Comparison of four-year toxicities and local control of ultra-hypofractionated vs moderate-hypofractionated image guided prostate radiation with HDR brachytherapy boost: A phase I-II single institution trial.

Purpose/Objectives: To analyze the long term efficacy and safety of an ultra-hypofractionated (UHF) radiation therapy prostate treatment regimen with HDR brachytherapy boost (BB) and compare it to moderate-hypofractionated regimens (MHF). Materials/Methods: In this single arm, prospective monocentric study, 28 patients with intermediate risk prostate cancer were recruited in an experimental treatment arm of 25 Gy in 5 fractions plus a 15 Gy HDR BB. They were then compared to two historical control groups, treated with either 36 Gy in 12 fractions or 37.5 Gy in 15 fractions with a similar HDR BB. The control groups included 151 and 311 patients respectively. Patient outcomes were reported using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Expanded Prostate Index Composite (EPIC-26) questionnaires at baseline and at each follow-up visit. Results: Median follow-up for the experimental arm was 48.5 months compared to 47 months and 60 months compared to the 36/12 and 37,5/15 groups respectively. The IPSS and EPIC scores did not demonstrate any significant differences in the gastrointestinal or genitourinary domains between the three groups over time. No biochemical recurrence occurred in the UHF arm as defined by the Phoenix criterion. Conclusion: The UHF treatment scheme with HDR BB seems equivalent to standard treatment arms in terms of toxicities and local control. Randomized control trials with larger cohorts are ongoing and needed to further confirm our findings.

Extrinsic Measurement of Carbon Black Aggregate Distribution within a Fluoroelastomer Matrix from Nanoindentation Experiments.

A novel extrinsic method for the measurement of particle surface distribution in a carbon black-filled elastomer via nanoindentation is developed. This method is based on the measurement of the contact stiffness obtained from the continuous stiffness measurement mode. The proposed tip-particle model is held by two main hypotheses: the particles do not deform significantly during indentation so that only the elastomer matrix elastically deforms; particles are physically bounded with the surrounding matrix. Therefore, when the tip comes in contact with a particle, the latter becomes a hard extension of the tip, able to deform the elastomer matrix. Finally, the evolution of the measured contact stiffness is directly related to the increase of the contact area between the tip-particles set and the elastomer matrix. The proposed model is validated through a numerical and an experimental study. Moreover, an evaluation of the measurements bias allows to correct the particle surface distribution. A good agreement is found between the distribution measured from transmission electron microscopy observations and nanoindentation measurements.

Introduction of the use of a pediatric PICC line in a French University Hospital: review of the first 91 procedures.

PURPOSE: In order to assess the establishment of a pediatric PICC line service in a University Hospital after the first 91 consecutive procedures. MATERIALS/PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study over a period of 24months. The criteria analysed were success or failure of the procedure, indication, age when inserted, type of PICC line, mean length of use and development of complications such as accidental removal, venous thrombosis or infection. RESULTS: Ninety-one PICC lines were inserted in 74 patients between 4months and 25years old (sex-ratio: 1.1 girls/boys). The procedure was performed under general anaesthesia in four cases (4.4%) and under EMLA and MEOPA in 87 cases (95.6%). The insertion was ultrasound guided through the basilic (n=63, 70%), humeral (n=18, 20%) or cephalic (n=9, 10%) veins in the non-dominant arm (L in 62 cases, R in 28 cases). The insertion success rate was 99% (n=90). The main indications were starting antibiotic therapy (n=47, 52%), chemotherapy (n=34, 38%) and parenteral nutrition (n=5, 5%). The devices used were single lumen 3F (n=4, 4%), single lumen 4F (n=31, 34%), double lumen 4F (n=2, 2.2%), single lumen 5F (n=12, 13%), and double lumen 5F (n=41, 45%). The PICC line was used for an average period of 45days (14 to 300days). The complications found were accidental removal (n=2, 2.2%), catheter fracture (n=2; 2.2%), obstruction (n=5, 5.5%), suspected infection (n=1, 1.1%), and venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (n=3, 3.3%). The overall complication rate was 14.4% (n=13) including 4.4% serious complications (n=4). CONCLUSION: PICC lines are a future solution in pediatrics. This technique is reliable and has a similar complication rate to studies carried out in adults, most of which can be prevented by careful catheter maintenance and informing the care staff.

[Localized Ewing sarcoma of the spine: a preliminary dose-escalation study comparing innovative radiation techniques in a single patient]. / Sarcomes d'Ewing localisés du rachis chez l'enfant : étude préliminaire d'escalade de dose comparant les techniques innovantes.

PURPOSE: Although radiosensitive, spinal locations of Ewing's sarcomas are challenging for the radiation oncologist due to poor radiation tolerance of the spinal cord. However, some favorable anatomical compartments - that may represent more than 20% - were associated with a better outcome and could benefit from a radiation dose escalation using the most recent radiation therapy techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a dose escalation study on one patient, declined in two scenarios: (1) a tumour located within a single vertebral body and (2) a locally advanced disease involving the vertebral foramen and paraspinal soft tissues. Five dose-levels are proposed: 44.8Gy, 54.4Gy, 59.2Gy, 65.6Gy and 70.4Gy (1.6Gy per session, 8Gy per week). The 3D-conformational technique is compared with static intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), helical tomotherapy, volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), stereotactic body robotic radiation therapy (SBRT) and protontherapy (passive scattering). Two constraints had to be respected in order to skip to the next level: the planned target volume (PTV) coverage must exceed 95% and the D(2%) on the spinal cord shall not exceed a given constraint set at 50Gy in case 1 and 44Gy in case 2 due to initial neurological sufferance. RESULTS: Only protontherapy, SBRT, helical tomotherapy and VMAT appear able to reach the last dose level while respecting the constraints in case 1. On the other hand, only helical tomotherapy seems capable of reaching 59.2Gy on the PTV in case 2. CONCLUSION: With the most recent radiation therapy techniques, it becomes possible to deliver up to 70.4Gy in a favorable compartment in this sham patient. Unfavorable compartments can receive up to 59.2Gy. Definitive radiation therapy may be an interesting local treatment option to be validated in an early phase trial.

Liquid embolization material reduces the delivered radiation dose: clinical myth or reality?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To be radiopaque, BAVM embolization products must contain high-atomic-number materials, which may also attenuate photon beams delivered with radiosurgery. This "shielding effect" has been invoked to explain why radiation therapy may be less effective for previously embolized BAVMs. To evaluate the impact of embolization material on radiation dose, we measured and compared the dose delivered to the center of an AVM model, before and following embolization with various materials in a LINAC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two in vitro AVM models were constructed by drilling interconnected tubular perforations in plastic water phantoms to simulate nidal vessels. Phantoms were designed to allow the positioning of a radiation detector at their center. One model was embolized with Onyx 18 and a second model, with a combination of Indermil, Lipiodol, tungsten powder, and Onyx 18. The radiation delivered was compared between embolized and nonembolized controls following irradiation with a standard 250-cGy dose. RESULTS: The mean dose of radiation delivered to the model embolized with Onyx alone was 244 ± 5 cGy before and 246 ± 5 cGy following embolization. The mean dose of radiation delivered to the model embolized with various agents was 242 ± 5 cGy before, and 254 ± 5 cGy after embolization. CONCLUSIONS: Embolic material did not reduce the radiation dose delivered by a LINAC to the center of our experimental BAVM models. The shielding effect may be compensated by scattered and reflected radiation.

Structural characterization of HBXIP: the protein that interacts with the anti-apoptotic protein survivin and the oncogenic viral protein HBx.

Hepatitis B X-interacting protein (HBXIP) is a ubiquitous protein that was originally identified as a binding partner of the hepatitis B viral protein HBx. HBXIP is also thought to serve as an anti-apoptotic cofactor of survivin, promoting the suppression of pro-caspase-9 activation. Here were port the crystal structure of the shortest isoform of HBXIP (91 aa long,∼11 kDa) at 1.5 Å resolution. HBXIP crystal shows a monomer per asymmetric unit, with a profilin-like fold which is common to a super family of proteins, the Roadblock/LC7 domain family involved in protein-protein interactions. Based on this fold, we propose that HBXIP can form a dimer that can indeed be found in the crystal when symmetric molecules are generated around the asymmetric unit. This dimer shows an extended ß-sheet area formed by 10 anti-parallel ß-strands from both subunits. Another interesting aspect of the proposed HBXIP dimer interface is the presence of a small leucine zipper between the two α2 helices of each monomer. In solution, the scattering curve obtained by small-angle X-ray scattering for the sample used for crystallization indicates that the protein is dimeric form in solution. The fit between the experimental small angle X-ray scattering curve and the back calculated curves for two potential crystal dimers shows a significant preference for the Roadblock/LC7 fold dimer model. Moreover, the HBXIP crystal structure represents a step towards understanding the cellular role of HBXIP.

[Interest of MR perfusion and MR spectroscopy for the diagnostic of atypical cerebral toxoplasmosis]. / Apport de l'IRM de perfusion et de la spectroscopie dans le diagnostic de toxoplasmose cérébrale atypique.

We report an atypical case of cerebral toxoplasmosis (CT) in a 70-year-old woman with a history of breast cancer. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a single ring-enhancing lesion in the pons with perifocal oedema and mass effect. Toxoplasma encephalitis was suggested by means of diffusion weighted imaging, MR perfusion and MR spectroscopy, leading to the discovery of HIV infection. The patient was put on antitoxoplasma therapy. Subsequent clinical and radiological improvements confirmed the diagnosis.

Child pectus excavatum: correction by minimally invasive surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Pectus excavatum (PE) is a congenital deformity essentially responsible for an unattractive aspect, much more rarely for compression problems. The classical treatments consist either in filling the excavation or in open thoracic reconstruction (the Ravitch technique). Alternatively, the treatment described by Nuss raises the sternum with a retrosternal metallic bar placed under thoracoscopic guidance. We present the preliminary results of a series of 25 children operated on using this technique. HYPOTHESIS: The minimally invasive procedure described by Nuss is a valid surgical strategy to treat PE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients were operated on between February 2004 and April 2007 by the same surgeon. Nineteen of these patients presented a purely cosmetic indication. The six other patients were considered to have a more severe form of PE, with cardiorespiratory repercussions. In this group, there were two cases of Marfan syndrome and two patients presenting a history of previous cardiothoracic surgery. The technique has always consisted in placing a retrosternal bar through two lateral incisions. The surgery was always performed with right lung exclusion and was guided by thoracoscopy in 21 cases. In four particularly severe cases, a subxiphoid approach was required, making endoscopic guidance unnecessary. The severity of the lesion was evaluated by the Haller Index. All the patients had regular clinical follow-up (at three weeks, three months, and then every six months); assessment of pain, satisfaction with the cosmetic results, and perceived improvement in respiratory function were the criteria used for this follow-up. RESULTS: The cosmetic result was judged to be positive by 24 patients. One patient was dissatisfied (because of the asymmetrical shape resulting from the use of a single implant). Five patients presented minor complications with no repercussions on the cosmetic or functional result. One case of secondary bar displacement required revision on day 15. Following this revision evolution was uncomplicated (discharge on day 7 and activities resumed at three weeks). Finally, the hardware was removed at a delay after implantation ranging from one to two years. As of today, 13 patients have had their hardware removed with no complications or loss of the initial result. DISCUSSION: The original indication of the Nuss technique remains symmetrical PE in seven to 14-year-old children. The insubstantial scarring makes the technique valuable in the purely cosmetic forms of the condition. Based on this series, our technique has evolved toward certain adjustments depending on the severity and the etiology of the lesion. The most reported complication in the literature is secondary displacement of the bars. This problem is easily controlled by attaching the bar to a rib. Over the years, we have modified the implant design so as to improve its tolerance and stability. In asymmetrical forms of PE, implanting two bars has provided better efficacy. When a major form is present or when there is a history of cardiorespiratory problems, we recommend a short subxiphoid incision to release the pleural and pericardial adherences, precluding the need for thoracoscopic guidance. With these simple adjustments, this technique gains in reliability for cosmetic indications and its use can be extended to specific forms such as collagenosis or postoperative deformities. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV. Therapeutic Study.

[Pediatric non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: primary surgical management of patients presenting with abdominal symptoms. Recommendations of the Lymphoma Committee of the French Society to Combat Pediatric Cancers (SFCE)]. / Lymphome non-Hodgkinien de l'enfant: prise en charge chirurgicale lors d'un tableau abdominal révélateur.

Over the past two decades, dramatic improvements in the treatment of children with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma have led to cure rates close to 90%, even in advanced-stage disease. The most frequent localization is abdominal, where Burkitt or Burkitt-like subtypes are predominant. Initial management often occurs in the setting of a urgent surgical intervention where multiple complications may gravely threaten prognosis within days or even hours. The SFCE Lymphoma Committee's guidelines for optimal management include: 1) The diagnosis of lymphoma should be systematically evoked whenever the clinical context is not consistent with idiopathic intussusception, particularly in children over the age of 3 or when clinical and/or ultrasound findings are not typical; 2) Limited bowel resection should be performed only if it allows complete tumor removal and is technically simple without extensive dissection or risk of major complications; 3) If surgical resection is likely to be difficult, risky, or incomplete, surgery should be limited to sampling of peritoneal fluid and tumor; 4) In all cases, adequate tissue should be obtained and sent to the pathology department in appropriate media Analysis of tumor material may require, in addition to histology and cytology, immunophenotyping, cytogenetics, and molecular biology studies in order to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and prognosis and to guide treatment choices.

[Persistent thrombocytopenia in a child: morphological examination of blood platelets established the diagnosis of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome]. / Thrombopénie persistante chez un enfant: l'examen morphologique des plaquettes a conduit au diagnostic de syndrome de Wiskott-Aldrich.

Thrombocytopenia frequently occurs in laboratory practice. The present work illustrates, through the presentation of a case report of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, the difficulties encountered to identify and characterize thrombocytopenia. The clinicobiological validation of a low platelet count involves both the biologist, who must assume the validation of numeration while mentioning the morphological characteristics of the platelets and other blood cells, as well as the physician who has to interpret these data according to the clinical context.

[Not Available]. / Lymphome non-Hodgkinien de l'enfant : prise en charge chirurgicale lors d'un tableau abdominal révélateur: Recommandations du « Comité lymphome ¼ de la Société française de lutte contre les cancers de l'enfant et de l'adolescent (SFCE).

A. Delarue, C. Bergeron, F. Mechinaud-Lacroix, C. Coze, M. Raphael, C. Patte, pour le « Comité Lymphome ¼ de la SFCE Over the past two decades, dramatic improvements in the treatment of children with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma have led to cure rates close to 90%, even in advanced-stage disease. The most frequent localization is abdominal, where Burkitt or Burkitt-like subtypes are predominant. Initial management often occurs in the setting of a urgent surgical intervention where multiple complications may gravely threaten prognosis within days or even hours. The SFCE Lymphoma Committee's guidelines for optimal management include: 1) The diagnosis of lymphoma should be systematically evoked whenever the clinical context is not consistent with idiopathic intussusception, particularly in children over the age of 3 or when clinical and/or ultrasound findings are not typical; 2) Limited bowel resection should be performed only if it allows complete tumor removal and is technically simple without extensive dissection or risk of major complications; 3) If surgical resection is likely to be difficult, risky, or incomplete, surgery should be limited to sampling of peritoneal fluid and tumor; 4) In all cases, adequate tissue should be obtained and sent to the pathology department in appropriate media Analysis of tumor material may require, in addition to histology and cytology, immunophenotyping, cytogenetics, and molecular biology studies in order to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and prognosis and to guide treatment choices.

Poster - Thurs Eve-37: Energy and irradiation modality independence of calibration coefficients for water equivalent plastic scintillation detectors in the megavoltage range.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate that the independence of the calibration coefficients of plastic scintillation detector (PSD) for both photon and electron beams in the megavoltage energy range. METHOD AND MATERIALS: The PSD consists in a small 1 mm diameter and 2 mm long plastic scintillating fiber made of a polystyrene core (BCF-12, Saint-Gobain, inc.). The scintillator was coupled to a 2 meters long non-scintillating plastic optical fiber and a color CCD camera (Apogee instruments inc.) was used as photodetector. The calibration coefficients of the PSD where extracted for 6 MV, 23 MV photon beams and 9,12,15 and 18 MeV electron beams using a Farmer ionization chamber (Exradin). Complete removal of the Cerenkov radiation produced in the optical fiber was performed with a chromatic discrimination technique using the blue and green channel of the CCD camera. All measurements were performed according to the recommendations of the AAPM TG-51 protocol for clinical dosimetry. RESULTS: The PSD exhibits a maximum deviation of less than 1.7 % (about the mean) of its calibration coefficients over the measured energy range for both irradiation modalities. CONCLUSION: The energy independence of the calibration coefficients for PSD was demonstrated experimentally for the first time for both photons and electrons. PSDs have the potential to simplify and improve accuracy of dose measurements in clinical situations where photons and electrons are both present in the beam such as electron contamination in photon beams or bremsstrahlung contaminated electron beams.

[Continuous peripheral regional analgesia in children]. / Analgésie locorégionale périphérique continue chez l'enfant.

Continuous peripheral nerve blocks (CPNB) have important role in the therapeutic arsenal, anaesthetic or analgesic in children. Indications for CPNB depend on benefits/risks analysis for each patient. The indications include surgery associated with intense postoperative pain, surgery requiring painful physical therapy, and complex regional pain syndrome. CPNB are usually performed under sedation or general anaesthesia, and require appropriate equipment in order to decrease the risk of nerve injury. Nevertheless, CPNB may mask compartment syndrome in trauma or certain surgical procedure. Finally, ropivacaine, and perhaps levobupivacaine, appears to be the best local anaesthetic for continuous peripheral nerve blocks in children, requiring low flow rate with low concentration.

[Role of modern cross-sectional imaging in thanatology: a pictorial essay]. / Application à la thanatologie de l'imagerie en coupe: revue iconographique.

The development of new imaging modalities such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging is a new phenomenon in thanatology. The growing accessibility to these technologies allows, under some conditions, the acquisition of cross-sectional images on cadavers. The authors present a practical pictorial review of post-mortem changes and deadly injuries, illustrating the contributions of modern cross-sectional imaging techniques in thanatology.

[Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis associated with epidermoid lung carcinoma]. / Encéphalite limbique paraneoplasique et carcinome épidermoide du poumon.

Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis is a rare clinical entity, most often associated with small cell lung cancer. We report a case of a 54-year-old man presenting status epilepticus, cognitive dysfunction and loss of short term memory associated with epidermoid lung carcinoma. CT scan was normal whereas MRI revealed hyperintensities on T2WI and FLAIR images in the temporolimbic regions. Treatment of the primary tumour was followed by neurological improvement.

[Imaging of cerebral ischemia within first hours: computed tomography (CT)]. / Imagerie de l'ischémie cérébrale dans les premières heures: scanner.

Imaging of stroke has evolved with the development of stroke units and the CE approval of intravenous thrombolysis in the first three hours after stroke onset. The goal of imaging in the acute phase of stroke is: to make the diagnosis of stroke; to rule out other diagnosis (above all hemorrhagic strokes); to precise the location of the arterial occlusion; to assess the level of hypoperfusion; to evaluate the viability and reversibility of brain lesions; to understand the origin of the stroke by evaluating cervical arteries. Constraints of imaging in the acute phase of stroke are: the need to be performed as fast as possible to not delay IV thrombolysis (time is brain); machines must be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week as close as possible to the stroke unit. The aim of imaging are: in routine practice to evaluate the likely benefits (provided by penumbra imaging) and risks of IV thrombolysis; in term of "evidence based medicine" to better evaluate new specific stroke therapies in randomized studies (IV thrombolysis between 3 to 4 hours, use of anti GpIIbIIIa, intra-arterial mechanical or chemical thrombolysis...). Magnetic resonance imaging is considered the goal standard of stroke imaging allowing to evaluate in a "one stop shopping" the level of arterial occlusion, hypoperfusion and brain viability. However, stroke management is a regional issue and performing MR in extreme emergency is almost impossible in all stroke units outside or even within university hospitals 24 hours a day. CT-perfusion and CT angiography are therefore an accurate alternative tool for acute stroke imaging. Multislice CT is indeed available in almost all stroke units. The examination is very time-saving and clinically relevant to make the decision for IV thrombolysis.

[Spontaneous resolution of syringomyelia in a child with Chiari I malformation: a case report]. / Résolution spontanée d'une cavité syringomyélique dans le cadre d'une malformation de Chiari I chez un enfant: à propos d'un cas.

Cervicothoracic syringomyelia is a frequent feature in Chiari I malformation. It can be symptomatic or not, and is well demonstrated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Its spontaneous resolution is uncommon. The authors report a case of spontaneous resolution of a thoracic syrinx in an 18-year-old patient with a Chiari I malformation. MRI study performed 6 years previously because of worsening headaches demonstrated a Chiari I malformation associated with a syrinx cavity. The cavity disappearance was noted after improvement of the symptoms.

High plasma ropivacaine concentrations after fascia iliaca compartment block in children.

BACKGROUND: The pharmacokinetic profile of local anaesthetics is influenced by the mode of administration. We sought to compare the pharmacokinetics of two doses of ropivacaine after fascia iliaca compartment (FIC) block in children. METHODS: In this prospective, double-blind study, children received an FIC block as a part of their anaesthetic management during elective orthopaedic surgery on the thigh. They were randomized to receive ropivacaine 0.7 ml x kg(-1) using either a 0.375% or 0.5% solution. Venous blood samples were drawn up to 6 h after injection. Plasma concentrations of ropivacaine were measured by gas-liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Six children (10.2 (range 5-15) yr, 35.6 (sd 10) kg were included. FIC block provided satisfactory peroperative pain relief. No signs of toxicity were observed, but high maximal plasma concentrations (C(max) 4.33-5.6 microg ml(-1)), were observed for three of four patients in the ropivacaine 0.5% group. The two patients in the 0.375% group showed values within the safe range (C(max) 0.66 and 0.98 microg ml(-1) respectively). Even though no toxic effects were observed, these results led us to discontinue the study. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of ropivacaine 3.5 mg x kg(-1) can be associated with sustained high plasma concentrations of ropivacaine, outside the tolerable range. In view of these results, we recommend the use of lower ropivacaine dosage during FIC block in children.