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We provide an overview of the tools and techniques of resurgence theory used in the Borel-Ecalle resummation method, which we then apply to the massless Wess–Zumino model. Starting from already known results on the anomalous dimension of the Wess–Zumino model, we solve its renormalisation group equation for the two-point function in a space of formal series. We show that this solution is 1-Gevrey and that its Borel transform is resurgent. The Schwinger–Dyson equation of the model is then used to prove an asymptotic exponential bound for the Borel transformed two-point function on a star-shaped domain of a suitable ramified complex plane. This proves that the two-point function of the Wess–Zumino model is Borel-Ecalle summable.

After some background on lattices, the locality framework introduced in earlier work by the authors is extended to cover posets and lattices. We then extend the correspondence between Euclidean structures on vector spaces and orthogonal complementations to a one-one correspondence between a class of locality structures and orthocomplementations on bounded lattices. This recasts in the context of renormalisation classical results in lattice theory., 22 pages, 2 figures. Matches the version published in the special issue of SIGMA in honour of Giovanni Landi

From 't Hooft's argument, one expects that the analyticity domain of an asymptotically free quantum field theory is horned shaped. In the usual Borel summation, the function is obtained through a Laplace transform and thus has a much larger analyticity domain. However, if the summation process goes through the process called acceleration by Ecalle, one obtains such a horn shaped analyticity domain. We therefore argue that acceleration, which allows to go beyond standard Borel summation, must be an integral part of the toolkit for the study of exactly renormalisable quantum field theories. We sketch how this procedure is working and what are its consequences., Comment: 6 pages

The purpose of this paper is to build an algebraic framework suited to regularize branched structures emanating from rooted forests and which encodes the locality principle. This is achieved by means of the universal properties in the locality framework of properly decorated rooted forests. These universal properties are then applied to derive the multivariate regularization of integrals indexed by rooted forests. We study their renormalization, along the lines of Kreimer’s toy model for Feynman integrals.

Arborified zeta values are defined as iterated series and integrals using the universal properties of rooted trees. This approach allows to study their convergence domain and to relate them to multizeta values. Generalisations to rooted trees of the stuffle and shuffle products are defined and studied. It is further shown that arborifed zeta values are algebra morphisms for these new products on trees., Match the version to be published in Journal of Algebra. One diagram added, minor modifications

This is a survey on renormalisation in algebraic locality setup highlighting the role that locality morphisms can play for renormalisation purposes. After describing the general framework to build locality regularisation maps, we illustrate renormalisation by locality algebra homomorphisms on three examples, the renormalisation of conical zeta functions at poles, the definition of branched zeta functions and their evaluation at poles and finally the values of iterated integrals stemming from Kreimer's toy model. Resumen: Éste es un estudio sobre la renormalización en la configuración de la localidad algebraica, que resalta el papel que los morfismos de la localidad pueden desempeñar para los propósitos de la renormalización. Después de describir el marco general para construir mapas de regularización de la localidad, ilustramos la renormalización mediante homomorfismos de álgebras de la localidad en tres ejemplos, la renormalización de las funciones zeta cónica en los polos, la definición de las funciones zeta ramificadas y su evaluación en los polos y, finalmente, los valores de las integrales iteradas derivadas del modelo de juguete de Kreimer.

Using kinematic renormalization, we derive the Schwinger–Dyson equations for a massive Yukawa model and a Wess–Zumino-like one. Both have linear Schwinger–Dyson equations and a massive renormalized particle. An explicit solution is found in the IR limit of the non-supersymmetric case. Parametric solutions are found in the UV limit of the same model and for the supersymmetric model.

We study the mathematical structure underlying the concept of locality which lies at the heart of classical and quantum field theory, and develop a machinery used to preserve locality during the renormalisation procedure. Viewing renormalisation in the framework of Connes and Kreimer as the algebraic Birkhoff factorisation of characters on a Hopf algebra with values in a Rota-Baxter algebra, we build locality variants of these algebraic structures, leading to a locality variant of the algebraic Birkhoff factorisation. This provides an algebraic formulation of the conservation of locality while renormalising. As an application in the context of the Euler-Maclaurin formula on cones, we renormalise the exponential generating function which sums over the lattice points in convex cones. For a suitable multivariate regularisation, renormalisation from the algebraic Birkhoff factorisation amounts to composition by a projection onto holomorphic multivariate functions., 29 pages

Starting from the Schwinger--Dyson equation and the renormalization group equation for the massless Wess--Zumino model, we compute the dominant nonperturbative contributions to the anomalous dimension of the theory, which are related by alien calculus to singularities of the Borel transform on integer points. The sum of these dominant contributions has an analytic expression. When applied to the two-point function, this analysis gives a tame evolution in the deep euclidean domain at this approximation level, making doubtful the arguments on the triviality of the quantum field theory with positive \(\beta\)-function. On the other side, we have a singularity of the propagator for time like momenta of the order of the renormalization group invariant scale of the theory, which has a nonperturbative relationship with the renormalization point of the theory. All these results do not seem to have an interpretation in terms of semiclassical analysis of a Feynman path integral., Comment: 15 pages, one embedded tikz figure. v2: prose polishing and misprints corrections, additional references v3: stronger case for acceleration. Generally matches the published version

International audience; The Dyson–Schwinger equation of the massless Wess–Zumino model is written as an equation over the anomalous dimension of the theory. Its asymptotic behavior is derived and the procedure to compute the perturbations of this asymptotic behavior is detailed. This procedure uses ill-defined objects. To solve this, the Dyson–Schwinger equation is rewritten for the Borel plane. It is shown that the illdefined procedure in the physical plane can be applied in the Borel plane. Other results obtained in the Borel plane are stated and the proof for one result is described.

Resume Objectif Rapporter les regles de fonctionnement et l’activite du Comite d’ethique de la recherche en obstetrique et gynecologie (CEROG) cree en 2008. Les modalites pratiques de soumission sont decrites. Materiel et methodes Etude retrospective. Resultats Le Comite d’ethique de la recherche du College national des gynecologues et obstetriciens francais (CNGOF) a examine 65 projets d’etudes en 2008. Le nombre median d’etudes soumises etait de 5,5 par mois (IQR : 3,75–6,25). L’origine institutionnelle des soumissions etait la suivante : centre hospitalier universitaire (n = 63, 97 %), Inserm (n = 1), Inra (n = 1). Les projets de recherche soumis ont ete juges comme etant en conformite avec la legislation francaise et comme repondant aux principes scientifiques et ethiques dans 44 cas (68 %). Dans 13 cas (20 %), le projet d’etude a ete transmis a un comite de protection des personnes (CPP) car il relevait de la recherche biomedicale ou du « soin courant ». Dans six cas (9 %), les investigateurs n’ont pas repondu aux suggestions et demandes de modification du comite d’ethique. Dans deux cas (3 %), la fiche d’information a ete jugee non satisfaisante. Conclusion Le CEROG est le premier comite d’ethique de la recherche national specialise en gynecologie obstetrique, permettant de soumettre des etudes non interventionnelles.

The Batalin-Vilkovisky (BV) formalism is a powerful generalization of the BRST approach of gauge theories and allows to treat more general field theories. We will see how, starting from the case of a finite dimensional configuration space, we can see this formalism as a theory of integration for polyvectors over the shifted cotangent bundle of the configuration space, and arrive at a formula that admits a generalization to the infinite dimensional case. The process of gauge fixing and the observables of the theory will be presented., Comment: 11 pages, uses Tikz, to be published in the proceedings of the 2015 Villa de Leyva summer school

Resume Objectifs Demontrer la place primordiale des sages-femmes dans la pratique des reanimations neonatales en salle de naissance. Methodes Afin d’analyser les diverses pratiques professionnelles des sages-femmes en reanimation neonatale, nous avons interroge ces dernieres par l’intermediaire de questionnaires. Ceux-ci furent envoyes dans 33 maternites de Paris et d’IIe-de-France, tous niveaux de soins et statuts confondus. Un second questionnaire fut adresse aux pediatres de maternite, reconnus comme les professionnels de reference en matiere de reanimation du nouveau-ne. Resultats Il apparait que la presence du pediatre est le principal facteur influant sur l’activite des sages-femmes en reanimation du nouveau-ne. Le recrutement specialise des centres de type III, necessitant un pediatre sur place, ne permet pas aux sages-femmes de pratiquer regulierement. Neanmoins, meme lorsque le pediatre est dans l’etablissement, la sage-femme presente a chaque naissance sera forcement amenee a debuter seule une reanimation inopinee, n’ayant pas permis de prevenir le pediatre en antenatal (20 a 40 % des reanimations). Le pronostic neurologique de l’enfant depend des premiers gestes entrepris par la sage-femme. Celle-ci doit donc etre competente. Cependant, notre travail a demontre que la seule technique apparemment maitrisee par la sage-femme etait la ventilation au masque. Les situations ou elle se retrouve seule la mettent en difficulte. Lorsque le pediatre est d’astreinte, elle demande assistance aupres des anesthesistes-reanimateurs et du SMUR pediatrique. Conclusion 6 a 10 % des nouveau-nes necessitent une reanimation a la naissance. Plus de la moitie de ces situations sont previsibles en antenatal et permettent au pediatre de prendre en charge l’enfant en difficulte. Cependant, dans les maternites sans pediatre sur place, la sage-femme se retrouve en premiere ligne pour debuter les gestes. Ameliorer la securite des enfants necessite d’accentuer la formation pratique des sages-femmes en reanimation neonatale par un encadrement pediatrique regulier.

International audience; Tributyltin (TBT) pollution has been assessed in NW Brittany since 1992 using the bioindicator imposex in Nucella lapillus. The Bay of Brest is highly polluted by TBT and the outgoing water mass has contaminated the adjacent NW coasts. However environmental conditions have been improving in NW Brittany. The decrease in TBT pollution is most likely due to the reformulated antifouling paints (with slower leaching rates or TBT-free) that are used for civil and military careening activities in the Bay of Brest. An increase in imposex levels in 1998 could have been due to the launching of the aircraft carrier ŒCharles de Gaulle¹. It remains unknown when imposex levels reached their maximum because of the lack of annual surveys in 1996, 1997 and 1999. This underscores the need for annual surveys when using imposex as a monitoring tool. At 3 locations within the Bay of Brest, new populations of N. lapillus have appeared since 1998. At other stations, populations have grown in number of individuals and colonised adjacent rocks. The percentage of less severely affected imposex females (vas deferens sequence stage 3) has increased since 1998. As TBT could soon be banned from antifouling paints, further recovery of favourable environmental conditions for N. lapillus is expected.

Building on our previous works on perturbative solutions to a Schwinger-Dyson for the massless Wess-Zumino model, we show how to compute 1/n corrections to its asymptotic behavior. The coefficients are analytically determined through a sum on all the poles of the Mellin transform of the one loop diagram. We present results up to the fourth order in 1/n as well as a comparison with numerical results. Unexpected cancellations of zetas are observed in the solution, so that no even zetas appear and the weight of the coefficients is lower than expected, which suggests the existence of more structure in the theory., Comment: 16 pages, 2 figures. Some points clarified, typos corrected, matches the version to be published in Lett. Math. Phys

We map the Schwinger--Dyson equation and the renormalization group equation for the massless Wess--Zumino model in the Borel plane, where the product of functions get mapped to a convolution product. The two-point function can be expressed as a superposition of general powers of the external momentum. The singularities of the anomalous dimension are shown to lie on the real line in the Borel plane and to be linked to the singularities of the Mellin transform of the one-loop graph. This new approach allows us to enlarge the reach of previous studies on the expansions around those singularities. The asymptotic behavior at infinity of the Borel transform of the solution is beyond the reach of analytical methods and we do a preliminary numerical study, aiming to show that it should remain bounded., Comment: 21 pages, 2 figures, use Tikz New version includes corrections asked by referee

Objective: To compare oral anticoagulant treatment (fluindione) started on either the 1st or the 10th day of a low-molecular-weight heparin (enoxaparin) treatment for deep vein thrombosis confirmed by venography. Design: An open, multicenter, randomized study in two parallel treatment groups. Interventions: All patients received enoxaparin, 1 mg/kg s.c. twice daily, and oral fluindione, 20 mg once daily, either beginning on day 1 or on day 10 of the enoxaparin treatment. Enoxaparin was discontinued once the international normalized ratio under fluindione was stable between 2.0 and 3.0 over 2 days. Fluindione treatment was maintained during a 3-month follow-up period. Outcome Measurements: Specific examinations (venography and/or V/Q lung scanning and/or angiography) were performed only in the event of a clinically suspected recurrence of venous thromboembolism during the 3-month follow-up period. All cases were blindly assessed by an independent Reading Committee. Results: A clinically suspected venous thromboembolism was confirmed by objective tests in 1 of 223 patients (group of delayed introduction of fluindione; n = 111). Equivalence was demonstrated between the two treatment schedules (p < 0.0001) for a maximal difference of 10% (90% confidence interval: –2.42 to 0.58). The mean duration of hospitalization was significantly reduced (p = 0.0001) in the group with early introduction of fluindione. The incidence of hemorrhage was comparable between the two treatment groups. Conclusion: Early and delayed introduction of oral anticoagulant treatment in association with subcutaneous enoxaparin in patients with deep vein thrombosis was shown to be equivalent in preventing the recurrence of venous thromboembolism. In patients with early introduction of oral anticoagulant, hospitalization was significantly reduced.

A Phase I trial of carboplatin therapy was performed on patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer who had been previously treated with cisplatin, mitomycin and a vinca alkaloid. This was administered as a daily bolus infusion or as a continuous infusion for 6 weeks with concurrent daily thoracic radiation. All patients had to be objective responders or to show no change after chemotherapy. The carboplatin was started at 10 mg/m 2 per day, and increased to 15 mg/m 2 per day and 20 mg/m 2 per day, if treatment was feasible in successive cohorts of at least six patients. The radiation therapy consisted of 62–66 Gray on the tumor and the ipsilateral mediastinal nodes, 50 Gray on the mediastinum and 40–45 Gray on the supraclavicular lymph nodes. Twenty-nine patients took part in this study. Thrombocytopenia was the principal dose-limiting toxicity, with 15 mg/m 2 per day of bolus or continuous infusion. Other toxicities included a fall in haemoglobin level, a fall in white-blood cell count, nausea and vomiting. The median survival time is 12 months, but the response rate cannot be determined among patients selected on the basis of response to chemotherapy. The recommended Phase II dose for patients previously treated with cisplatin containing chemotherapy, is 10 mg/m 2 per day of either a bolus or continuous infusion.

Resume Une etude multicentrique, ouverte, randomisee, comparative a ete conduite en medecine de ville (67 medecins generalistes et pneumologues) sur deux groupes paralleles de patients atteints d'une exacerbation aigue presumee d'origine infectieuse bacterienne de bronchopneumopathie chronique obstructive (BPCO), afin de comparer l'efficacite clinique et la tolerance du cefadroxil et de l'association amoxicilline-acide clavulanique. Deux cent quarante quatre patients, d'âge moyen 62 ans, ont ete inclus, 126 dans le groupe cefadroxil et 118 dans le groupe amoxicilline-acide clavulanique. Apres verification des criteres d'eligibilite, consentement ecrit et randomisation, ils recevaient pendant 10 jours : soit cefadroxil a la dose de 2 g/j, soil l'association amoxicilline-acide clavulanique a la dose de 1,5 g/j. Les deux populations etaient comparables a l'inclusion a l'exception des deux criteres suivants : le sexe (p = 0,05) et le traitement adjuvant par kinesitherapie (p = 0,049). Une analyse complementaire a permis d'exclure tout effet de ces deux facteurs sur les resultats d'efficacite. La bronchite chronique etait l'etiologie principale de la BPCO pour 70,1 % des patients. Le stade 1 d'Anthonisen representait 63,5 % des patients et le stade 2, 34 % des patients. En ce qui concerne le critere principal (succes ou echec de l'antibiotique selon l'evolution des signes cliniques presents a J1), aucune difference significative n'a ete retrouvee entre les deux groupes de traitement avec respectivement 94,4 % de succes pour cefadroxil et 95,8 % pour l'association amoxicilline-acide clavulanique (analyse en intention de traiter). Aucune difference significative n'a ete observee entre les deux groupes de traitement pour le delai de regression des signes cliniques (delai moyen : 4,5 jours). La tolerance clinique globale a ete jugee bonne et comparable dans les deux groupes etudies. Cependant le nombre rapporte de diarrhees etait significativement plus important dans le groupe amoxicilline-acide clavulanique (p = 0,001). L'efficacite et la tolerance clinique du cefadroxil, observees au cours de cette etude, demontrent qu'il est un antibiotique de choix pour le traitement de premiere intention des surinfections de BPCO rencontrees en pratique liberale et qu'il s'inscrit parfaitement dans le cadre des References Medicales Opposables.

Resume Le cefaclor et l'association amoxicilline-acide clavulanique (AAC) sont utilises depuis de nombreuses annees au cours des surinfections de bronchite chronique. Le but de cette etude etait de reevaluer ces deux molecules au cours d'un essai clinique comparatif dans cette indication. Il s'agissait d'une etude clinique prospective, multicentrique (7 centres), ouverte et randomisee. Quatre-vingt-neuf patients ont ete inclus, 48 avec cefaclor (250 mg, 3 prises par jour, 10 a 15 jours) et 41 avec amoxicilline-acide clavulanique (500 mg trois prises par jour, 10 a 15 jours). Les 2 groupes etaient comparables selon l'âge, le sexe ratio, le debit de pointe moyen, les traitements associes et la duree moyenne de traitement. Pour mieux definir la comparabilite des 2 groupes au moment de l'inclusion une classification originale en 3 stades a ete proposee en fonction du croisement de criteres infectiologiques de gravite (niveau de purulence et volume de l'expectoration) et de criteres pneumologiques (niveau de dyspnee). Il n'y avait pas de difference entre les 2 groupes therapeutiques. Il n'y avait pas de difference significative entre les deux antibiotiques, a la fin du traitement 28 guerisons ou ameliorations marquees sur 35 pour AAC et 31 sur 43 pour Cefaclor, a la visite de controle (J30–40) la guerison etait confirmee 19 fois sur 27 patients pour AAC et 27 sur 31 pour cefaclor. Les auteurs concluent d'une part a une efficacite comparable des deux regimes therapeutiques en argumentant sur le taux d'echec plus eleve que ceux decrits dans la litterature et d'autre part sur la bonne tolerance du cefaclor.

Summary Purpose The purpose of the study was to assess the possible benefit of the combination vinorelbine (NVB)-cisplatin (DDP) in comparison with NVB alone in advanced non- small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), not treated previously. It also involved confirmation of the efficacy of vinorelbine as monotherapy. Patients and methods In this phase 111 trial, 231 eligible patients were stratified by centre and randomized to receive either NVB alone, 30 mg/m2/week or the combination of NVB 30 mg/m2/week and DDP 80 mg/m2/3 weeks. Patients were to be treated for a minimum of 6 weeks, with the first response assessment performed 9 weeks after the beginning of treatment. Results The two groups differed in terms of objective response rates (16% and 43%, respectively, p = 0.0001) and median time to progression (10 weeks and 20 weeks, p = 0.0001). However, the difference was not significant for median survival time (32 weeks, 33 weeks, p = 0.48). The addition of DDP resulted in an increase in toxicity, in particular renal, hematologic, neurologic and emetic. This toxicity led to treatment discontinuation in 8% and 21% of patients, respectively. Respectively 3% and 13% of patients stopped treatment early during objective response (toxicity or refusal). Conclusions The NVB-DDP combination increased objective response rates and time to progression in comparison with NVB alone, but did not influence the survival of patients. The activity of NVB in the treatment of advanced NSCLC was confirmed.

To report the rules and the activity of the institutional review board of the French college of obstetricians and gynecologists (Comité d'éthique de la recherche en obstétrique et gynécologie [CEROG]) created in 2008. The submission requirements are also described.Retrospective study.The Ethical Review Committee [institutional review board of the French college of obstetricians and gynecologists (CNGOF)] CEROG have examined 65 project studies in 2008. The median number of submitted studies was 5.5 per month (IQR: 3.75-6.25). The origins of the submission were as follows: tertiary care university hospitals (n=63, 97 %), Inserm (n=1), INRA (n=1). Researches were found to be in conformity with the French laws and regulations, to conform to generally accepted scientific principles and medical research ethical standards in 44 cases (68 %). In 13 cases (20 %), the study has been forwarded to the Persons Protection Committee (PPC) since it concerned biomedical research or "usual care research" (soin courant). In six cases (9 %), the investigators have not responded to IRB suggestions. In two cases (3 %), the information form has been judged unsatisfactory.The CEROG is the first national IRB in obstetrics and gynecology. This new committee clarifies IRB submission procedure in France concerning non-interventional studies in the field of obstetrics and gynecology.

Optimal dosage for chemotherapy administered to patients on chronic hemodialysis remains a difficult question. We report the case of a patient with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis for 9 years who was treated for small-cell lung cancer. The chemotherapy protocol combined carboplatin and etoposide at doses adapted to creatinine clearance. Tumor regression was observed after 6 cycles without major intolerance.

Since a high tissue penetration of dirithromycin (D) has been assessed in early studies, the aims of this study were to determine D concentrations in bronchial mucosa and secretions in patients suffering from an acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (AECB), to compare intra-individual bronchial mucosa and secretion concentrations and to relate bronchial concentrations of D and clinical efficacy. The main inclusion criteria were comprised of (1) AECB, defined by the presence of an increase in dyspnea, sputum production and change in sputum purulence, and (2) clinical indication of fiberoptic bronchoscopy allowing performance of bronchial biopsies. All patients were treated with a 500-mg once-daily D dose for 5 days. Patients were randomly divided into three groups, according to sampling times (24, 48 and 72 h after the last dose). Tissue concentration analyses were performed by one blinded microbiologist (microbiological agar diffusion assay). The results showed: (1) 37 out of the 46 patients (80.4%) had a favorable response to treatment at the time of fiberoptic bronchoscopy (14 cured, 23 improved); (2) bronchial mucosa concentrations were high in all groups, and (3) mean values at 24, 48 and 72 h after the last dose were respectively 6.51 ± 1.44, 6.61 ± 2.7, 5.67 ± 1.02 mg·kg–1; no statistical difference was observed between the groups. In bronchial secretions collected simultaneously, concentrations were lower, i.e. 1.26 ± 0.3, 0.61 ± 0.12, 0.84 ± 0.12. Significant associations were observed between bronchial mucosa and secretion concentrations (r = 0.71, p = 0.0001), and between clinical response and bronchial concentrations (p = 0.03, Kruskall-Wallis test). In conclusion, these results may confirm the clinical significance of tissue concentrations measured in bronchial tissues of patients with AECB.

We describe a 28-year-old subject employed as a roofer in a construction company since the age of 19, who developed work-related symptoms of a cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, rhinitis and headaches. A description of a usual day at work suggested that the symptoms worsened while he was sawing corrugated fiber cement. Baseline spirometry was normal, and there was a mild bronchial hyperresponsiveness to carbachol. A skin patch test to chromium was negative. A specific inhalation challenge showed a boderline fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) after exposure to fiber cement dust. Exposure to nebulization of potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7), at 0.1 mg·ml–1 for 30 min, was followed by an immediate fall by 20% FEV1. Simultaneously, a significant increase in bronchial hyperresponsiveness was demonstrated.

International audience; Previous studies have suggested the utility of D-Dimer ELISA assays in eliminating a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE). Our objectives were to evaluate the performance of a new, rapid, quantitative, and automated Liatest D-Dimer Assay in patients with suspected PE. Three hundred eighty-six consecutive patients referred to our institution between March 1992 and December 1996 for clinically suspected PE, with recent clinical signs not exceeding 1 wk, were included in this study. Diagnosis of PE was based on clinical evaluation, radionuclide lung imaging, lower limb examination, and, when required, pulmonary angiography. D-Dimer performances, for both Liatest D-Dimer and standard D-Dimer ELISA (Asserachrom DDi), assays, were assessed at the end of the study. Among the 386 patients tested, 146 (37.8%) were classified as PE-positive. Liatest D-Dimer assay had a 100% sensitivity (95% confidence interval, 97 to 100%) and a negative predictive value of 100% (95% confidence interval, 94 to 100%). A normal result, below the cutoff of 500 ng/ml, occurred in 83 of the 386 (21%) patients. There was a strong agreement between Liatest D-Dimer and Asserachrom DDi analyses. These findings suggest that this rapid, quantitative, and automated D-Dimer assay provides a useful diagnostic tool for the clinician with regard to exclusion of PE.

International audience; In previous studies, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) for plasma D-dimer analysis have demonstrated high sensitivity, suggesting their potential usefulness in excluding deep venous thrombosis (DVT). We evaluated the usefulness of a new D-dimer test (Liatest D-dimer) for suspected DVT in a prospective study of patients admitted to the hospital because of recent (not exceeding 1 week before admission) clinical signs. Contrast venography or compression ultrasonography or both were performed within 24 hours of admission. A new quantitative determination of D-dimer concentration using a suspension of microlatex particles coated with specific antibodies was tested. A standard plasma D-dimer ELISA measurement was also performed. Of 464 patients, 276 had a proven DVT (distal, 74; proximal, 202). For a cutoff level of 400 ng/mL, sensitivity of the Liatest method in the diagnosis of overall DVT was 94.6% (95% confidence interval, 92.0%-97.0%), and the specificity was 35% (95% confidence interval, 28%-42%). The sensitivity and negative predictive value were 98.5% and 95.6%, respectively, in the diagnosis of proximal DVT, but only 83.8% and 84.6%, respectively, in the diagnosis of distal DVT. This new rapid Liatest D-dimer assay seems to be highly sensitive and could replace the ELISA method in excluding patients with proximal DVT. Both methods provide lower sensitivity for distal DVT.

The Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) is a well-validated instrument. Our objectives were to explore the cross-sectional validity of the French version, using usual outcomes of asthma, as well as assessment of knowledge of asthma, self-management and compliance. A self-administered version of the AQLQ was given to 124 consecutive patients recruited from two out-patient clinics and an emergency room in order to reflect a wide range of asthma severity. The other outcomes of asthma measured were the FEV1, patient-perceived asthma severity using a visual analogue scale, compliance, knowledge of asthma condition and self-management autonomy. Correlations were predicted before analysis ( r0.5, strong correlation, ++ r = 0.35-0.5, moderate correlation and + r = 0.20-0.35, fair correlation). The AQLQ scores correlated moderately to strongly with asthma severity and fairly with the pulmonary function results. Of the behavioural outcomes assessed, only knowledge of asthma correlated fairly with the AQLQ scores, as expected. This study of the French version of the AQLQ, while showing similar cross-sectional correlations with functional assessment and asthma severity to those observed with the original English version, suggested in addition a positive association between quality of life and knowledge of asthma.

A Phase I trial of carboplatin therapy was performed on patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer who had been previously treated with cisplatin, mitomycin and a vinca aklaloïd. This was administered as a daily bolus infusion or as a continuous infusion for 6 weeks with concurrent daily thoracic radiation. All patients had to be objective responders or to show no change after chemotherapy. The carboplatin was started at 10 mg/m2 per day, and increased to 15 mg/m2 per day and 20 mg/m2 per day, if treatment was feasible in successive cohorts of at least six patients. The radiation therapy consisted of 62-66 Gray on the tumor and the ipsilateral mediastinal nodes, 50 Gray on the mediastinum and 40-45 Gray on the supraclavicular lymph nodes. Twenty-nine patients took part in this study. Thrombocytopenia was the principal dose-limiting toxicity, with 15 mg/m2 per day of bolus or continuous infusion. Other toxicities included a fall in haemoglobin level, a fall in white-blood cell count, nausea and vomiting. The median survival time was 12 months, but the response rate cannot be determined among patients selected on the basis of response to chemotherapy. The recommended Phase II dose for patients previously treated with cisplatin containing chemotherapy, is 10 mg/m2 per day of either a bolus or continuous infusion.

International audience; BACKGROUND: The value of a risk factor analysis in the presence of a clinically suspected deep venous thrombosis (DVT) has been assessed mainly in inpatient populations. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the potential association between DVT and acquired circumstances suspected as risk factors, in a cohort of outpatients with a clinically suspected DVT. METHODS: Consecutive outpatients referred for a clinically suspected DVT, with recent clinical signs, not exceeding 1 week, were included. Before venography, all patients were interviewed by a trained physician to detect the presence of risk factors. RESULTS: From March 1992 to February 1994, 277 patients were included; venography was positive in 162 (58.4%). Five independent variables were significantly associated with the occurrence of DVT; in a multivariate analysis, 64.7% of patients were correctly classified; odds ratios for having DVT in the presence of these underlying conditions were respectively: 1.75 for age over 65 years, 1.68 for prior history of venous thromboembolism, 1.69 for high risk circumstances (any type of surgery or leg trauma within the past 3 months), 5.59 for malignancy, and 2.56 for varicose veins. CONCLUSIONS: In outpatients referred for a clinically suspected DVT, recognition of associated conditions might increase the certainty of the diagnosis.

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a malignant tumour generally observed in children or adolescents; thoracic localization is rare. The authors report a case of embryonary rhabdomyosarcoma of the thoracic wall in a 36-year-old subject. Pathology examination of surgical specimens confirmed the diagnosis. Treatment included surgical exeresis together with pre- and post-operative chemotherapy combining doxorubicine (40 mg/m2/cycle), ifosfamide (6 g/m2/cycle) and dacarbazine (900 mg/m2/cycle). Local recurrence, requiring radiotherapy, was observed a few months later and led to the patient's death after a 9-month clinical course.

Adjuvant treatments of non-small cell lung cancer (radiotherapy and chemotherapy) before or after surgery, have been tested in numerous trials, more particularly as regards postoperative chemotherapy. For a long time the results were disappointing, and in randomized studies none of the therapeutic regimens prescribed could improve the patient’s survival. New hopes of advances in this matter were raised by Goldie and Coldman [1] whose mathematical concept recommended a systemic treatment applied as early as possible in cases with localized tumour. The advent of Platinum [2], the results obtained in metastatic tumours by some associations with Platinum and those obtained in localized tumours by chemotherapy-radiotherapy [3] have been promising. Many phase II studies have shown that surgery was feasible after 2 or 3 cycles of chemotherapy [4, 8] even thought 1 of them [9] had observed a high rate of progression after chemotherapy which prevented surgery.

We report the case of an asymptomatic 51-year-old man, presenting with chest X-ray abnormalities consisting in multiple pulmonary nodules; the diagnosis of mesenchymal cystic hamartoma of the lung was made by an open lung biopsy, revealing both nodules of mesenchymal cells and cysts with a lining of normal or metaplastic epithelium. Clinical and pathological characteristics of this rare entity are reviewed.

Formoterol aerosol, a long-acting new beta 2-mimetic was administered over a year at a dose of 12 micrograms twice daily, to 62 chronic obstructive bronchitics of mean age 66 +/- 6 years and of whom the basal VEMS was at 12,801 +/- 0.59. Clinical tolerance of the product was good with undesirable effects in 13 patients, the most frequent being shaking. No untoward effect was seen on systolic or diastolic arterial pressure, or the heart rate over successive visits at 1, 3, 6, 9 months and one year. Electrocardiographic surveillance found in only four patients electrical abnormalities that may be due to Formoterol, these were patients without previous cardiac problems but of advanced mean age. Functionally, a significant improvement of basal VEMS was noticed from the 6th month. The VEMS improved significantly after administration of 12 micrograms on successive visits, without tachyphylactic signs. Well tolerated, with functional benefits, Formoterol is a promising product amongst the long-acting beta 2-mimetics. Its usefulness and limitations in the basic treatment of these chronic bronchopathies remains to be defined.

We report the results of a combined of chemotherapy with CDDP and 5 FU repeated every 3 weeks in sixteen men (age range 31-73 years) with brain metastases. CT was performed after 2, 4 and 6 cycles to assess efficiency. Response was considered complete when no lesion was found on the CT scan and partial when the lesion shrunk to least half its the total volume. After two cycles, the response rate was 8/16 (50%). Treatment toxicity was mild with only one case of severe but reversible myelotoxicity (grade III). CDDP and 5 FU combined chemotherapy can be a useful treatment for brain metastasis of lung carcinoma.

Chemotherapy is not a common treatment for cerebral metastases. The authors report results of combination chemotherapy with cisplatin (CDDP) and fluorouracil (5-FU). Sixteen men (age range 31-73 years) with brain metastases were treated with CDDP 20 mg/m2/day in continuous infusion for 5 days (d 1-5) and 5-FU 1 g/m2/day in continuous infusion for 4 days (d 1-4), and the treatment schedule repeated every 3 weeks. A brain computerized tomography after 2, 4 and 6 cycles was performed to assess efficacy. It was considered that complete response was achieved if no lesion was found on the CT scan, and partial response if at least half of the total volume had decreased. After 2 cycles, the response rate was therefore 8/16 (50%). Treatment toxicity was very mild with only 1 case of severe but reversible myelotoxicity (grade III). It is concluded that chemotherapy combination with CDDP and 5-FU is a useful treatment for brain metastasis of lung carcinoma.

A Phase I trial of carboplatin therapy was performed on patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer who had been previously treated with cisplatin, mitomycin and a vinca alkaloid. This was administered as a daily bolus infusion or as a continuous infusion for 6 weeks with concurrent daily thoracic radiation. All patients had to be objective responders or to show no change after chemotherapy. The carboplatin was started at 10 mg/m 2 per day, and increased to 15 mg/m 2 per day and 20 mg/m 2 per day, if treatment was feasible in successive cohorts of at least six patients. The radiation therapy consisted of 62–66 Gray on the tumor and the ipsilateral mediastinal nodes, 50 Gray on the mediastinum and 40–45 Gray on the supraclavicular lymph nodes. Twenty-nine patients took part in this study. Thrombocytopenia was the principal dose-limiting toxicity, with 15 mg/m 2 per day of bolus or continuous infusion. Other toxicities included a fall in haemoglobin level, a fall in white-blood cell count, nausea and vomiting. The median survival time is 12 months, but the response rate cannot be determined among patients selected on the basis of response to chemotherapy. The recommended Phase II dose for patients previously treated with cisplatin containing chemotherapy, is 10 mg/m 2 per day of either a bolus or continuous infusion.

Between April, 1981, and December, 1982, 32 patients with squamous cell bronchial carcinoma were treated with a chemotherapy regimen followed by operation. The preoperative chemotherapeutic agents used were cisplatin, bleomycin, and mitomycin C. A thoracotomy was performed 3 to 4 weeks after the last day of the last treatment. Of the 29 undergoing resection, three (10.3%) had no tumor cells in the resected specimen and four (12.5 %) had only a few neoplastic microcenters in tissue necrosis or fibrosis. We suggest that the use of this new chemotherapy combination with surgical resection provides excellent palliation, increases resectability, and has a potential for increasing the cure rate in squamous cell carcinoma of the lung.