Characterization of the active bacterial community involved in natural attenuation processes in arsenic-rich creek sediments.

Acid mine drainage of the Carnoulès mine (France) is characterized by acid waters containing high concentrations of arsenic and iron. In the first 30 m along the Reigous, a small creek draining the site, more than 38% of the dissolved arsenic was removed by co-precipitation with Fe(III), in agreement with previous studies, which suggest a role of microbial activities in the co-precipitation of As(III) and As(V) with Fe(III) and sulfate. To investigate how this particular ecosystem functions, the bacterial community was characterized in water and sediments by 16S rRNA encoding gene library analysis.

Tracheal sleeve resection for iatrogenic stenoses (subglottic laryngeal and tracheal).

Since 1975 200 tracheal sleeve resections for iatrogenic tracheal and subglottic laryngeal stenoses have been performed in our institution. Preoperative Nd:YAG laser is of paramount help in opening the stenoses. Tracheography is usually performed to specify the length of the stenosis and the distance from the vocal cords.

[Injection of collagen in recurrent paralysis after thoracic surgery].

The author describes a new technique of treatment of recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis by intra-cordal injection of collagen after thoracic surgery. After description of the collagen used and the technique of injection, the author presents the results. It is a new method, simple, efficient, well tolerated, giving patients a voice, and treating their swallowing troubles.

Laser in bronchology: methods of application.

The method of application for the endoscopic resection by Nd-YAG-Laser closely depends on the choice of indications. The use of rigid bronchoscope is compulsory in the field of Laser, because of tracheobronchial obstruction in patients which are more or less on the verge of asphyxia. The resection is achieved under general anesthesia.