Correlation of Ultrasonographic Small Intestinal Wall Layering with Histology in Normal Dogs

Five intestinal layers are commonly described ultrasonographically in dogs. However, current high-frequency endosonography allows the identification of 9 layers in people. The aim of this study was to describe ex vivo small intestinal layering in dogs and correlate ultrasonographic layering with histological layers. Our hypothesis was that, similar to findings in humans, discrepancies exist in thickness and visibility of intestinal layers between histology and ultrasound in dogs. Twelve adult dogs were included in the study. They were euthanized for reasons unrelated to gastrointestinal disease, but extensive medical history was unavailable. Duodenum, jejunum and ileum samples were resected immediately after euthanasia. Ultrasonographic images were acquired post-mortem and two needles, pinned on each side of the sample, were used to denote where transverse images were acquired, and histological sections were obtained accordingly. Comparison of ultrasonographic and histological layer thicknesses was performed statistically and subjectively, and intestinal layer echogenicity as well as presence of additional ultrasonographic layers were evaluated and compared with histological findings. No significant statistical differences were noted between the ultrasonographic and histological small intestinal layer thicknesses. In addition to the five established layers, an additional hyperechoic line was observed within the muscularis of all samples, and corresponded histologically to the interface between the longitudinal and circular smooth muscle fibers of the muscularis. In 4 ileum samples, an additional hyperechoic thin mucosal line was observed parallel to the submucosa, corresponding histologically to submucosal lymphoid follicle hyperplasia (Peyer’s patches). Finally, a variably intense hyperechoic line was visible at the inner aspect of the mucosa of every sample. This ultrasonographic layer corresponded to the mucosal villi on histology, and its degree of hyperechogenicity was related to the degree of lacteal dilation observed histologically. In contrary to our hypothesis, statistical differences between ultrasonographic and histological small intestinal layers were not shown. It was also established that additional intestinal ultrasonographic layers could be observed ex vivo. Some of these layers were considered to be normal histological interfaces, such as the interface between the circular and longitudinal muscularis layers, while some were correlated with histopathological findings, such as mucosal lacteal dilation or submucosal lymphoid follicle hyperplasia

Light Emission in Silicon from Carbon Nanotubes

The use of optics in microelectronic circuits to overcome the limitation of metallic interconnects is more and more considered as a viable solution. Among future silicon compatible materials, carbon nanotubes are promising candidates thanks to their ability to emit, modulate and detect light in the wavelength range of silicon transparency. We report the first integration of carbon nanotubes with silicon waveguides, successfully coupling their emission and absorption properties. A complete study of this coupling between carbon nanotubes and silicon waveguides was carried out, which led to the demonstration of the temperature-independent emission from carbon nanotubes in silicon at a wavelength of 1.3 {\mu}m. This represents the first milestone in the development of photonics based on carbon nanotubes on silicon

Building and Using Home Automation Systems: A Field Study

International audienceThese last years, several new home automation boxes appeared on the market, the new radio-based protocols facilitating their deployment with respect to previously wired solutions. Coupled with the wider availability of connected objects, these protocols have allowed new users to set up home automation systems by themselves. In this paper, we relate an in situ observational study of these builders in order to understand why and how the smart habitats were developed and used. We led 10 semi-structured interviews in households composed of at least 2 adults and equipped for at least 1 year, and 47 home automation builders answered an online questionnaire at the end of the study. Our study confirms, specifies and exhibits additional insights about usages and means of end-user development in the context of home automation

Added value of sending photograph in diagnosing a medical disease declared at sea: experience of the French Tele-Medical Assistance Service

The maritime medical tele-consultation carried out by a doctor from the Toulouse Tele-Medical Assistance Service is currently based on tele-consultation using radiotelegraphy and the complementary transmission of data (photographs, electrocardiogram) via the Internet. In a previous article, we presented the benefits of photograph transmission for trauma management in isolated areas. Through this new series of cases, we wanted to expose the aspect of the medical pathologies and the contribution of sending photographs in their management. Case reports: Case 1. Myocardial infarction. Case 2. Toxic epidermal necrolysis. Case 3. Tooth abscess. Case 4. Shingles. Case 5. Junctional tachycardia. The tele-transmission of photographs provides a real diagnostic and follow-up tool for patients suffering from medical pathologies. The constant increase in the number of tele-consultations with the exchange of photographs shows its necessity and the interest of the participants in the development of these technologies.

Analyse et créativité pour la conception d'interaction avec l'habitat intelligent

International audienceConcevoir des interactions pour des systèmes innovants implique une première étape dans laquelle se mêlent découverte du domaine et des contraintes, créativité et mise en situation des idées sélectionnées. Cette étape a pour objectif de s'engager avec plus de confiance dans le processus de conception. Nous exposons ici une partie de notre démarche sur de nouvelles interactions avec l'habitat intelligent. Nous avons cherché à répondre le plus efficacement à nos différents objectifs par l'association de pratiques complémentaires que nous présentons succinctement avec un retour d'expérience sur leur mise en application et leur enchaînement

Thermal ablation in the management of oligometastatic colorectal cancer

PURPOSE To review available evidence on thermal ablation of oligometastatic colorectal cancer. METHODS Technical and cancer specific considerations for percutaneous image-guided thermal ablation of oligometastatic colorectal metastases in the liver and lung were reviewed. Ablation outcomes are compared to surgical and radiation therapy literature. RESULTS The application of thermal ablation varies widely based on tumor burden, technical expertise, and local cancer triage algorithms. Ablation can be performed in combination or in lieu of other cancer treatments. For surgically non-resectable liver metastases, a randomized trial has demonstrated the superiority of thermal ablation combined with chemotherapy compared to systemic chemotherapy alone in term of progression-free survival and overall survival (OS), with 5-, and 8-year OS of 43.1% and 35.9% in the combined arm vs. 30.3% and 8.9% in the chemotherapy alone arm. As ablation techniques and technology improve, the role of percutaneous thermal ablation may expand even into surgically resectable disease. Many of the prognostic factors for better OS after local treatment of lung metastases are the same for surgery and thermal ablation, including size and number of metastases, disease-free interval, complete resection/ablation, negative carcinoembryonic antigen, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and controlled extra-pulmonary metastases. When matched for these factors, thermal ablation for lung and liver metastases appears to provide equivalent overall survival as surgery, in the range of 50% at 5 years. Thermal ablation has limitations that should be respected to optimize patient outcomes and minimize complications including targets that are well-visualized by image guidance, measure <3cm in diameter, and be located at least 3mm distance from prominent vasculature or major bronchi. CONCLUSIONS The routine incorporation of image-guided thermal ablation into the therapeutic armamentarium for the treatment of oligometastatic colorectal cancer can provide long survival and even cure

Les hauts de Otesia

National audienceLorsqu'on parle d'intelligence artificielle, surgit très souvent le problème de la définition de ce que cette notion recouvre, en opposition ou en complément à une intelligence dite "humaine". Profitant des travaux sur la formalisation d'une intelligence mécanique et de nombreux outils développés dans ce cadre, abordons la question passionnante de la modélisation de l'intelligence humaine ! Regardons ici comment quelques scientifiques essayent d'aborder cette question