Sustainable Flame-Retardant Flax Fabrics by Engineered Layer-by-Layer Surface Functionalization with Phytic Acid and Polyethylenimine.

New generation of mission-oriented fabrics meets advanced requirements; such as electrical conductivity, flame retardancy, and anti-bacterial properties. However, sustainability concerns still are on-demand in fabrication of multi-functional fabrics. In this work, we used a bio-based phosphorus molecule (phytic acid, PA) to reinforce flax fabrics against flame via layer-by-layer consecutive surface modification. First, the flax fabric was treated with PA. Then, polyethylenimine (PEI) was localized above it to create negative charges, and finally PA was deposited as top-layer. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), and inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) proved successful chemical treatment. Pyrolysis-combustion flow calorimetry (PCFC) showed significant drop by about 77% in the peak of heat release rate (pHRR) from 215 W/g for untreated to 50 W/g for treated flax fabric. Likewise, the total heat release (THR) decreased by more than three times from 11 to 3.2 kJ/g. Mechanical behavior of the treated flax fabric was completely different from untreated flax fabrics, changing from almost highly-strengthened behavior with short elongation at break to a rubber-like behavior with significantly higher elongation at break. Surface friction resistance was also improved, such that the abrasion resistance of the modified fabrics increased up to 30,000 rub cycles without rupture. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10694-023-01387-7.

A shoulder-hand syndrome revealing a lung cancer.

Shoulder-hand syndrome is a reflex sympathetic dystrophy which is usually associated with minor trauma, fracture or surgical procedures on bones, or follows peripheral nerve injury. In the present report, we describe a patient who developed sympathetic dystrophy which revealed a lung cancer. Reflex sympathetic dystrophy, therefore, should be considered an occasional manifestation of a paraneoplastic syndrome warranting a thorough search for underlying malignancy.

Port-site metastasis after laparoscopic surgery for urological malignancy: forgotten or missed.

Purpose. Port-site metastasis has been a concern with the common use of laparoscopy in urologic oncology. We conducted this study to provide a review of port-site metastases reported after the laparoscopy in managing urologic malignancies, possible contributing factors and preventative measures. Materials and Methods. An electronic search of MEDLINE using the combined MESH key words "port-site metastasis" and "Urology". Results. 51 articles addressing port-site metastasis after laparoscopic surgery for urolo¬gical malignancy were identified. Conclusion. Port-site metastasis after laparoscopic surgery for urolo¬gical malignancy is rare. The incidence is comparable to the rate for surgical wound metastases.

Outcome of kidney transplantation from elderly donors after cardiac death.

BACKGROUND: The rate of renal transplantation is limited by the number of donor organs available. A valuable source of organs is currently supplied by donation after cardiac death (DCD). At the Richard Bright Renal Unit, we have expanded our criteria for DCD, increasing the upper age limit for donation from 65 to 70. METHOD: We performed a retrospective analysis of all DCD recipients between 2003 and 2009. We compared outcomes for patients age<60 versus >60 as measured by delayed graft function and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and incidence of graft failure. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-six DCD transplantations took place. Our early data showed excellent results for non-heart-beating donation. Over the last 7 years, the average age of DCD donors has increased from 43 in 2003 to 50 in 2009. The increase in age has been correlated with a decrease in average recipient eGFR from 59 in 2003 to 32 in 2009. Recipients of kidneys from older DCD donors (>60) have significantly lower eGFRs at 1 month and 1 year compared to kidneys from donors aged <60. The incidence of delayed graft function in recipients of kidneys from donors aged>60 was 71% compared to 40% for <60 age group. Despite this, we have not found any evidence of higher graft failure rates in the recipients of grafts from the >60 donor age group. CONCLUSIONS: Expanding the age limits of our DCD donor program has led to an increased average donor age, reduced average eGFR, and increased delayed graft function. There is no evidence of reduced graft survival.

Unfolding and refolding of bovine serum albumin at acid pH: ultrasound and structural studies.

Serum albumin is the most abundant protein in the circulatory system. The ability of albumins to undergo a reversible conformational transition, observed with changes in pH, is conserved in distantly related species, suggesting for it a major physiological role possibly related to the transport of small molecules including drugs. We have followed changes of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in volume by densimetry and in adiabatic compressibility during its conformational transition from pH 7-2, using ultrasound measurements. In parallel, circular dichroism was measured. The volume and adiabatic compressibility decrease from pH 4 to 2. The change in ellipticity shows a decrease over the same pH range from 70% to 40% of its alpha-helix content. Sorbitol, at concentrations from 0 to 2 M, led to the progressive restoration of BSA volume and compressibility values, as well as a substantial recovery of its original alpha-helix content. This finding implies that the compressibility variation observed reflects the conformational changes during the transition. The mutual interactions of the mechanical properties and structural features of BSA reported here are important in biotechnology for research in material sciences and for the design and the development of new, tailor-made drug carriers.

[Imaging of salivary lithiasis]. / Imagerie des lithiases salivaires.

Lithiasis is the most common disease of salivary glands after mumps. The purpose of this review is to analyze the respective role of the different available imaging techniques for the diagnosis of lithiasis and related complications since the treatment of salivary lithiasis has evolved with the emergence of minimally invasive and non surgical techniques. In spite of its limitations, US represents an excellent first line imaging technique because it is non-invasive and widely available. Non contrast helical CT with multiplanar reconstructions seems to be the gold standard for the diagnosis of lithiasis, especially when small and poorly calcified since these may not be visible on standard radiographs. CT allows accurate characterization of the number and position of lithiasis. MR Sialography is increasingly replacing the more invasive conventional sialography for the non invasive visualization of the ductal system of major salivary glands even though conventional sialography has a higher spatial resolution.

[Calcific retropharyngeal tendinitis: unusual diagnosis]. / Tendinite calcifiante rétropharyngée: une lésion rare à évoquer.

Acute calcific retropharyngeal tendinitis is a rare entity that often is initially misdiagnosed a retropharyngeal abscess and treated with IV administration of antibiotics. In our 2 cases, imaging enabled a correct diagnosis to be made. Two patients were admitted to the hospital with dysphagia, severe neck discomfort and fever. Lateral radiographs of the cervical spine and CT were obtained in both cases, while MRI was obtained in one case. Calcification of the prevertebral muscles was demonstrated by CT in both cases, and detected on lateral radiographs in only one case. Soft tissue swelling was noted at CT and MRI. A clinical diagnosis of calcific retropharyngeal tendinitis may be difficult to achieve and a definitive diagnosis can be confirmed at imaging studies.

Synthesis and characterization of copper-, zinc-, manganese-, and cobalt-substituted dimeric heteropolyanions, [(alpha-XW9O33)2M3(H2O)3](n-) (n = 12, X =As(III), Sb(III), M = Cu(2+), Zn(2+); n = 10, X = Se(IV), Te(IV), M = Cu(2+) and [(alpha-AsW9O33)2WO(H2O)M2(H2O)2](10-) (M = Zn(2+), Mn(2+), Co(2+).

Interaction of the lacunary [alpha-XW9O33](9-) (X = As(III), Sb(III)) with Cu(2+) and Zn(2+) ions in neutral, aqueous medium leads to the formation of dimeric polyoxoanions, [(alpha-XW9O33)2M3(H2O)3](12-) (M = Cu(2+), Zn(2+); X = As(III), Sb(III)), in high yield. The selenium and tellurium analogues of the copper-containing heteropolyanions are also reported: [(alpha-XW9O33)2Cu3(H2O)3](10-) (X = Se(IV), Te(IV)). The polyanions consist of two [alpha-XW9O33] units joined by three equivalent Cu(2+) (X = As, Sb, Se, Te) or Zn(2+) (X = As, Sb) ions. All copper and zinc ions have one terminal water molecule resulting in square-pyramidal coordination geometry. Therefore, the title anions have idealized D3h symmetry. The space between the three transition metal ions is occupied by three sodium ions (M = Cu(2+), Zn(2+); X = As(III), Sb(III)) or potassium ions (M = Cu(2+); X = Se(IV), Te(IV)) leading to a central belt of six metal atoms alternating in position. Reaction of [alpha-AsW9O33](9-) with Zn(2+), Co(2+), and Mn(2+) ions in acidic medium (pH = 4-5) results in the same structural type but with a lower degree of transition-metal substitution, [(alpha-AsW9O33)2WO(H2O)M2(H2O)2](10-) (M = Zn(2+), Co(2+), Mn(2+)). All nine compounds are characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The solution properties of [(alpha-XW9O33)2Zn3(H2O)3](12-) (X = As(III), Sb(III)) were also studied by 183W-NMR spectroscopy.

[Magnetic resonance angiography of the thorax in 2000]. / L'imagerie et l'angiographie par r¿esonance magn¿etique du thorax en l'an 2000.

Over the last five years, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been the scene of explosive developments in many fields. MRI exploration of thoracic vessels, perfusion imaging of the pulmonary parenchyma, cine-MR, and apnea sequences have all seen impressive advances. This improvement has been made possible by progress in data processing and surface coil technology for a better signal-noise ratio. In 2000, indications for thoracic MRI remain limited due to the small number of machines available and the fact that the CT scan can provide superior quality images for the pulmonary parenchyma and for visualizing calcifications. MRI can be a complementary exam for lung cancer work-up in case of suspected invasion of the thoracic cavity or the mediastinum. It is the first intention exam in cases involving the greater vessels, with the exception of emergency situations, the posterior mediastinum, and the heart. We review here the current contribution of MRI in diseases of the chest and discuss perspectives for the future.

[Thoracic radiology in pregnant women]. / Explorations radiologiques thoraciques chez la femme enceinte.

Radiological explorations of the thorax raise a certain number of risks for the mother and infant which should be well recognized by the pneumologist. Irradiation is the major risk and can be evaluated in comparison with other risks of radiation. We recall the dosimetric system based on the effective dose expressed in Sievert (Sv). The risks of irradiation are described. The dangers related to contrast agents are discussed. Each type of thoracic imaging is then considered from the standpoint of the technique, risks involved and means of radioprotection. Precise indications for each technique are given in detail for pregnant women. We review rapidly the physiological and pathological signs and symptoms observed during pregnancy and propose a practical attitude for ordering radiographic explorations.

Bilateral pulmonary lobe transplantation: left lower and right middle and lower lobes.

It is difficult to find lungs of appropriate size for double-lung transplantation in teenagers and small adults. Nevertheless, many young patients suffering from cystic fibrosis are waiting for lung transplantation. We have performed two bilateral lobar transplantations (left lower lobe plus right middle and lower lobe) with good recovery. Details of the technique are described.

[Healing of bronchial anastomoses in single and double pulmonary transplantations]. / La cicatrisation des anastomoses bronchiques dans les transplantations uni- et bipulmonaires.

Bilateral single lung transplantation (BSLT) (the procedure of choice for double lung replacement) and single lung transplantation (SLT) have at present a low incidence of anastomotic problems. In our experience, we have recorded no death related to anastomotic problems and 4 complications occurred for 33 anastomoses with a follow up of at least 2 months. A stent was temporarily inserted for two patients. The decrease of anastomotic complications is confirmed in the literature. It is one of the reasons why the number of SLT and BSLT performed all over the world increases rapidily to the detriment of heart lung transplantation.

Tracheal sleeve resection for iatrogenic stenoses (subglottic laryngeal and tracheal).

Since 1975 200 tracheal sleeve resections for iatrogenic tracheal and subglottic laryngeal stenoses have been performed in our institution. Preoperative Nd:YAG laser is of paramount help in opening the stenoses. Tracheography is usually performed to specify the length of the stenosis and the distance from the vocal cords. Operative procedures are described. One hundred seventy five (87.5%) patients are definitely cured, but in this group 16 patients required a Montgomery tube for 6 months to 1 year to recover a normal tracheal diameter. Two patients needed a second tracheal sleeve resection. Nine (4.5%) patients died, and 16 (8%) had recurrent stenoses. Stenoses in these patients were treated with use of a tracheostomy tube, a permanent Montgomery tube, or an endotracheal stent. Partial anterior cricoid resections performed in 21 patients have had the same results as those of the whole series. Twenty one laryngeal releases were performed and proved to be efficient and safe. In our experience complications can be avoided by good selection and preparation of the patients, accurate identification of the level and length of the stenosis, and meticulous technique.

Bilateral single lung transplantation. Complications and results in 14 patients.

Between November 1989 and April 1991, 14 bilateral single lung transplantations (BSLT) were performed at our institution using the technique we have described without omentoplasty and rarely cardiopulmonary bypass. The indications included emphysema (8), cystic fibrosis (3), infected fibrosis (1), alveolar microlithiasis (1) and lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis (1). Maximum mean pulmonary artery pressure was 53 mmHg and minimal right ventricular ejection fraction was 15%. Two patients experienced bronchial complications: 1 complete left bronchial dehiscence, 1 late partial stenosis which required a temporary insertion of a stent. One patient had a posterior dehiscence which healed spontaneously. Five patients died postoperatively (3 of infection, 1 after a volume mismatch and 1 after a circulating anticoagulant). BSLT is the technique of choice for double lung transplantation in adults and heart lung transplantation has very few indications in infected end-stage pulmonary disease. We hope that modification of our immunosuppressive regimen will decrease postoperative mortality.

[Single lung transplantation]. / La greffe unipulmonaire.

Thirteen single lung transplantations have been performed in our department for non-infected end-stage lung diseases. Two patients died after surgery; a female patient died of uterine carcinoma one year and six months after the operation. The remaining ten patients are alive; they have resumed an active life and often working. The number of single lung transplantation is rapidly growing in the world, whereas heart-lung transplantation is regressing considerably.

[Donor-recipient lung volume matching in double lung transplantation. Value of left lower lobe graft]. / Adéquation volumétrique donneur-receveur en greffe bipulmonaire. Intérêt de la greffe lobaire inférieure gauche.

For double lung transplantation, lung volume matching is easier comparing the predicted total lung capacities of the donor and recipient and the recipient's true TLC. The major concern in the inability to close the chest when the donor lungs are too large. The technique reported of left lower lobe implantation during bilateral single lung transplantation might be of great value in patients with small lung volume.

[Double lung transplantation. The "bilateral single" graft]. / Greffe bipulmonaire. La double unilatérale.

We present 10 cases of a new double lung transplantation technique: following, then the other, without requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. This "bilateral single" lung transplantation procures all the advantages of single lung transplantation.