which usually causes serious damages on the protective surface, this treatment will suppose an increase in the response against corrosion of the pieces. Regarding this aspect, the development of an organic treatment with lower required temperatures (max. 100oC) has been proposed, paying particularly attention to the removal of pollutant elements (Cr (VI), Zn and Ni) involved in traditional methods. This methodology provides automotive suppliers an additional added value and cost reduction, allowing them to increase their competitiveness in a sector that faces up to the transition from the traditional supply chain to a strategic value chain.

Recent phylogeographic studies have elucidated the effects of Pleistocene glaciations and of Pre-Pleistocene events on populations from glacial refuge areas. This study investigates those effects in riparian trees (Populus spp.), whose particular features may convey enhanced resistance to climate fluctuations. We analysed the phylogeographic structure of 44 white (Populus alba), 13 black (Populus nigra) and two grey (Populus x canescens) poplar populations in the Iberian Peninsula using plastid DNA microsatellites and sequences. We also assessed fine-scale spatial genetic structure and the extent of clonality in four white and one grey poplar populations using nuclear microsatellites and we determined quantitative genetic differentiation (Q(ST) ) for growth traits in white poplar. Black poplar displayed higher regional diversity and lower differentiation than white poplar, reflecting its higher cold-tolerance. The dependence of white poplar on phreatic water was evidenced by strong differentiation between the Atlantic and Mediterranean drainage basins and among river basins, and by weaker isolation by distance within than among river basins. Our results suggest confinement to the lower river courses during glacial periods and moderate interglacial gene exchange along coastlines. In northern Iberian river basins, white poplar had lower diversity, fewer private haplotypes and larger clonal assemblies than in southern basins, indicating a stronger effect of glaciations in the north. Despite strong genetic structure and frequent asexual propagation in white poplar, some growth traits displayed adaptive divergence between drainage and river basins (Q(ST) >F(ST)), highlighting the remarkable capacity of riparian tree populations to adapt to regional environmental conditions.

Folic acid (FA) is essential for numerous bodily functions. Its decrease during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations in the progeny. The relationship between FA deficiency and the appearance of cleft palate (CP) is controversial, and little information exists on a possible effect of FA on palate development. We investigated the effect of a 2–8 weeks’ induced FA deficiency in female mice on the development of CP in their progeny as well as the mechanisms leading to palatal fusion, i.e. cell proliferation, cell death, and palatal-shelf adhesion and fusion. We showed that an 8 weeks’ maternal FA deficiency caused complete CP in the fetuses although a 2 weeks’ maternal FA deficiency was enough to alter all the mechanisms analyzed. Since transforming growth factor-β3 (TGF-β3) is crucial for palatal fusion and since most of the mechanisms impaired by FA deficiency were also observed in the palates of Tgf-β3null mutant mice, we investigated the presence of TGF-β3 mRNA, its protein and phospho-SMAD2 in FA-deficient (FAD) mouse palates. Our results evidenced a large reduction in Tgf-β3 expression in palates of embryos of dams fed an FAD diet for 8 weeks; Tgf-β3 expression was less reduced in palates of embryos of dams fed an FAD diet for 2 weeks. Addition of TGF-β3 to palatal-shelf cultures of embryos of dams fed an FAD diet for 2 weeks normalized all the altered mechanisms. Thus, an insufficient folate status may be a risk factor for the development of CP in mice, and exogenous TGF-β3 compensates this deficit in vitro.

Objective Renal carcinoma develops as a consequence of the accumulation of several genetic aberrations. Alterations in the p16 gene have been described in many tumors. Methylation of its promoter in CpG islands is the most common mechanism of inactivation of this gene. The aim of this study was to establish whether p16 gene methylation leads to a loss of the encoded protein in 57 patients with renal carcinoma, and if this aberration has any value in predicting disease progression in these patients. Methods Gene promoter methylation was determined by deoxyribonucleic acid treated with sodium bisulfite to subsequently amplify methylated and unmethylated regions rich in CpG islands. The p16 protein product was detected for immunohistochemical examination. Results Hypermethylation of the p16 gene was detected in 22.9% of the patients, none of whom had the protein product. A lack of p16 protein was confirmed in 52.9% of the tumors, indicating another genetic alteration or posttranscriptional modifications preventing the codification of this protein. Through multivariate analysis of overall survival, gene methylation was found to have independent prognostic value: the absence of alteration confers an undefined risk of death. Conclusions Of the molecular modifications described for renal carcinoma, aberrations in the p16 gene are frequent. In these patients, methylation of the p16 gene promoter seems to afford a protective effect against the risk of death.

Background: Methylation of the CpG islands in the p16 gene promoter region is an important transcription repression mechanism that has been identified as an alternative mechanism for inactivating specific genes in cancer. Given that, DNA methylation is a common event in colorectal cancer. Materials and Methods: The aim of this study was to establish the methylation status of the p16 gene in 104 patients with colorectal carcinoma and evaluate its prognostic value. DNA was bisulfite-modified and analyzed for p16 promoter methylation by methylation-specific PCR. Results: Methylation of thep16 gene was determined in 18.3% of our patient population (19/104). The methylated state did not correlate with any clinicopathological factors. During a median follow-up period of 72 months, the overall survival rate for patients with gene methylation was 75% and without gene methylation it was 61% (p = 0.09). Conclusions: Although not statistically significant, this difference indicates a clinically valuable tendency.

L’obtention de marges saines dans le traitement conservateur du cancer du sein est connue comme facteur pronostic fondamental. Mais obtenir ces marges saines des la primochirurgie permettant d’eviter les reinterventions est un challenge quotidien qui necessite souvent une logistique importante (transport des pieces en radio ou au laboratoire ; ou deplacement du pathologiste immobilise sur place). Il s’agit de la premiere etude prospective, continue, monocentrique dont le but est d’envisager une alternative a l’examen extemporane (BE) des pieces. Nous avons evalue le benefice d’une procedure radio de piece operatoire instantanee au moyen de materiel dedie, positionne en salle d’operation, dans la prise en charge des patientes presentant un cancer du sein, tant sur le plan oncologique que sur le plan organisationnel et medico-economique.

Recent phylogeographic studies have elucidated the effects of Pleistocene glaciations and of Pre-Pleistocene events on populations from glacial refuge areas. This study investigates those effects in riparian trees (Populus spp.), whose particular features may convey enhanced resistance to climate fluctuations. We analysed the phylogeographic structure of 44 white (Populus alba), 13 black (Populus nigra) and two grey (Populus x canescens) poplar populations in the Iberian Peninsula using plastid DNA microsatellites and sequences. We also assessed fine-scale spatial genetic structure and the extent of clonality in four white and one grey poplar populations using nuclear microsatellites and we determined quantitative genetic differentiation (Q ST) for growth traits in white poplar. Black poplar displayed higher regional diversity and lower differentiation than white poplar, reflecting its higher cold-tolerance. The dependence of white poplar on phreatic water was evidenced by strong differentiation between the Atlantic and Mediterranean drainage basins and among river basins, and by weaker isolation by distance within than among river basins. Our results suggest confinement to the lower river courses during glacial periods and moderate interglacial gene exchange along coastlines. In northern Iberian river basins, white poplar had lower diversity, fewer private haplotypes and larger clonal assemblies than in southern basins, indicating a stronger effect of glaciations in the north. Despite strong genetic structure and frequent asexual propagation in white poplar, some growth traits displayed adaptive divergence between drainage and river basins (Q ST > F ST), highlighting the remarkable capacity of riparian tree populations to adapt to regional environmental conditions. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

In humans, cleft palate (CP) is one of the most common malformations. Although surgeons use palatoplasty to close CP defects in children, its consequences for subsequent facial growth have prompted investigations into other novel surgical alternatives. The animal models of CP used to evaluate new surgical treatments are frequently obtained by creating surgically induced clefts in adult dogs. This procedure has been ethically criticized due to its severity and questionable value as an animal model for human CP. Dogs born with a congenital CP would be much better for this purpose, provided they developed CP at a sufficient rate and could be fed. Up until now, feeding these pups carried the risk of aspiration pneumonia, while impeding normal suckling and chewing, and thus compromising orofacial growth. We developed a technique for feeding dog pups with CP from birth to the time of surgery using two old Spanish pointer dog pups bearing a complete CP. This dog strain develops CP in 15–20% of the offspring spontaneously. Custom-made feeding teats and palatal prostheses adapted to the pups' palates were made from thermoplastic plates. This feeding technique allowed lactation, eating and drinking in the pups with CP, with only sporadic rhinitis. To determine whether the use of this palatal prosthesis interferes with palatal growth, the palates of three littermate German shorthaired pointer pups without CP, either wearing or not wearing (controls) the prosthesis, were measured. The results showed that the permanent use of this prosthesis does not impede palatal growth in the pups.

The present study was undertaken to examine early postnatal mortality in rat pups following exposure to butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) during pregnancy. Seventeen pregnant rats were given 750 mg/kg bw/day of BBP by oral gavage on gestation days 13, 14, and 15, and the volume of each dose was adjusted to 5 ml/kg body weight. Four rats were given olive oil only and served as control. Natural birth was allowed to take place. One hundred and eighty-three pups were born to the experimental rats and 46 pups to the control group. Close observation of the newborn pups during the first 3 h of life revealed that all the pups in both the control and experimental groups were born alive. Only six pups from the experimental group (3.2%) died within this time period. These and four control pups were fixed and decalcified. Histological examination of the thoracic cavity of the newborn rats in both groups revealed no differences in the position or size of any of the heart chambers, ductus arteriosus, or great vessels. However, the lungs of the six experimental pups that died showed athelectasia and bronchi dilatation. The results therefore suggest that exposure to BBP of rats during pregnancy does not produce significant postnatal mortality in their offspring.

A new theory and methodology that allows improving the knowledge of geodetic networks uncertainty has been developed.

Depuis 25 ans, la prise en charge des cancers du sein en situation adjuvante et metastatique s’est modifiee de maniere importante avec l’apparition de nouvelles therapeutiques en hormonotherapie, en chimiotherapie et en therapeutique ciblee. L’objectif de cette etude est d’evaluer les facteurs pronostiques classiques influencant la decision therapeutique et la survie en situation metastatique. D’autre part, cette etude epidemiologique a pour but d’evaluer l’evolution de la survie des patientes liees aux modifications therapeutiques mises en place depuis 25 ans.

Eleven laboratories have collaborated to study chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) variation in black poplar (Populus nigra L.) across Europe in order to improve our understanding of the location of glacial refugia and the subsequent postglacial routes of recolonisation. A common analysis based on the restricted fragments produced by five primer pairs was used to determine the cpDNA haplotype of 637 samples obtained from genebank collections established in nine European countries. Haplotype 2 was particularly common and was found in 46% of the non-hybrid samples. A total of 81 non-hybrid chloroplast variants were detected. Three haplotypes (from four trees believed to originate from Eastern Europe) clustered together and were very different from the rest of the samples. The remaining samples were divided into two groups, one of which had a largely eastern distribution and samples from the other group were mostly located in the west. This, along with the fact that Spain in the southwest and Austria and Italy in the southeast had high diversity, suggest that there were ice age refugia of black poplar in both southwestern (Spain) and southeastern Europe (Italy and/or Balkan). Results also indicate that the Pyrenees formed a significant barrier, since only 7 of the 45 haplotypes in Spain exist elsewhere in Europe. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The amplification and/or overexpression of the c-erbB-2/neu oncogene may play a role in tumor development and progression. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the prognostic value of p185 protein in colorectal cancer using immunohistochemical techniques. We analyzed 106 colorectal tumor tissue specimens from patients who had been operated on by the same surgeon and subjected to a median follow-up of 3 years. Thirty-three per cent of patients showed p185 overexpression related to an advanced stage of the disease. In patients with adenocarcinoma tumors of the colon without distant metastases, p185 detection was found to be of clinical prognostic relevance (p = 0.06).

Populus nigra L. is a pioneer tree species of riparian ecosystems that is threatened with extinction because of the loss of its natural habitat. To evaluate the existing genetic diversity of P. nigra within ex-situ collections, we analyzed 675 P. nigra L. accessions from nine European gene banks with three amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and five microsatellite [or simple sequence repeat (SSR)] primer combinations, and 11 isozyme systems. With isozyme analysis, hybrids could be detected, and only 3% were found in the gene bank collection. AFLP and SSR analyses revealed effectively that 26% of the accessions were duplicated and that the level of clonal duplication varied from 0% in the French gene bank collection up to 78% in the Belgian gene bank collection. SSR analysis was preferred because AFLP was technically more demanding and more prone to scoring errors. To assess the genetic diversity, we grouped material from the gene banks according to topography of the location from which the accessions were originally collected (river system or regions separated by mountains). Genetic diversity was expressed in terms of the following parameters: percentage of polymorphic loci, observed and effective number of alleles, and Nei's expected heterozygosity or gene diversity (for AFLP). Genetic diversity varied from region to region and depended, to some extent, on the marker system used. The most unique alleles were identified in the Danube region (Austria), the Rhône region (France), Italy, the Rijn region (The Netherlands), and the Ebro region (Spain). In general, the diversity was largest in the material collected from the regions in Southern Europe. Dendrograms and principal component analysis resulted in a clustering according to topography. Material from the same river systems, but from different countries, clustered together. The genetic differentiation among the regions (Fst/Gst) was moderate. © Springer-Verlag 2003.

To investigate the possible role of genomic aberrations of chromosome 9p21 in the tumorigenesis of human renal cell carcinoma (RCC), 40 sporadic RCCs were studied using PCR analyses. The tumours were predominantly low stage and low grade. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) was observed in nine of 39 informative cases, but no homozygous deletion was noticed. Hypermethylation of the promoter region of p16 occurred in eight of the 40 RCCs. No correlation was found between hypermethylation of the p16 gene and LOH on 9p21. A similar level of LOH and methylation was observed in the 40 RCCS regardless of histology, grade and stage. These results suggest that inactivation of p16 and the possibility of other unknown tumour suppresser genes located on other chromosomes could be involved in the pathogenesis of RCC.

Rarely described prior to the introduction of oral contraceptives, hepatic adenoma was long confused with focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), even though it is five to six times more frequent (Cherqui et al. 1995). Even today, hepatic adenoma can involve problems for differentiation from highly differentiated hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC).

Twenty-three patients with SVC syndrome were evaluated with CT and venography. The superior vena cava or its tributaries were either stenosed or thrombosed. The etiology was malignant in all cases: non small cell carcinoma (16 cases), mediastinal nodal metastasis (3 cases), lymphomas (2 cases), pleural mesothelioma (1 case), small cell carcinoma (1 case). The length of the stenosis ranged from 20 to 70 mm. The stents were placed via a femoral, jugular or brachial approach. Stenting was achieved in 22/23 patients (96%). Clinical symptoms subsided in 20/22 patients (87%). Mean follow-up was 15 weeks. Stents remained patent in 17/20 patients (78%). Stenting is a safe and effective treatment of SVC syndrome in patients with malignant conditions.

In the framework of the mass breast cancer screening program in the Alpes-Maritimes, a study was carried out among the radiologists to assess individual breast cancer screening, defined as mammography among women without clinical symptom or personal history of breast or genital cancer, outside an organized program. The survey was carried out in 1994; all private and public radiology clinics recorded all mammography information during one week at two different periods. Among women aged 50 to 69 years, the population targeted by mass screening program, the proportion of individual breast cancer screening among all mammographies was 31.8% and was similar to that of the organized programme. A steady evaluation of individual breast cancer screening is necessary when two ways of screening are concomitant, the aim being to substitute mass screening for individual screening.

A review of liver sonograms obtained for cancer patients (excluding primary liver cancers) over a 12 year period found 829 benign lesions: non-parasitic cysts (427 cases), hemangiomas (216 cases), solitary calcifications (79 cases), focal fatty infiltration (62 cases), and miscellaneous lesions (45 cases). These benign pathologies represented 41.8% of the focal hepatic lesions observed during this period in this population; hepatic metastases accounted for the remaining 58.2%. Marked female predilection was noted for the nonparasitic cysts, hemangiomas, and focal fatty infiltration; 63–78.7% of these lesions were solitary, and first-line imaging by US was sufficient for diagnosis of 66.1–98.2% of cases. Analysis of lesion evolution over more than 5 years revealed modifications in 17% of hemangiomas, 23.9% of nonparasitic cysts, and 75% of cases of focal fatty infiltration. Systematic pretherapy liver sonography can be proposed owing to the high frequency of benign liver lesions that can create diagnostic problems during follow-up of cancer patients.

Prognosis is poor for uterine leiomyosarcomas. Diagnosis is often an unexpected pathology discovery after hysterectomy for fibroma. Prognosis depends on the degree of locoregional extension and thus on early diagnosis. Echography and computed tomography scan are note very specific. There is little literature on imagining studies, and particularly on MRI in this pathology. Yet MRI, especially the T2 weighted sequences, is quite interesting for evaluating tumour extension in the uterus. It can be used whenever an abnormal increase in size is observed during the per- or postmenopausal period in a women with a fibroma. We report two cases of uterine leiomyosarcoma explored by MRI and review the literature.

We performed 64 echo-guided fine needle (21 G) biopsies of solid unpalpable breast lesions in 58 patients. There was a correlation with cytohistological results in 34 cases (53%): 24 cancers (69% of the biopsied carcinomas) and 10 benign lesions (35% of the benign lesions biopsied). There were 4 false negatives, 7 false positives and biopsy did not contribute to diagnosis in 20 cases (31%). Diagnosis was made in all cases on the combined evidence from mammography, echography and cytology. These results emphasize the problems involved in cytodiagnosis: determining the localization of small lesions, nature of the biopsied lesions (role of existing fibrosis and low cell population in the non-diagnostic biopsies), reading the histological slide.

We reviewed the literature on the echographic examination of diseased superficial lymph nodes in the cervical, axillary, the internal mammary and inguinal regions. The anatomy and the technique of the echographic examination were reviewed followed by the role and limitations of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The echographic presentation of normal, inflammatory and tumoral lymph nodes was discussed in light of the indications for echography of the superficial lymph nodes in ear-nose-throat and breast cancer and in cases of lymphomas.

Objectifs Evaluer si l’IRM permet une meilleure delimitation de taille des CCIS par rapport a la mammographie, comparee a la taille anatomo-pathologique de la piece operatoire. Materiels et methodes Etude prospective en cours, d’actuellement 17 patientes presentant un CCIS prouve histologiquement et ayant beneficie d’un examen clinique, d’une mammographie et d’une IRM par un senologue confirme. Toutes les patientes ont subi une chirurgie conservatrice. La mesure du plus grand diametre de la lesion est comparee sur les differents examens d’imagerie a celle retrouvee en ana-tomo-pathologie de la piece operatoire. Un avis favorable par un CCPPRB et l’AFSSAPS a ete prealablement obtenu. Resultats Parmis les 17 patientes, âgees en moyenne de 51 ans, 6 ont etaient retirees de l’analyse car elles presentaient des lesions de carcinome micro invasif ou invasif sur l’etude definitive de la piece operatoire. Une patiente presentait une lesion palpable a l’examen clinique. Toutes les lesions de CCIS etaient detectees en mammographie et en IRM. La taille de la lesion etait estimee correctement, sous-esti-mee ( 5mm), respectivement en IRM : dans 7,4 et 0 cas et en mammographie dans 3,6 et 2 cas. La taille moyenne lesionnelle etait de 28,6 mm en anatomo-pathologie, de 25,5 mm en IRM et de 24,6 mm en mammographie. Les coefficients de correlations entre la mesure anathomopathologique et IRM etait de 0,96 (0,62-0,99) et entre celle anatomo-pathologique et mammographique de 0,91 (0,59-0,99). Conclusion L’IRM semble permettre, sur ces resultats preliminaires, une meilleure estimation de la taille lesionnelle des CCIS que la mammographie, en limitant le nombre de sur et sous-estimation.

Objectifs Ce glossaire sur la pathologie ovarienne est destine a aider le radiologue dans l’approche diagnostique des masses annexielles. Materiels et methodes A travers quelques cas cliniques, nous illustrons l’aspect echographique et l’aspect IRM de certaines lesions en definissant leurs caracteristiques propres. Resultats L’imagerie permet en effet dans bon nombre de cas d’orienter le diagnostic en faveur de la malignite ou de la benignite, mais permet aussi d’envisager les differents diagnostics differentiels en particulier en cas de pathologie benigne. Conclusion Grâce au diagnostic prealable, la chirurgie pelvienne peut etre orientee et planifiee de maniere adequate.

El genero Populus constituye un material excelente para cualquier tipo de estudio debido a su rapidez de crecimiento y a su gran facilidad de propagacion vegetativa que permite la produccion de una gran cantidad de material clonal para la experimentacion. Esto ha sido confirmado mediante numerosos estudios ecofisiologicos cuyo objetivo ha sido la determinacion de las bases fisiologicas del crecimiento y la adaptacion para la obtencion de altas productividades. Los parametros de crecimiento mas influyentes en la produccion se encuentran relacionados con la captura de luz y su transformacion en biomasa, como son el area y la longevidad foliar y la eficiencia en el uso de la luz. Se han estudiado los factores de estres que afectan a la productividad del chopo. En concreto se presenta la influencia del estres hidrico por defecto o exceso de agua, estres salino y estres por ozono en la fisiologia del chopo, asi como los parametros que permiten la seleccion de los clones mas tolerantes. La mejora de la productividad mediante la seleccion clonal de caracteres morfologicos y fisiologicos deseables, y su asociacion a marcadores moleculares, permitira una seleccion mas eficiente de los genotipos.

The reaction of methyl E- and Z-3-bromo-4,4-dimethoxy-2-butenoates (I) with the secondary amines (II) gives predominantly the E-enamines (III), whereas the corresponding nitriles (IV) react with (II) under retention of configuration, yielding the cyanoenamines (V).