Remote Echography between a Ground Control Center and the International Space Station Using a Tele-operated Echograph with Motorized Probe

Echography is the most appropriate imaging modality for investigating astronauts. Unfortunately, it requires a great deal of training to perform ultrasound examinations, which can be difficult and time consuming, especially if the astronaut does not have a medical background. We designed a new echography system with motorized probes that allows for the majority of exam functions to be controlled by a ground-based sonographer. Using tele-operation, the sonographer controls the orientation of the transducer (tilt, rotation) and echograph settings (gain, depth, freeze) and triggers ultrasound functions (pulsed wave color Doppler, 3-D capture, radiofrequency data collection, elastography). With this system, astronauts are required to hold the motorized probe only at the locations indicated, with the remainder of the exam being conducted by the ground-based sonographer. During spaceflight, ultrasound imaging of the carotid artery, jugular vein, thyroid, liver, gallbladder, biliary tract and portal vein (2-D, 3-D, color, pulsed wave, radiofrequency) were successfully performed.     

2D, 3D, 4D : comment habiter après le traumatisme ?

AimsThis article seeks to develop a psychoanalytic conception of dwelling, taking into account the variations of space as they can be observed in the clinic of trauma and in the artistic experience.MethodAfter having presented a first psychoanalytic definition of dwelling as a “psychic production of space,” in connection with the positions of S. Freud and J. Lacan, Philippe Lançon's book Le Lambeau serves as a clinical reference, highlighting the variations between different types of space.ResultsThree types of spaces are identified and presented metapsychologically: three-dimensional space (3D) constructed by the ego; the two-dimensional space (2D) that manifests itself to the Subject, in particular in the repetitive emergence of traumatic scenes; finally, an artistic experience (both creation and reception) that needs to be thought through topologically, and therefore in four dimensions (4D).DiscussionThese three types of space need to be thought together, in particular because of a mute and dizzying common point between 2D and 4D. Several articulation models are presented and discussed, gradually making it possible to identify the therapeutic and ethical issues of different clinical orientations. In doing so, three successive definitions of a psychoanalytic approach to dwelling are also presented.ConclusionThe spatial dimension of trauma remains relatively under-studied. However, it offers valuable ways for intervention and clinical invention, especially if we consider the contribution of artistic experience. The enigmatic notion of dwelling can at last be understood here as the way in which these three spaces are produced by the structure of the unconscious.     

Immediate dental implant placement with a horizontal gap more than two millimetres: a randomized clinical trial

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the horizontal dimensional changes in buccal alveolar bone immediately after dental implant placement in the upper premolar area with horizontal gaps >2 mm. A total of 48 patients were enrolled in this randomized clinical trial and were randomly assigned to one of three groups. Group I (flap with graft; n = 16) patients received an immediate implant with bone graft, membrane, and primary flap closure. Group II (flap without graft; n = 16) patients received an immediate implant with primary flap closure only. Group III (flapless without graft; n = 16) patients received an immediate implant without graft, membrane, or primary closure. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were obtained preoperatively, immediately after implant placement, and at 6 months postoperative to evaluate horizontal dimensional changes in the buccal alveolar bone. Pain intensity was measured using a numerical rating scale. CBCT examinations revealed that bone had filled the horizontal gap in all three groups. Group II showed the greatest horizontal dimensional changes in the buccal alveolar bone, followed by group I. The least amount of change was recorded for group III. Furthermore, significantly less postoperative pain was recorded in group III when compared to the other groups. Short-term results suggest that the ‘flapless without graft’ technique shows similar results to the ‘flap with graft technique’ for immediate implant placement in the maxillary premolar extraction site with a horizontal gap >2 mm, when the bone plate is intact.     

Neurophysiological adaptations to spaceflight and simulated microgravity

Changes in physiological functions after spaceflight and simulated spaceflight involve several mechanisms. Microgravity is one of them and it can be partially reproduced with models, such as head down bed rest (HDBR). Yet, only a few studies have investigated in detail the complexity of neurophysiological systems and their integration to maintain homeostasis. Central nervous system changes have been studied both in their structural and functional component with advanced techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance (fMRI), showing the main involvement of the cerebellum, cortical sensorimotor, and somatosensory areas, as well as vestibular-related pathways. Analysis of electroencephalography (EEG) led to contrasting results, mainly due to the different factors affecting brain activity. The study of corticospinal excitability may enable a deeper understanding of countermeasures' effect, since greater excitability has been shown being correlated with better preservation of functions. Less is known about somatosensory evoked potentials and peripheral nerve function, yet they may be involved in a homeostatic mechanism fundamental to thermoregulation. Extending the knowledge of such alterations during simulated microgravity may be useful not only for space exploration, but for its application in clinical conditions and for life on Earth, as well.     

Spontaneous esophageal rupture managed with endoscopic closure using an over-the-scope clip: A case report

Introduction and importanceSpontaneous esophageal rupture is a life-threatening condition caused by a sudden increase in the intraesophageal pressure. While surgery is the mainstay of management for spontaneous esophageal ruptures, in recent years, an increasing number of patients have been managed with endoscopic interventions. We report a case of spontaneous esophageal rupture managed with endoscopic closure using an over-the-scope clip (Ovesco Endoscopy AG, Tübingen, Germany).Case presentationA 68-year-old female presented with epigastric pain and left-sided back pain following vomiting. A computed tomography scan revealed mediastinal emphysema and an esophagogram showed leakage from the left side of the lower thoracic esophagus into the mediastinum. The patient was diagnosed with spontaneous esophageal rupture localized to the mediastinum and was treated conservatively. However, she had persistent fever and continuing esophageal leakage on the esophagogram. On the 12th day of admission, a gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed, which found a 10-mm full-thickness longitudinal laceration on the left side of the lower esophagus. Endoscopic closure using an over-the-scope clip was performed. The next day, the patient became afebrile. One week later, esophagogram revealed slight residual leakage and an additional endoscopic closure using an over-the-scope clip was performed; the patient subsequently had an uneventful recovery and was discharged on the 44th day of admission.Clinical discussionEndoscopic closure using an over-the-scope clip led to a good outcome in this patient with spontaneous esophageal rupture.ConclusionEndoscopic closure using an over-the-scope clip is an effective and minimally invasive technique for selected patients with spontaneous esophageal rupture.