Contact X-ray microscopy of living cells by using LiF crystal as imaging detector.

In this paper, the use of lithium fluoride (LiF) as imaging radiation detector to analyse living cells by single-shot soft X-ray contact microscopy is presented. High resolved X-ray images on LiF of cyanobacterium Leptolyngbya VRUC135, two unicellular microalgae of the genus Chlamydomonas and mouse macrophage cells (line RAW 264.7) have been obtained utilizing X-ray radiation in the water window energy range from a laser plasma source. The used method is based on loading of the samples, the cell suspension, in a special holder where they are in close contact with a LiF crystal solid-state X-ray imaging detector. After exposure and sample removal, the images stored in LiF by the soft X-ray contact microscopy technique are read by an optical microscope in fluorescence mode. The clear image of the mucilaginous sheath the structure of the filamentous Leptolyngbya and the visible nucleolus in the macrophage cells image, are noteworthiness results. The peculiarities of the used X-ray radiation and of the LiF imaging detector allow obtaining images in absorption contrast revealing the internal structures of the investigated samples at high spatial resolution. Moreover, the wide dynamic range of the LiF imaging detector contributes to obtain high-quality images. In particular, we demonstrate that this peculiar characteristic of LiF detector allows enhancing the contrast and reveal details even when they were obscured by a nonuniform stray light.

Open tension-free Lichtenstein repair of inguinal hernia: use of fibrin glue versus sutures for mesh fixation.

PURPOSE: To investigate pain and other complications following inguinal hernioplasty performed by the Lichtenstein technique with mesh fixation by fibrin glue or sutures. METHODS: Five hundred and twenty patients were enrolled in this 12-month observational multicenter study and received either sutures or fibrin glue (Tissucol(®)/Tisseel(®)) based on the preference of the surgeon. Pain, numbness, discomfort, recurrence, and other complications were assessed postoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Pain intensity was assessed by a visual analog scale (VAS; 0 [no pain] to 10 [worst pain]). RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-one patients received sutures and 349 received fibrin glue. During the early postoperative phase, 87.4% of patients in the fibrin glue group and 76.6% of patients in the sutures group were complication-free (P = 0.001). Patients who received fibrin glue were also less likely to experience hematoma/ecchymosis than those in the suture group (both P = 0.001). The mean pain score was significantly lower in the fibrin group than the sutures group (2.5 vs. 3.2, P < 0.001). At 1 month, significantly fewer patients in the fibrin glue group reported pain, numbness, and discomfort compared with patients in the sutures group (all P < 0.05). Fibrin glue patients also experienced less intense pain (0.6 vs. 1.2; P = 0.001). By 3 months, the between-group differences had disappeared, except for numbness, which was more prevalent in the sutures group. By 12 months, very few patients reported complications. CONCLUSIONS: Tissucol fibrin glue for mesh fixation in the Lichtenstein repair of inguinal hernia shows advantages over sutures, including lower incidence of complications such as pain, numbness, and discomfort, and should be considered as a first-line option for mesh fixation in hernioplasty.

Polarimetry as a valid means to reduce optical noise in underwater 3D imaging by means of amplitude-modulated laser optical radar systems.

We report the results of a series of underwater imaging experiments in the visible, carried out at ENEA (Frascati, Rome) by using a bistatic, amplitude-modulated laser optical radar system. In these experiments, polarimetry is used for minimizing the water backscattering signal and improving the accuracy of phase measurements directly related to distance. The presented technique enables one to obtain 3D images of underwater real scenes characterized by high quality, space resolution, and contrast. The results are of remarkable importance for applications in the 3D imaging of submerged objects, such as submarine archaeological sites.

Experimental evidence of signal-optical noise interferencelike effect in underwater amplitude-modulated laser optical radar systems.

We report experimental evidence that in an amplitude-modulated laser optical radar system for underwater 3D imaging the observed contrast oscillations as a function of the modulation frequency originate from an interference-like effect between target signal VT and water backscattered radiation VW. The demonstration relies on the ability to perform a direct measurement of VW in a 25 m long test tank. The proposed data processing method enables one to remove the contribution of water backscattering from the detected signal and drastically reduce signal fluctuations due to the medium. Experiments also confirm the possibility to improve the signal to optical noise ratio and contrast by increasing the modulation frequency.

SNOM images of X-ray radiographs at nano-scale stored in a thin layer of lithium fluoride.

In this work, we report a method to observe soft X-ray radiographs at nanoscale of various kind of samples, biological and metallic, stored in a thin layer of lithium fluoride, employing scanning near-field optical microscopy with an optical resolution that reaches 50 nm. Lithium fluoride material works as a novel image detector for X-ray nano-radiographs, due to the fact that extreme ultraviolet radiation and soft X-rays efficiently produce stable point defects emitting optically stimulated visible luminescence in a thin surface layer. The bi-dimensional distribution of the so-created defects depends on the local nanostructure of the investigated sample.

Improvement in underwater phase measurement of an amplitude-modulated laser beam by polarimetric techniques.

The phase of the amplitude-modulated radiation reflected by a Lambertian target immersed in water was measured by using a linearly and circularly polarized sounding laser beam. Different values of the water extinction coefficient in the range of 0.06 - 2 m(-1) were realized by adding skim milk as a scattering element. It is shown that very efficient rejection of optical noise, resulting in reliable phase measurements, is accomplished with a cross-polarized and copolarized detection scheme for linear and circular polarization, respectively. The experiment demonstrates that phase measurements are very sensitive to optical noise suppression and that, as far as single scattering is the main involved mechanism, significant improvements can be achieved by adopting a polarization control on both the transmitter and the receiver stages of the apparatus.

Analysis of high- n dielectronic Rydberg satellites in the spectra of Na -like Zn XX and Mg -like Zn XIX.

We have observed spectra from highly charged zinc ions in a variety of laser-produced plasmas. Spectral features that are Na - and Mg -like satellites to high- n Rydberg transitions in the Ne -like Zn XXI spectrum are analyzed and modeled. Identifications and analysis are made by comparison with highly accurate atomic structure calculations and steady state collisional-radiative models. Each observed Zn XX and Zn XIX feature comprises up to approximately 2 dozen individual transitions, these transitions are excited principally by dielectronic recombination through autoionizing levels in Na - and Mg -like Zn19+ and Zn18+. We find these satellites to be ubiquitous in laser-produced plasmas formed by lasers with pulse lengths that span four orders of magnitude, from 1 ps to approximately 10 ns. The diagnostic potential of these Rydberg satellite lines is demonstrated.

[Acute cholecystitis in videolaparoscopy]. / La colecistite acuta in videolaparoscopia.

The authors describe their experience in 15 cases of acute cholecystitis treated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy in emergency. Only in one patient, affected with an abscess of the upper right abdominal space, a laparotomy was performed. The results were excellent. The 14 patients treated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy were quickly discharged from the hospital (on an average 4 days after the surgical treatment) and the convalescence period was very short (range 10-15 days). In the patient treated with laparotomic cholecystectomy the postoperatory period was regular.

Diagnosis of thyroid metastasis of colonic adenocarcinoma by fine needle aspiration biopsy.

A case of thyroid metastasis from colonic adenocarcinoma was diagnosed by fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy. The FNA specimen from the thyroid nodule contained tall columnar cells consistent with the intestinal primary. Staining of the tumor cells for thyroglobulin was negative. Histologic examination of the excised nodule, which was removed due to its rapid growth and risk of skin ulceration, confirmed the FNA diagnosis. FNA biopsy in such cases should be able to distinguish between a second primary neoplasm, which would be removed, and a metastasis, which would usually not be surgically treated.

[24-hour pH measurement and Holter ECG monitoring in studying patients with angina-like chest pain. Our experience]. / pH-metria 24 ore e monitoraggio ECG Holter nello studio di pazienti con dolore toracico simil anginoso. Nostra esperienza.

Preliminary experience with the combined use of 24 pH-metering and Holter ECG monitoring in the differential diagnosis of angina-like-pain (ALP) is reported. Twenty patients aged 24-65 (15 females and 5 males) all with angina-like-pain were studied. The aim of the study was to differentiate between oesophageal and cardiac causes of the various types of chest pain and to investigate the possibility of their coexistence. 50% of the ALP patients with a negative non-invasive cardiological report presented a pathological gastroesophageal reflux. In 5% of the cases simultaneous coronary insufficiency and pathological gastro-oesophageal reflux was noted. The importance of performing both Holter recordings and pH-metering before subjecting patients to coronarography is therefore emphasised.

[Doppler diagnosis in the localization of incompetent perforating veins]. / L'esame Doppler nella localizzazione delle vene perforanti incontinenti.

If persistent or recurring varicosis is to be avoided, it is vital to locate the incontinent perforating veins in patients with venous insufficiency of the lower extremities. This is the case wherever surgery, sclerotherapy or the use of elastic support is required and especially in the absence of the normal signs of diseased deep veins, such as stasis, dermatitis or ulcerations. The inadequacy of clinical examination or certain instrumental techniques in evidencing the largest possible number of incontinent perforating veins is demonstrated. Personal experience of Doppler testing at a Phlebology Clinic is then presented and it is pointed out that the accuracy of this technique depends essentially on the examiner's experience. Correctly performed the technique gives over 90% accuracy in the preoperative diagnosis of incontinent perforating veins.

[Evaluation of the Doppler-pulse volume recorder in Raynaud's phenomenon]. / Valutazione Doppler-PVR del fenomeno di Raynaud.

A study was made of 15 patients (10 female and 5 male), between the age of 18 and 65 years, in order to assess the diagnostic efficacy of the combined Doppler-P.V.R. (Pulse Volume Recorder) technique when examining Raynaud's phenomenon. The patients in the study had suffered for at least a year from recurrent episodes of Raynaud's phenomenon and were compared with 15 normal non-smokers. The patients were given a Doppler and plethysmograph exam with P.V.R. in basal conditions and following heat stimulus. It can be said that while the Doppler exam supplies data that is compatible with the variations in peripheral resistance encountered in Raynaud's phenomenon, P.V.R., although able to give useful information on the general condition of the segment examined, does not yet provide exact data on account of the difficulty in interpreting the graph obtained. Interpreting P.V.R. data can be facilitated by combining P.V.R. with heat test.