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Reusing agro-industrial waste does not only help to mitigate environmental impact but also enables valorization through the development of new products. The aim is to enhance the physical and mechanical properties of particleboard panels produced with Eucalyptus wood and different proportions of waste products-coconut fiber (Cocos nucifera L.). Physical properties (density, water absorption, and thickness swelling) and mechanical properties (static bending and internal bond resistance) were assessed, and panels reinforced with coconut fiber showed the best qualities with higher density, greater dimensional stability, and less water absorption. Static bending resistance and internal bond resistance also increased significantly. This demonstrated the potential of achieving compatible characteristics for civil construction and furniture production through the inclusion of waste material. The impact of this research is obtained from the utilization of an important agro-industrial residue in the manufacture of permanent composites.

Background Treatment of the uninvolved neck in well-lateralized tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma is controversial. We became concerned after a number of contralateral neck recurrences (CNRs) in patients receiving ipsilateral radiotherapy (RT). Methods This is a single center retrospective series including patients with well-lateralized tonsillar cancer treated with ipsilateral neck RT between 2004 and 2011. Results We identified 53 patients treated with ipsilateral neck RT during the study period. The rate of CNR was 7.5% (4 of 53). All four patients had p16-positive, T1, N2b, M0 tumors. The subgroup of patients with N2b disease (28 of 53) had a CNR of 14.3%. We subsequently switched to treat patients with N2b with bilateral neck RT. We analyzed the outcomes of 23 patients with N2b treated with bilateral neck intensity-modulated RT (IMRT) and observed no CNRs. Conclusions We observed a higher than expected rate of CNR in the N2b population. Bilateral neck IMRT for these patients represents a safe alternative.

Introduction It is not uncommon for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to develop choroidal metastases (CM). External beam radiotherapy (EBRT) has traditionally been considered the treatment of choice for CM as it offers high response rates and quick relief of symptoms. However, new targeted treatments can offer an effective, alternative treatment strategy for patients harbouring specific genetic abnormalities. Case study We present the case of a patient presenting with a symptomatic metastasis to the choroid from an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation–positive NSCLC and exhibiting an excellent clinical and radiological response to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) gefitinib. Discussion A review of the literature reveals 6 more reported cases of patients with NSCLC successfully treated with an EGFR-TKI (gefitinib or erlotinib). There are no prospective or retrospective studies comparing EBRT with EGFR-TKIs for the treatment of CM in patients with EGFR mutation–positive NSCLC. All available data suggest that in EGFR mutation–positive NSCLC patients, EGFR-TKIs can offer response rates, time to response, and duration of response equivalent to that seen with EBRT. In addition, EGFR-TKIs can promise a more favourable ophthalmic toxicity profile compared with EBRT. Conclusion We conclude that initial treatment with an EGFR-TKI is a reasonable option for patients presenting with EGFR mutation–positive NSCLC and a CM. EBRT can be reserved for those who either do not respond to treatment with an EGFR-TKI or have recurrence after initial therapy.

L'A. analyse simultanement Horace de Corneille, et la partie des Examens qui s'y rapporte. Il montre que ces Examens fonctionnent comme de petits drames mettant en scene des voix conflictuelles qui entrent egalement en conflit avec les voix de la piece dont elles traitent en ceci qu'elles vont apparaitre comme des reflexions posterieures et/ou anterieures a celle-ci. Les Examens ajoutent ainsi, en un veritable dialogue critique, des niveaux supplementaires d'interpretations subversives possibles a celles existants deja apparemment pour chaque piece

INTRODUCTION An infected urachal cyst is one of a spectrum of presentations of urachal pathology, all of which are rare in adulthood. PRESENTATION OF CASE We report the case of a 45-year-old obese Russian lady who presented with a 2-week history of suprapubic pain radiating to the right iliac fossa. Although previously fit and well, she had a history of 17 miscarriages. Both USS and CT suggested a complicated inflammatory mass in the lower abdomen. Ultimately the diagnosis was made by laparotomy, which revealed an abscess of an urachal cyst. The infected cyst and bladder dome were excised. The patient made a good recovery with an uneventful follow up. DISCUSSION Urachal cysts are the commonest type of urachal anomaly. Infection is the usual mode of presentation amongst adult cases otherwise the condition usually remains asymptomatic. An infected urachal cyst is an important diagnosis to make as complications include sepsis, fistula formation, and rupture leading to peritonitis. Treatment is by complete excision, however, techniques have been debated. CONCLUSION This is a rare but important diagnosis however we recommend that in patients with atypical histories, it should be included in the differential diagnosis.