[Experimental studies of biodegradable ureteral stent prototype].

Degradable ureteral stent not requiring redo procedure for removal is an important issue in modern urology. This device could solve the problem of «forgotten stent» often leading to long-term complications. The authors describe the prototype of biodegradable ureteral stent based on poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) and present the first results of its testing.

On the homogenization of the acoustic wave propagation in perforated ducts of finite length for an inviscid and a viscous model.

The direct numerical simulation of the acoustic wave propagation in multiperforated absorbers with hundreds or thousands of tiny openings would result in a huge number of basis functions to resolve the microstructure. One is, however, primarily interested in effective and so homogenized transmission and absorption properties and how they are influenced by microstructure and its endpoints. For this, we introduce the surface homogenization that asymptotically decomposes the solution in a macroscopic part, a boundary layer corrector close to the interface and a near-field part close to its ends.

Monitoring of laryngopharyngeal reflux: influence of meals and beverages.

Ambulatory 24-hour double-probe pH monitoring seems to be the best test to measure reflux. Artifacts caused by intake of acid foods and beverages have to be excluded, necessitating a time-consuming manual review of the 24-hour data. Dietary restrictions used to bypass these artifacts would interfere with the normal daily life situation.

Gastropharyngeal and gastroesophageal reflux in globus and hoarseness.

Background: The role of gastropharyngeal reflux in patients with globus pharyngeus and hoarseness remains unclear.

Objective: To evaluate patients with complaints of globus, hoarseness, or globus and hoarseness combined for the presence of gastropharyngeal and gastroesophageal reflux.

Design: Prospective clinical cohort study of 3 groups of patients undergoing ambulatory 24-hour double-probe pH monitoring.