Geometric alignment and chromatic calibration of serial radiographic images.

OBJECTIVE: To develop software for automated registration and intensity calibration of serial dental radiographs for the analysis of longitudinal changes in bone density. METHODS: Serial dental radiographs were acquired using a positioning device designed to minimize projection divergence. Each radiograph included an image of a standardized aluminium wedge. The radiographs were scanned on a flatbed scanner (AGFA Duo Scan) with a spatial resolution of 300 dpi, and pixel intensity coded in 16-bit grey scale. The intensity was calibrated using serial images of selected areas with defined thickness of the aluminium wedge. A robust B-splines multiresolution registration algorithm was implemented to overcome the acquisition misalignment. Radiographs, taken before and after periodontal therapy, were subtracted to assess bone density evolution. RESULTS: The intensity calibration decreased the maximum intensity variations between serial radiographs from 30+/-17% to 1+/-1% (mean+/-standard deviation), and improved the visual comparison between the radiographs. The registration stage allowed correcting the misalignment of the radiographs on the scanner screen and superimposing the radiography contents. The observed residual motion was about 0.02+/-0.01 mm. CONCLUSION: Very user-friendly software was developed. The manipulator needs to scan the radiographs only one time. The software performs all subsequent processing steps.

[What shall I eat today? Survey about dietary habits of infants and toddlers in Valsesia]. / Cosa mangio oggi? Indagine sulle abitudini alimentari dei bambini fino a tre anni in Valsesia.

In April 2002 a survey was conducted about dietary habits of infants and toddlers attending kindergartens in Valsesia, through dietary journal compilation. From 149 answers (response rate = 70%) the results are: a limited vegetables consumption, with a potatoes excess and a legumes scarcity; only one half of children eats fruits daily; consumption of ham and cheese is higher than other proteinic foods; foods variety is weak and the menu is often repetitive in lunch and dinner.

Determination of endocrine-disrupting compounds in water samples by on-line solid-phase extraction-programmed-temperature vaporisation-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

We developed an automated on-line solid-phase extraction (SPE)-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method to determine a group of endocrine disruptors in water samples. The interface device used for connecting SPE with GC was a programmed-temperature vaporiser (PTV) whose liner was packed with Tenax. We optimized the parameters that affected both SPE and PTV working in solvent vent mode. The performance of the method was tested with several environmental water samples. The limits of detection of the method were between 0.001 and 0.036 microg l(-1) under full-scan acquisition mode. We determined phthalates and adipate in all real samples at concentrations between 0.11 and 8.10 microg l(-1). Atrazine and p,p'-DDE were also found in an irrigation stream water sample at 0.16 and 0.04 microg l(-1), respectively.

Application of on-line solid-phase extraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to the determination of endocrine disruptors in water samples.

We have applied a method based on solid-phase extraction (SPE), on-line coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry through an on-column interface, to determine a group of endocrine-disrupting compounds in water samples. We have optimised the parameters affecting the SPE process and transfer step and used the method to analyse river, coastal and tap waters. In the full-scan acquisition mode, all the compounds were determined by preconcentrating only 15 ml of water sample. Di-n-butyl phthalate, benzylbutyl phthalate, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate at concentrations between 0.02 and 0.5 microg l(-1) were determined in some real samples.

Trace determination of antifouling compounds by on-line solid-phase extraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

A new method based on solid-phase extraction (SPE) on-line coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry through an on-column interface has been applied to determine three antifouling compounds in water samples. Parameters affecting the SPE process and transfer step have been optimised and the method developed has been applied to the analysis of marinas, fishing ports and Ebro river water. The method allows the analytes to be detected at 0.01 microgram l-1 in SIM acquisition mode by preconcentrating only 10 ml of water sample. Different marina and fishing port water samples have been analysed and Irgarol 1051 has been found in some of them at a concentration level equal or lower than 0.05 microgram l-1.

[Inguinal pulsatile hematoma secondary to malignant melanoma invasion]. / Hematoma pulsátil inguinal secundario a invasión de melanoma maligno.

A case of an inguinal pulsatile hematoma, secondary to a malignant melanoma, is reported. Considerations about such type of diseases are made. Importance of anatomical Pathology is also noted.