Long-term evolution of multilocus traits.

We analyze monomorphic equilibria of long-term evolution for one or two continuous traits, controlled by an arbitrary number of autosomal loci and subject to constant viability selection. It turns out that fitness maximization always obtains at long term equilibria, but in the case of two traits, linkage determines the precise nature of the fitness measure that is maximized. We then consider local convergence to long term equilibria, for two multilocus traits subject to either constant or frequency dependent selection. From a model of long-term dynamics near an equilibrium we derive a criterion of local long-term stability for 2-dimensional equilibria. It turns out that mutation can be a decisive factor for stability.

Differential fertility as a mechanism maintaining balanced polymorphisms in Sardinia.

Women's fertility, gathered from the 1961 Italian population census, and estimates of heterozygote frequencies for thalassemia and G6PD deficiency (Siniscalco et al. 1961, 1966) in 52 Sardinian villages were examined to study at the population level the mechanisms that have maintained the stability of these polymorphisms over long periods. Sardinian villages were classified according to low or high frequency of heterozygotes, and the reproductive behavior of the women living in these areas was analyzed. A high mean number of children per woman and a low percentage of women without children with a high heterozygote frequency was demonstrated. The observed differential fertility and sterility were interpreted as being the result of different numeric ratios within each area between normal homozygous and heterozygous women, who were less and more resistant, respectively, to malarial infection, according to Haldane's theory. The effect of differing degrees of malaria on fertility rates has been demonstrated previously (Zei et al. 1990). To account for the effect of the genetic and epidemiological composition of an area on reproductive behavior, we classified data on women's fertility and sterility by heterozygote frequency level and malarial morbidity level. A combined and direct effect of inherited and acquired immunities on fertility and sterility rates was shown. The level of endemicity in an area may contribute to decreasing or increasing fitness, which is already influenced by the stable balanced polymorphisms.

Clinical experience in gynecological cancer management. Endometrial cancer: report from the gynecological institutes of Padua university (1963-1989).

A complete review of case series from 1963 to 1969 (603 patients) permits some considerations and conclusions on the clinical management of endometrial cancer. In the aims of prophylaxis, prevention and early diagnosis, personalized, not routine mass screenings, are the best in clinical practice by gynecologists. Surgical Pathological Staging (SPS) is mandatory for adequate treatment and prognosis. Operability is now 96%, with surgical pathological radicality in 98% of operated patients. In early stages lymphnode involvement was low (5%), in advanced, high (31%). In uterine cancer the simple surgical exploration, when negative, is reliable in 90.9% for parametrial and 89.9% for lymphnodal status; consequently in early stages surgical exploration can lead to pelvic lymphadenectomy, or not. Simple surgical operations are almost always enough for good radicality, while enlarged operations must be personalized only in particular advanced cases. Five-year survival is better with surgery alone in the early stages (SPS A1-A2) rather than surgery plus integrated therapies. On the contrary, in advanced stages limited to the corpus uteri (SPS A3) surgery plus integrated therapies gives the best results in 5-year survival rates. In advanced cases growing outside the corpus uteri (SPS B) both surgery alone and surgery plus integrated therapy are disappointing, and the 5-year survival is the same. The incidence of vaginal cuff relapses is the same, with or without complementary radiotherapy, which we have abandoned. Close follow-up allows for the early treatment of relapses, improving quality of life and survival.

CA-125 serum level in the diagnosis of pelvic masses: comparison with other methods.

The Authors have evaluated the diagnostic contribution offered by the serum dosage of the antigen CA-125 in the diagnostics of pelvic masses. This method has been compared with the objective and echographic evaluation, as a noninvasive method of enquiry in the diagnosis of malignant neoplasias of the ovary. The Authors endorse the increase in diagnostic sensitivity brought about by the evaluation of this marker, above all if it is inserted into an integrated diagnosis.