Distributed sensing of earthquakes and ocean-solid Earth interactions on seafloor telecom cables.

Two thirds of the surface of our planet are covered by water and are still poorly instrumented, which has prevented the earth science community from addressing numerous key scientific questions. The potential to leverage the existing fiber optic seafloor telecom cables that criss-cross the oceans, by using them as dense arrays of seismo-acoustic sensors, remains to be evaluated. Here, we report Distributed Acoustic Sensing measurements on a 41.5 km-long telecom cable that is deployed offshore Toulon, France. Our observations demonstrate the capability to monitor with unprecedented details the ocean-solid earth interactions from the coast to the abyssal plain, in addition to regional seismicity (e.g., a magnitude 1.9 micro-earthquake located 100 km away) with signal characteristics comparable to those of a coastal seismic station.

Single-institution experience with matrix coils in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms: comparison with same-center outcomes with the use of platinum coils.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to analyze the outcomes and treatment-related complications of the polyglycolic/polylactic acid (PGLA)-coated Matrix platinum coils in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms and compare these results with those derived from the same single-institutional experience with use of uncoated, bare platinum coils. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we compared 2 groups of patients in a retrospective fashion. The first group consisted of 70 consecutive patients who underwent 82 aneurysm treatments with Matrix coils during the 14-month period of study, from January 2003 to February 2004. We compared this cohort with 70 consecutive patients who underwent a total of 80 aneurysm treatments with bare platinum coils in the 12 months immediately preceding the use of PGLA-coated coils, from January through December 2002. We then recorded the treatment characteristics, angiographic outcomes, and any complications. RESULTS: There were similar baseline demographic characteristics between the 2 study groups except in age, anatomic location, and length of follow-up. The overall recurrence rate of aneurysms was 41% among the Matrix-treated group and 32% among the patients treated with bare platinum. Among the 42 patients treated with 100% Matrix, the rate of recurrence was 31%. Of the recurrences, 21% of the Matrix group, 19% of the 100% Matrix group, and 9% of the bare platinum group required retreatment. The overall rate of complications was 10% in the Matrix-treated group and 7% in the bare platinum group. There was not a statistically significant difference in the rate of recurrence of aneurysms or complications between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of our single-center experience, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of Matrix coils over bare platinum coils, given their disadvantages.

Large cell/anaplastic medulloblastomas and medullomyoblastomas: clinicopathological and genetic features.

OBJECT: Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant central nervous system neoplasm found in children. A distinct variant designated large cell/anaplastic (LC/A) medulloblastoma is characterized by frequent dissemination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) at presentation and a more aggressive clinical course. The authors report on their examination of the clinicopathological and genetic features of seven such cases encountered at their institution. METHODS: Eighty cases of medulloblastomas were reviewed and seven (8.8%) of these were believed to fit the histological and immunohistochemical criteria for LC/A medulloblastoma. In three cases (43%) either desmoplastic or classic medulloblastoma was the underlying subtype, and in two cases (28%) the LC/A tumor was found within the setting of medullomyoblastoma. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was used in six of the seven cases to characterize the presence of isochromosome 17q, deletion of chromosome 22q (a deletion characteristically found in atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors), and c-myc amplification. The patients' clinical histories revealed CSF dissemination in all cases and lymph node metastasis in one case. Isochromosome 17q was found in five (83%) of six cases. Evidence of chromosomal gains indicated aneuploidy in three tumors (50%), and amplification of c-myc was found in three tumors (50%). No 22q deletions were encountered. CONCLUSIONS: A high percentage of LC/A medulloblastomas arise within a background of typical medulloblastomas or medullomyoblastomas. As is the case in conventional medulloblastomas, the presence of 17q is a common early tumorigenic event; however, in a significant percentage of specimens there is also evidence of aneuploidy and/or amplification of c-myc. These findings indicate that LC/A morphological characteristics reflect a more advanced tumor stage than that found in pure medulloblastomas or in typical medullomyoblastomas.

Comparison of comparative genomic hybridization with conventional karyotype and classical fluorescence in situ hybridization for prenatal and postnatal diagnosis of unbalanced chromosome abnormalities.

The comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) technique was initially used for detection of chromosomal imbalances in tumor cells. CGH can also be used as a supplementary method to karyotypic analysis in clinical cytogenetic cases. In order to evaluate CGH usefulness in prenatal and postnatal analysis of whole chromosome and segmental aneusomies, we investigated 13 clinical samples from blood, cultured chorionic villi, cultured amniotic fluids and uncultured amniotic fluids. These specimens, initially analyzed by conventional cytogenetics, included 5p monosomy, 9p duplication, add 6p, unbalanced translocation between chromosomes 5 and 10, mosaic tetrasomy 12p (50%), unbalanced (X;X) translocation and Prader-Willi deletion (15q11-13). In addition, six numerical chromosome aberrations (tetrasomy X, trisomies 13, 18, 21 and monosomy X) were analysed. All the chromosomal abnormalities, except the Prader-Willi deletion, were correctly detected by CGH. Here, we have demonstrated that the CGH technique is an alternative to classical fluorescence in situ hybridization using specific probes for detection of the unbalanced chromosomal aberrations in prenatal and postnatal diagnosis and could be used for rapid prenatal screening for unbalanced aberrations.

Multiple cytokines and acute inflammation raise mouse leptin levels: potential role in inflammatory anorexia.

Several inflammatory cytokines, most notably tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and IL-1, induce anorexia and loss of lean body mass, common manifestations of acute and chronic inflammatory conditions. In C57BL/6 female mice, the administration of TNF, IL-1, and, to a lesser extent, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), produced a prompt and dose-dependent increase in serum leptin levels and leptin mRNA expression in fat. IL-10, IL-4, ciliary neurotrophic factor, and IL-2, cytokines not known to induce anorexia or decrease food intake, had no effect on leptin gene expression or serum leptin levels. After administration of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS), leptin gene expression and leptin levels were increased. These findings suggest that leptin levels may be one mechanism by which anorexia is induced during acute inflammatory conditions.

[Importance of bone grafting in open tibial fractures (Gustilo III)]. / Importance de l'apport osseux dans les fractures ouvertes (Gustilo III) de jambe.

The authors report a retrospective study of 6 cases treated over the period 1988-1993.The closure of the wound was achieved by means of 3 free flaps (2 provided bone and skin in a single flap and the third was a latissimus dorsi muscle flap) and 3 pedicular flaps.The fixation of the fracture was performed by an external fixator in all cases. In one third of the cases a secondary nailing was performed to obtain consolidation. A bone graft was needed in 2/3 of the cases (2 bone free flaps, 1 bone allograft, 1 cancellous autograft).

Disruption of p53 function sensitizes breast cancer MCF-7 cells to cisplatin and pentoxifylline.

The possibility that appropriately designed chemotherapy could act selectively against p53-defective tumor cells was explored in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. These cells were chosen because they have normal p53 function but are representative of a tumor cell type that does not readily undergo p53-dependent apoptosis. Two sublines (MCF-7/E6 and MCF-7/mu-p53) were established in which p53 function was disrupted by transfection with either the human papillomavirus type-16 E6 gene or a dominant-negative mutant p53 gene. p53 function in MCF-7/E6 and MCF-7/mu-p53 cells was defective relative to control cells in that there were no increases in p53 or p21Waf1/Cip1 protein levels and no G1 arrest following exposure to ionizing radiation. Survival assays showed that p53 disruption sensitized MCF-7 cells to cisplatin (CDDP) but not to several other DNA-damaging agents. CDDP sensitization was not limited to MCF-7 cells since p53 disruption in human colon carcinoma RKO cells also enhanced sensitivity to CDDP. Contrary to the other DNA-damaging agents tested, CDDP-induced DNA lesions are repaired extensively by nucleotide excision, and in agreement with a defect in this process, MCF-7/E6 and MCF-7/mu-p53 cells exhibited a reduced ability to repair a CDDP-damaged chloramphenicol acetyltransferase-reporter plasmid transfected into the cells. Therefore, we attributed the increased CDDP sensitivity of MCF-7 cells with disrupted p53 to defects in G1 checkpoint control, nucleotide excision repair, or both. The G2 checkpoint inhibitor pentoxifylline exhibited synergism with CDDP in killing MCF-7/E6 cells but did not affect sensitivity of the control cells. Moreover, pentoxifylline inhibited G2 checkpoint function to a greater extent in MCF-7/E6 than in the parental cells. These results suggested that, in the absence of p53 function, cancer cells are more vulnerable to G2 checkpoint abrogators. Our results show that a combination of CDDP and pentoxifylline is capable of synergistic and preferential killing of p53-defective tumor cells that do not readily undergo apoptosis.

[The "extreme" brachial flap: a distal pedicled use of an external brachial flap. Preliminary report]. / Le lambeau brachial "extrême": une utilisation pédiculée très distale du lambeau brachial externe. Rapport préliminaire.

The authors present a new application of the procedure they called the "reverse flow YV pedicle extension" which allows a very distal pedicled mobilisation of the lateral arm flap. Until now, only the distally based lateral arm flap and the ulnar recurrent fascicutaneous island flap could to be transferred distally but reached only the proximal third of the forearm. In our experience these flaps did not seem to be very reliable. Lengthening of the lateral arm flap pedicle using the lateral triceps artery (branch arising from the profunda brachii artery) allows the lateral arm flap to be transferred beyond the distal third of the forearm. This so-called "extreme" lateral arm flap has advantages and disadvantages which are discussed in this paper. We consider cutaneous or osteocutaneous reconstructions of the forearm to be the best indication for this flap. Our first clinical case is reported.

The posterior radial epiphysis free flap: a new donor site.

The authors present the anatomy and clinical applications of a new donor site for free or pedicled transfers. It is localised on the posterior aspect of the forearm, over the distal radius, and based on a posterior branch of the anterior interosseous artery. It can be used as a free skin flap, osteoperiosteal or osteocutaneous transfer. Reinnervation is possible. Indications in hand surgery are numerous. Five consecutive cases have been operated upon successfully.

Restoration of elbow flexion using the latissimus dorsi musculo-cutaneous flap.

The latissimus dorsi myo-cutaneous flap has been used for restoration of elbow flexion in 8 cases. The indication for this transposition were brachial plexus injuries, significant trauma to the upper limb and restoration of arm contour. The surgical technique involved unipolar muscular transposition (4 cases) with tendon plication (one case) and bipolar transposition (three cases). The evaluation of results is based on the force and degree of elbow flexion, active pronation and supination, as cortical integration. We consider that we have obtained good results in 5 cases and moderate results in three. We think that the latissimus dorsi pedicle transfer for restoring elbow flexion, is an excellent procedure which can give a good functional result with minimal donor site sequelae.

[Nerves of the external brachial flap. An anatomical study]. / Nerfs du lambeau brachial externe. Etude anatomique.

The lateral arm flap is located on the lower lateral portion of the arm. The blood supply is via the profunda brachii artery. The flap is based on the lateral intermuscular septum of the arm, the septum being always taken with the flap; the flap can be composite and include the anterior skin of the arm or a segment of humerus, or the nerve of passage, which can be used as a vascularized nerve graft. The lateral arm flap has an important relation with three nerves: the radial nerve, which should always be preserved, the posterior cutaneous nerve of the arm, which can give a sensory innervation for the flap, and the posterior cutaneous nerve of the forearm, which can be used as a vascularized nerve graft. The authors recount the anatomic variations of the artery of the flap and describe the variations of the posterior cutaneous nerve of the arm and the forearm. The knowledge of the relation between these nerves is very important, when one wants to use one of the nerves for sensory innervation of the flap and the other as a vascularized nerve graft. The practical application of this principle is illustrated by the example of one clinical case.

Delayed excision of a defect after free omental transfer with uncertain viability; a case report.

We present the case of a 45-year-old man with an extensive radionecrotic ulcer of the anterior aspect of the thigh and exposure of the femur. Difficulty in the revascularisation of a free omental transfer due to radiation damage to the recipient vessels led us to delay excision of the defect and to store the flap temporarily in a plastic bag close to the recipient site; 48 hours later its satisfactory appearance allowed excision of the defect and successful final inset of the omentum. Advantages of this procedure are discussed.

The lateral arm flap: an anatomic study.

The anatomy of the lateral arm flap is further elucidated, and the surgical techniques involved in raising the flap are described in detail. The data are derived from studies in 25 cadavers and five clinical cases. The relative merits of this versatile free flap are discussed. Three clinical cases are cited for illustration.

[Use of the Pavlik harness before the age of 3 months in congenital hip dislocation]. / Utilisation du harnais de Pavlik avant l'âge de 3 mois dans la luxation congénitale de hanche.

The authors report 128 cases of reduction of congenital dislocation of the hip by the Pavlik harness with more than one year of follow-up. They studied 60 patients who had less than 3 months of age at the beginning of the treatment. They obtain 59 reductions (98%) without necrosis of femoral heads. The only case of unsuccess, treated after by continuous extension, has doubtful femoral heads at 15 months of age. The femoral heads appear in normal delay and walk was normal between 10 and 18 months. Only a strict watchfulness, as strict as a continuous extension, can obtain good results with progressive flexion. Bath is not authorized and harness is not removed before stable reduction. Parents are taught how to hold their infant without bringing his knees together. The most important thing is the X-ray control on D8, D21, and D60, the prevent the trap of too much flexion, too nice penetration or persistent eccentration. Under these conditions, the authors think that the treatment of congenital dislocation of the hip by the Pavlik harness is the safest method especially before 3 months of age.

[Adenocarcinoma of the kidney with invasion of the inferior vena cava. Apropos of 32 cases]. / L'adénocarcinome du rein avec envahissement de la veine cave inférieure. A propos de trente-deux observations.

The authors present 32 cases of renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava involvement. Three sub-groups of patients can be distinguished on the basis of the level of this involvement: A (24 patients) with infra-hepatic involvement, B (6 patients) with retro-hepatic involvement and C (2 patients) with supra-hepatic involvement. The surgical tactics and results are analysed for each of these 3 sub-groups. The prognosis is relatively good in sub-group A, but is increasingly less favourable in groups B and C.