Towards registered single quantum dot photonic devices.

We have registered the position and wavelength of a single InGaAs quantum dot using an innovative cryogenic laser lithography technique. This approach provides accurate marking of the location of self-organized dots and is particularly important for realizing any solid-state cavity quantum electrodynamics scheme where the overlap of the spectral and spatial characteristics of an emitter and a cavity is essential. We demonstrate progress in two key areas towards efficient single quantum dot photonic device implementation. Firstly, we show the registration and reacquisition of a single quantum dot with 50 and 150 nm accuracy, respectively. Secondly, we present data on the successful fabrication of a photonic crystal L3 cavity following the registration process.

Recurrent varicose veins: sonography-based re-examination of 210 patients 14 years after ligation and saphenous vein stripping.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to assess the frequency of varicose recurrence 14 years after flush ligation of the saphenofemoral (SFJ) or saphenopopliteal (SPJ) junction with additional stripping of the incompetent saphenous vein. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our study group comprised 245 extremities of 210 patients operated upon in 1990 for either great saphenous vein (GSV) or small saphenous vein (SSV) incompetence. Limbs were assessed with Duplex ultrasound by a practitioner other than the original surgeon and relevant patient data was recorded. RESULTS: In 68.5% of re-examined limbs Duplex imaging provided no evidence for recurrent varicose veins at the former SFJ or SPJ. This included 15 legs (= 6.1%) where reflux immediately proximal to the junction but originating from adjacent veins (i.e. pudendal vein, epigastrical vein) was detected. In 31.5%, reflux from the operated SFJ or SPJ (junctional recurrence) was detected but only a minor percentage of legs (6.9%) had actually developed a clinically relevant recurrent varicosity (> 3 mm in diameter) branching out from the former junction and requiring treatment. Patients with a BMI < 30 were less likely to suffer recurrent varicose veins (no recurrence in 72.7%) than patients with a BMI > or = 30 (no recurrence in 54.5%). CONCLUSIONS: 14 years after flush ligation of the SFJ or SPJ with stripping of the incompetent saphenous vein, junctional recurrences were found in less than one-third of re-examined extremities. In the absence of surgical errors, we must assume neovascularisation as cause for these recurrences. Duplex US determined a clinically relevant recurrence (> 3 mm in diameter) in only 7% of limbs. Post-operative varices seem to develop less often after SPJ surgery than after SFJ surgery and according to our data, obesity (BMI > or = 30) constitutes a significant risk factor.

[Familial venous dysplasia and lymphedema]. / Familiäre Venendysplasie und Lymphödem.

We report on a familial case of venous dysplasia of the deep veins characterized by clinical chronic venous insufficiency with subsequent lymphedema (phlebolymphedema). Successful therapy consists of physical therapy in the acute phase and was followed for over eight years with compression stockings.

[Saphenous vein stripping in post-thrombotic syndrome]. / Vena-saphena-Stripping beim PTS.

Some patients with a history of deep venous thrombosis have intact valves in the deep venous system. For these patients a diagnostical examination is important to prove the falling high venous pressure. According to several functional tests the decline of venous pressure indicates the surgical treatment of the insufficient superficial veins. Step by step we show the diagnostical and therapeutical procedure in a patient with a history of deep venous thrombosis. Then we discuss an alternative decision and ask the question, if the absence of increasing venous pressure according to the phlebodynamometry indicates the surgical sanitation of the insufficient superficial veins.

[Fistulous pyoderma caused by Serratia liquefaciens]. / Fistelnde Pyodermie durch Serratia liquefaciens.

Human infections with Serratia liquefaciens are rare. We therefore present a patient with fistulous pyoderma due to this pathogen. The success of the therapy of Serratia infections depends on determination of the resistance and sensitivity to antibiotics. Following the tentative diagnosis of dermal tuberculosis, histological, microbiological and X-ray examinations were performed. Serratia liquefaciens was identified by culture as the only cause of the skin lesions. After therapy with sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim, the lesions disappeared.

[Clinical picture and pathology of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans]. / Klinik und Pathologie des Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (D.p.) is a rare connective skin tumor (0.1%). On the basis of the literature and 13 own cases, we present data concerning age, sex, localisation, as well as clinical and histological findings. We report on pre-operative planning of treatment, surgical therapy (wide excision and closure by rotation flap), and clinical course. The follow-up indicates that D.p. is a neoplasia bearing a low rate of malignancy, which may change into a highly malignant tumor especially after treatment with radiation.

[Studies of monocytopoiesis in patients with malignant disease and after immunostimulation with BCG, using 3H-thymidine as a DNA-label (author's transl)]. / Untersuchungen zur Monozytopoese bei malignen Erkrankungen und unter BCG-Immunstimulation mit Hilfe des DNA-Markers 3H-Thymidin.

Monocytopoiesis and blood monocytes were investigated in patients with Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin lymphomas, mycosis fungoides, breast cancer or melanoma. The investigation was carried out before surgery and just before each application of BCG. Monocyte production was increased in untreated patients. Postoperative prophylactic BCG-vaccination gave rise to increased proliferation activity. However monocyte production returned to normal between the 4th and 6th month of BCG immunotherapy. These results indicate that monocytopoiesis is stimulated by human tumors. BCG immunostimulation is able to increase proliferation activity during the first month of treatment only.

Monocytopoiesis in malignant melanoma: untreated, during immunotherapy and chemoimmunotherapy.

Monocytopoiesis and blood monocytes were investigated in patients with superficial spreading melanoma stages I and II. Monocyte production was moderately increased in 4 of 9 untreated patients. Postoperative prophylactic BCG-vaccination gave rise to increased proliferation activity in 3 of 4 patients with previously normal monocytopoiesis. However, monocyte production returned to normal between the 4th and 6th month of BCG immunotherapy. Monocytopoietic hyperproliferation did not occur if DTIC was administered simultaneously with BCG. These results indicate that BCG-vaccination increases monocytopoiesis during the first months of treatment only. This effect is abrogated by concomitant chemotherapy.