High-resolution and functional magnetic resonance imaging of the brachial plexus using an isotropic 3D T2 STIR (Short Term Inversion Recovery) SPACE sequence and diffusion tensor imaging

This technical note demonstrates the relevance of the isotropic 3D T2 turbo-spin-echo (TSE) sequence with short-term inversion recovery (STIR) and variable flip angle RF excitations (SPACE: Sampling Perfection with Application optimized Contrasts using different flip angle Evolutions) for high-resolution brachial plexus imaging. The sequence was used in 11 patients in the diagnosis of brachial plexus pathologies involving primary and secondary tumors, and in six volunteers. We show that 3D STIR imaging is not only a reliable alternative to 2D STIR imaging, but it also better evaluates the anatomy, nerve site compression and pathology of the plexus, especially to depict space-occupying tumors along its course. Finally, due to its appropriate contrast we describe how 3D-STIR can be used as a high-resolution mask to be fused with fraction of anisotropy (FA) maps calculated from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data of the plexu

Clay/Conductive Polymer Nanocomposites

This chapter describes the main strategies for designing clay nanocomposites of the most investigated inherently conductive polymers, namely, polypyrrole, polyaniline, and polythiophenes including poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate. It is shown that premodification of clays is an essential step to successful intercalation or exfoliation by conductive polymers. Toward this end, surfactants, reactive diazonium, and silanes permit the preparation of adhesive clay sheets for the conductive polymers once polymerization is triggered. Exfoliated nanocomposites usually exhibit superior properties compared to intercalated ones. Through selected applications (e.g., conductive fillers, catalysts, sensors, ultracapacitors), it is clear that research on clay–conductive polymer nanocomposites will continue to grow because these materials combine the best of two worlds: low-cost abundant minerals with remarkable nanostructural properties and nanostructuring abilities on the one hand and ease of synthesis, reactivity, and electrical conductivity of conjugated polymers on the other hand.Scopu

Carcinome papillaire sur kyste du tractus thyreoglosse

Introduction :: Cysts of the thyroglossal duct are a congenital anomaly. they are common but the incidence of papillary carcinoma arising in a thyroglossal duct cyst (TDC) is rare. The clinical presentation of these cancers is generally nonspecific. There are usually identified only after histopathologic examinationAim: Modalities of treatment and prevention are discussed.Methods: We report 4 cases of a papillary carcinoma developed on a thyroglossal duct cyst, who underwent surgery. Two cases have been detected on préopératory and two at the definitive anatomopathology. Our therapeutic attitude has been discussed in each of our 4cases.Conclusion: there is no consensus about the modalities of treatment of papillary carcinoma in thyroglossal duct cyst.Keywords: Thyroglossal duct cyst, Thyroid, Papillary carcinoma, surgery, Total thyroidectomy

Fistules perilymphatiques post-traumatiques

Introduction : La fistule péri-lymphatique (FPL) post-traumatique réalise une communication anormale entre le compartiment liquidien périlymphatique et l’oreille moyenne. Son diagnostic est souvent difficile du fait du tableau clinique parfois incomplet. L’imagerie est indispensable afin d’étayer le diagnostic. Le traitement repose sur la chirurgie.Matériel et méthodes : Il s’agit d’une étude rétrospective à propos de 13 patients colligés sur une période de 13 ans (1996-2008). Un examen ORL complet, une audiométrie et une imagerie (tomodensitométrie des rochers) ont été réalisés dans tous les cas. Tous les patients ont bénéficié d’un traitement médical et ont été opérés sous anesthésie générale. Le contrôle ultérieur était clinique, audiométrique et radiologique avec un recul moyen de 22 mois.Résultats : L’âge moyen était de 29 ans (20-47 ans) et le sex-ratio 3,33. Les signes fonctionnels étaient essentiellement représentés par l’hypoacousie dans 12 cas (92,3%), les vertiges dans 11 cas (84,6%) et les acouphènes dans 4 cas (30,8%). L’écoulement d’un liquide eau de roche par l’oreille a été rapporté par 2 patients (15,4%). L’examen clinique trouvait un nystagmus spontané battant du côté controlatéral au traumatisme chez un seul patient, et un signe de la fistule positif chez 2 patients (15,4%). A l’audiométrie, 9 patients (69,3%) avaient une surdité de perception ou mixte dont 6 cas de cophose. Une surdité de transmission a été objectivée dans 3 cas. Un patient avait une audition subnormale. La TDM des rochers a montré une fracture extra-labyrinthique dans 5 cas (38,5%) et une fracture trans-labyrinthique ou mixte dans 6 cas (46,2%). Un pneumolabyrinthe a été constaté chez 5 patients (38,5%). Une exploration chirurgicale a été indiquée chez tous les patients. En per-opératoire, une FPL a été mise en évidence dans tous les cas. Le siège de la fistule était au niveau du promontoire et/ou au niveau des fenêtres. Un colmatage de la fistule a été réalisé dans tous les cas. Les matériaux utilisés étaient essentiellement de l’aponévrose temporale superficielle, du périchondre tragal et de la graisse. En post-opératoire, les vertiges se sont améliorés chez 9 patients parmi les 11 vertigineux (81,8%). L’audition était améliorée chez 2 patients parmi les 9 ayant une surdité de perception ou mixte (18,2%).Conclusion : La fistule périlymphatique post-traumatique est de diagnostic difficile. Celui-ci est étayé par un faisceau d’arguments cliniques et paracliniques et n’est confirmé qu’en per-opératoire. L’indication d’une exploration chirurgicale et son délai dépendent essentiellement de la symptomatologie clinique et de son évolution dans le temps.Mots-clés : fistule périlymphatique, traumatisme, vertige, surdité, tomodensitométrie, chirurgieIntroduction: Post-traumatic perilymphatic fistula (PLF) realises an abnormal communication between the perilymphatic fluid compartment and the middle ear. Its diagnosis is often difficult because the clinical presentation is sometimes incomplete. Imaging is essential in order to support the diagnosis. Treatment is based on surgery.Materials and Methods: We carry a retrospective study about 13 patients collected over a period of 13 years (1996-2008). A complete ENT examination, audiometry and imaging (petrous CT scan) were performed in all cases. All patients received medical treatment and were operated under general anaesthesia. Subsequent control was clinical, radiological and audiometric with a mean period of 22 months.Results: Mean age was 29 years (20-47 years) and sex ratio 3.33. Symptoms were mainly hearing loss in 12 cases (92.3%), vertigo in 11 cases (84.6%) and tinnitus in 4 cases (30.8%). Flow of liquid from the ear was reported by 2 patients (15.4%). Clinical examination showed spontaneous nystagmus beating to the contralateral side of the trauma in one patient, and a positive sign of the fistula in 2 patients (15.4%). At audiometry, 9 patients (69.3%) had sensorineural or mixed deafness, of which 6 cases of cophosis. Transmission deafness was found in 3 cases. One patient had a subnormal hearing. Petrous CT scan showed extra-labyrinthic fracture in 5 cases (38.5%) and trans-labyrinthic or mixed fracture in 6 cases (46.2%). A pneumolabyrinth was found in 5 patients (38.5%). Surgical exploration was indicated in all patients. PLF was found in all cases. The localization of the fistula was at the promontory and / or at the windows. Blockage of the fistula was achieved in all cases. Materials used were essentially superficial temporal fascia, tragal perichondrium and fat. Postoperatively, vertigo improved in 9 patients among 11 (81.8%). Hearing was improved in 2 patients among the 9 having sensorineural or mixed deafness (18.2%).Conclusion: Post-traumatic perilymphatic fistula trauma is difficult to diagnose. This is supported by a beam of clinical and paraclinical arguments, and is confirmed intraoperatively. The indication for surgical exploration and its delay depend mainly on clinical symptomatology and its evolution over time.Keywords: perilymphatic fistula, trauma, vertigo, deafness, CT scan, surger

Fistules perilymphatiques post-traumatiques a propos de 13 cas

Introduction : La fistule péri-lymphatique (fPL) post-traumatique réalise une communication anormale entre le compartiment liquidien périlymphatique et l’oreille moyenne. Son diagnostic est souvent difficile du fait du tableau clinique parfois incomplet. L’imagerie est indispensable afin d’étayer le diagnostic. Le traitement repose sur la chirurgie.Patients et méthode : : il s’agit d’une étude rétrospective à propos de 13 patients colligés sur une période de 13 ans (1996-2008). un examen ORL complet, une audiométrie et une imagerie (tomodensitométrie des rochers) ont été réalisés dans tous les cas. Tous les patients ont bénéficié d’un traitement médical et ont été opérés sous anesthésie générale. Le contrôle ultérieur était clinique, audiométrique et radiologique avec un recul moyen de 22 mois.Résultats :L’âge moyen était de 29 ans (20-47 ans) et le sex-ratio 3,33. Les signes fonctionnels étaient essentiellement représentés par l’hypoacousie dans 12 cas (92,3%), les vertiges dans 11 cas (84,6%) et les acouphènes dans 4 cas (30,8%). L’écoulement d’un liquide eau de roche par l’oreille a été rapporté par 2 patients (15,4%). L’examen clinique trouvait un nystagmus spontané battant du côté controlatéral au traumatisme chez un seul patient, et un signe de la fistule positif chez 2 patients (15,4%). A l’audiométrie, 9 patients (69,3%) avaient une surdité de perception ou mixte dont 6 cas de cophose. une surdité de transmission a été objectivée dans 3 cas. un patient avait une audition subnormale. La TdM des rochers a montré une fracture extra-labyrinthique dans 5 cas (38,5%) et une fracture trans-labyrinthique ou mixte dans 6 cas (46,2%). un pneumolabyrinthe a été constaté chez 5 patients (38,5%). une exploration chirurgicale a été indiquée chez tous les patients. En per-opératoire, une fPL a été mise en évidence dans tous les cas. Le siège de la fistule était au niveau du promontoire et/ou au niveau des fenêtres. un colmatage de la fistule a été réalisé dans tous les cas. Les matériaux utilisés étaient essentiellement de l’aponévrose temporale superficielle, du périchondre tragal et de la graisse. En post-opératoire, les vertiges se sont améliorés chez  patients parmi les 11 vertigineux (81,8%). L’audition était améliorée chez 2 patients parmi les 9 ayant une surdité de perception ou mixte (18,2%).Conclusion : La fistule périlymphatique post-traumatique est de diagnostic difficile. Celui-ci est étayé par un faisceau d’arguments cliniques et paracliniques et n’est confirmé qu’en per-opératoire. L’indication d’une exploration chirurgicale et son délai dépendent essentiellement de la symptomatologie clinique et de son évolution dans le temps.Mots clés : fistule périlymphatique, traumatisme, vertige, surdité, tomodensitométrie, chirurgieObjective : Post-traumatic perilymphatic fistula (PLf) realises an abnormal communication between the perilymphatic fluid compartment and the middle ear. its diagnosis is often difficult because the clinical presentation is sometimes incomplete. imaging is essential in order to support the diagnosis. Treatment is based on surgery.Patients and methods : We carry a retrospective study about 13 patients collected over a period of 13 years (1996- 2008). A complete ENT examination, audiometry and imaging (petrous CT scan) were performed in all cases. All patients received medical treatment and were operated under general anaesthesia. Subsequent control was clinical, radiological and audiometric with a mean period of 22 months.Mean age was 29 years (20-47 years) and sex ratio 3.33. Symptoms were mainly hearing loss in 12 cases (92.3%), vertigo in 11 cases (84.6%) and tinnitus in 4 cases (30.8%). flow of liquid from the ear was reported by 2 patients (15.4%). Clinical examination showed spontaneous nystagmus beating to the contralateral side of the trauma in one patient, and a positive sign of the fistula in 2 patients (15.4%). At audiometry, 9 patients (69.3%) had sensorineural or mixed deafness, of which 6 cases of cophosis. Transmission deafness was found in 3 cases. One patient had a subnormal hearing. Petrous CT scan showed extra-labyrinthic fracture in 5 cases (38.5%) and trans-labyrinthic or mixed fracture in 6 cases (46.2%). A pneumolabyrinth was found in 5 patients (38.5%). Surgical exploration was indicated in all patients. PLf was found in all cases. The localization of the fistula was at the promontory and / or at the windows. Blockage of the fistula was achieved in all cases. Materials used were essentially superficial temporal fascia, tragal perichondrium and fat. Postoperatively, vertigo improved in 9 patients among 11 (81.8%). Hearing was improved in 2 patients among the 9 having sensorineural or mixed deafness (18.2%).Conclusion: TPost-traumatic perilymphatic fistula trauma is difficult to diagnose. This is supported by a beam of clinical and paraclinical arguments, and is confirmed intraoperatively. The indication for surgical exploration and its delay depend mainly on clinical symptomatology and its evolution over time.Keywords : perilymphatic fistula, trauma, vertigo, deafness, CT scan, surger

Data on the fabrication of hybrid calix [4]arene-modified natural bentonite clay for efficient selective removal of toxic metals from wastewater at room temperature

Fresh water resources on the earth are less than 0.2%; meanwhile, around 80% of the freshwater is consumed daily in agriculture, industries, and household activities [1–2]. There is an essential need to develop efficient adsorbents for wastewater treatment [1–6], in this regards, hereafter we present the rationale synthesis and characterization of hybrid natural bentonite clay modified with Calix [4] arene (denoted as B-S-Calix) as efficient adsorbents for toxic metals from wastewater. This is driven by the facile photo-radical thiol-yne addition among the thiolated clay and an alkynylated calix[4]arene. The morphology, surface modifications, and Thermal degradation of B, B-S, and B-S-Calix were investigated using TEM, FTIR, and TGA techniques. The adsorption performance of B, BS and B-S-Calix towards toxic metals including cadmium (II) ion [Cd (II)], zinc (II) ion [Zn(II)], lead(II) ion [Pb(II)], strontium(II) ion [Sr (II)], cobalt(II) ion [Co (II)], copper(II) ion [Cu(II)], and mercury (II) ion [Hg(II)] from wastewater were benchmarked 25 °C. These data are related to the article entitled “hybrid Clay/Calix[4]arene Calix[4]arene-clicked clay through thiol-yne addition for the molecular recognition and removal of Cd(II) from wastewater’’ [7]

Rational synthesis, characterization, and application of environmentally friendly (polymer–carbon dot) hybrid composite film for fast and efficient UV-assisted Cd²⁺ removal from water

Background: Carbon dots (CDs) are of particular interest in numerous applications. However, their efficiency for heavy metal removal from wastewater was not yet reported. Herein, we rationally synthesized CDs from petroleum coke waste via hydrothermal treatment in the presence of ammonia. Results: This drove the formation of outstanding photoluminescent, water-soluble, biocompatible, and high yield of monodispersed sub-5 nm CDs. The CDs are co-doped with high 10% of N and 0.2% of S. The as-prepared CDs possess unprecedented photoluminescent properties over broad pH range making these dots unique efficient pH sensor. Conclusions: Chitosan (CH)–CDs hybrid hydrogel nanocomposite film was further prepared as a platform membrane for the removal Cd2+ metal from wastewater. The as-prepared CH–CDs membranes show relatively good mechanical properties, based on stress resistance and flexibility to facilitate handling. The equilibrium state was reached within 5 min. Intriguingly, the UV-light illuminations enhanced the Cd2+ removal efficiency of the photoluminescent CDs substantially by four times faster under. It was found that adsorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models. The maximum adsorption capacity at 25 °C was found to be 112.4 mg g−1 at pH 8. This work paves the way to new applications of CDs in water treatment.[Figure not available: see fulltext.]

Anti-corrosive and oil sensitive coatings based on epoxy/polyaniline/magnetite-clay composites through diazonium interfacial chemistry

Epoxy polymer nanocomposites filled with magnetite (Fe3O4) clay (B), named (B-DPA-PANI@Fe3O4) have been prepared at different filler loading (0.1, 0.5, 1, 3, 5 wt. %). The surface modification of clay by polyaniline (PANI) is achieved in the presence of 4-diphenylamine diazonium salt (DPA). The effects of the nanofiller loading on Tensile, mechanical and dielectric properties were systematically studied. Improved properties was highlighted for all reinforced samples. The addition of only 3 wt. % of the filler enhanced the tensile strength of the composites by 256%, and the glass transition temperature Tg by 37%. The dielectric spectra over a broad frequency showed a robust interface between the hybrid (B-DPA-PANI@Fe3O4) fillers and epoxy matrix. The results showed most significant improvement in corrosion inhibition using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in 3.5 wt % NaCl, as well as a significant response in oil sensing test. High charge transfer resistance of 110 × 106 Ω.cm2 using 3-wt % of filler was noted compared to 0.35 × 106 Ω.cm2 for the pure epoxy. The results obtained herein will open new routes for the preparation of efficient anticorrosion sensor coatings. © 2018, The Author(s).NPRP Award from the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of Qatar Foundation) [8-878-1-172

Modulation of Sn concentration in ZnO nanorod array: intensification on the conductivity and humidity sensing properties

Tin (Sn)-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorod arrays (TZO) were synthesized onto aluminum-doped ZnO-coated glass substrate via a facile sonicated sol–gel immersion method for humidity sensor applications. These nanorod arrays were grown at different Sn concentrations ranging from 0.6 to 3 at.%. X-ray diffraction patterns showed that the deposited TZO arrays exhibited a wurtzite structure. The stress/strain condition of the ZnO film metamorphosed from tensile strain/compressive stress to compressive strain/tensile stress when the Sn concentrations increased. Results indicated that 1 at.% Sn doping of TZO, which has the lowest tensile stress of 0.14 GPa, generated the highest conductivity of 1.31 S cm− 1. In addition, 1 at.% Sn doping of TZO possessed superior sensitivity to a humidity of 3.36. These results revealed that the optimum performance of a humidity-sensing device can be obtained mainly by controlling the amount of extrinsic element in a ZnO film