Alignment of electron optical beam shaping elements using a convolutional neural network.

A convolutional neural network is used to align an orbital angular momentum sorter in a transmission electron microscope. The method is demonstrated using simulations and experiments. As a result of its accuracy and speed, it offers the possibility of real-time tuning of other electron optical devices and electron beam shaping configurations.

Molecular mechanism of myoglobin autoxidation: insights from computer simulations.

Myoglobin (Mb) and hemoglobin have the biological ability to carry/store oxygen (O2), a property which requires its heme iron atom to be in the ferrous--Fe(II)--state. However, the thermodynamically stable state in the presence of O2 is Fe(III) and thus the oxidation rate of a globin is a critical parameter related to its function. Mb has been extensively studied and many mutants have been characterized regarding its oxygen mediated oxidation (i.e., autoxidation) rates. Site directed mutants in residues 29 (B10), which shapes the distal cavity, and 64 (E7), the well-known histidine gate, have been shown to display a wide range of autoxidation rate constants. In this work, we have thoroughly studied the mechanism underlying the autoxidation process by means of state-of-the-art computer simulation methodologies, using Mb and site directed mutants as benchmark cases. Our results explain the observed autoxidation rate tendencies in different variants of Mb, L29F < wt < L29A = H64Q < H64F < H64A, and shed light on several aspects of the reaction at the atomic level. First, water access to the distal pocket is a key event and the observed acid catalysis relies on HisE7 protonation and opening of the His gate to allow water access, rather than protonation of the oxy heme itself. Our results also suggest that the basic mechanism, i.e., superoxide displacement by hydroxide anion, is energetically more feasible. Finally, we confirmed that distal hydrogen bonds protect the oxy complex from autoxidation.

Barrier methods used to prevent pelvic adhesions in videolaparoscopy: experimental study in female rabbits.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of barrier methods to prevent adhesions in videolaparoscopy, comparing the use of Surgicel(®) and Interceed(®) with the control group. METHODS: We performed a controlled, randomized study in healthy adult female rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculu, inducing adhesions in the abdominal wall by resection of a peritoneal fragment and cauterization. In the control group, surgery was performed, and the other group was randomized to the use of the barrier method. After 21 days, videolaparoscopy was repeated, and the presence or absence of adhesions and their score were verified by performing biopsies of the surgical site in all groups. RESULTS: No statistical differences were found in the results on adhesion formation and adhesions score among the three groups. In the control group, there were 54.5% cases of adhesion formation; the median score of adhesions was 6 (range, 3-10). In the Surgicel(®) group, there were 45.5% cases of adhesion formation; median score of adhesions was 6 (range, 4-10). In the Interceed(®) group, there were 45.5% cases of adhesion formation; median score of adhesions was 5 (range, 3-11). CONCLUSIONS: No difference was found using barrier methods, Surgicel(®), and Interceed(®) for preventing adhesion formation in videolaparoscopy.

Is maize B chromosome preferential fertilization controlled by a single gene?

In previous work, genotypes for high and low B chromosome transmission rate were selected from a native race of maize. It was demonstrated that the B transmission is genetically controlled. The present work reports the fourth and fifth generations of selection and the F1 hybrids between the lines. The native B is characterized by a constant behaviour, with normal meiosis and nondisjunction in 100% of postmeiotic mitosis. It is concluded that genetic variation for B transmission between the selected lines is due to the preferential fertilization process. The F1 hybrids show intermediate B transmission rate between the lines. They are uniform, the variance of the selected character being one order of magnitude lower than that of the native population. In addition, 0B x 2B and 2B x 2B crosses were made to study the effect of the presence of B chromosomes in the female parent, resulting in non-significant differences. Several crosses were made both in Buenos Aires and in Madrid to compare the possible environmental effect, but significant differences were not found. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis of a single major gene controlling B transmission rate in maize, which acts in the egg cell at the haploid level during fertilization. It is also hypothesized that maize Bs use the normal maize fertilization process to promote their own transmission.

Oral estramustine and cyclophosphamide in patients with metastatic hormone refractory prostate carcinoma: a phase II study.

BACKGROUND: Nearly all cases of metastatic prostate carcinoma progress, after hormonal ablation, to a hormone refractory status. To the authors' knowledge no standard chemotherapy for patients with hormone refractory prostate carcinoma (HRPC) exists. In a prospective study, the efficacy and toxicity of an oral combination of estramustine and cyclophosphamide were evaluated. METHODS: Between March 1996 and April 1998, 32 consecutive patients (median age 74 years; range, 53-84 years) with metastatic HRPC were treated with oral estramustine (10 mg/kg/day) and oral cyclophosphamide (2 mg/kg/day) for 14 days every 28 days. Inclusion criteria were previous complete androgen blockade, antiandrogen withdrawal evaluation, and clinical or biochemical disease progression. Response assessment was based on a decrease > or =50% in the prostate specific antigen (PSA) level associated with improvement (or no worsening) in Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) and relief of bone pain (if present). RESULTS: All patients were evaluable for efficacy and toxicity. PSA levels decreased by at least 50% in 14 patients (43.7%) (95% confidence interval, 26.5-60.9), remained stable in 12 patients (37.5%), and rose in 6 patients (18.8%). ECOG PS was 0 in 5 of 14 patients, improved from 1 to 0 in 7 patients, and remained unchanged in 2 patients. Bone pain, present in 8 of 14 patients, disappeared in 7 and was partially relieved in 1. The median duration of response was 30 weeks (range, 8-88+ weeks). An objective partial response was obtained in two cases. Toxicity was mild and mainly gastrointestinal (World Health Organization [WHO] Grade 1). No cases of WHO Grade 3-4 hematologic toxicity occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The oral combination of estramustine and cyclophosphamide appears to be safe and effective in patients with HRPC. In responding patients its use shows a clinical benefit in terms of improvement of ECOG PS and pain control.

[Ultrasonography and Doppler color ultrasonography in kidney neoplasms: the demands of the clinician]. / Ecografia ed eco-color Doppler nella patologia neoplastica del rene: le esigenze del clinico.

The high number of diagnostic methods for images (ultrasound, computer tomography--CT, magnetic nuclear resonance--MNR) has allowed the urologist diagnosis more precocious of renal masses contributing to increase the survival rate and quality of life of patients affected by renal carcinoma. Although many are the advantages that the ultrasound scan gives to the urologist, still today in presence of ultrasound scan results showing expansive renal masses, probably malignant, many perform a CT or MNR for diagnostic confirmation and tumor extension.

[Role of Doppler color ultrasonography in the diagnosis of renovascular abnormalities associated with stenosis of the pyeloureteral junction]. / Ruolo dell'eco-color Doppler nella diagnosi di anomalie vascolari renali associate a stenosi della giunzione pieloureterale.

The obstruction of the pielo-ureteral junction, in most of the cases, recognizes an intrinsic etiopathogenesis, the presence of a segment ureteral aperistaltic and alteration of the ureteral musculature. The association of GPU stenosis and the presence of vascular anomalous shanks are frequent. The knowledge of this anatomical situation is important for choosing the therapeutic strategy and the surgical technique. The pre-operative diagnosis of the anomalous vase could condition the choice of the technique (endoscopic technique, laparoscopic), opting for open surgery to have a better control of the vascular shank. We have examined the use of the echo-color Doppler to diagnose the presence of anomalous vase. We have studied 13 patients (6 men and 7 women) between 18 and 62 years of age (average 35 years); the side interested by the obstruction was in 8 cases the right and in 5 cases the left. During surgery in 4 cases out of 13 examined anomalous vases were present. The pre-operative color Doppler found 3 anomalous shanks with a negative false, a positive false and 8 negative trues, showing a sensibility of 75%, a specificity of 88% with a global diagnostic ability of the 84%. We therefore believe that the echo-color Doppler is reliable enough in the pre-operative diagnosis of vascular anomalies associated to stenosis of the GPU and that could be used for pre-operative diagnosis of this urological affection.

[Ultrasonographic study of urethral sphincter in vesico-sphincter dyssynergia]. / Lo studio ecografico dello sfintere uretrale nella dissinergia vescico-sfinterica.

The ultrasound study of bladder neck and urethral sphincter in men could be performed by means of transrectal ultrasound scan in longitudinal scanning or by probing the surface in transperineal scanning. The endocavitary ultrasound scan study gives the best indications in the evaluation of the bladder neck in men. The neuromuscular bladder dysfunctions' (neurologic bladder), which can be studied by ultrasound scan are dyssinergia, striped detrusor, detrusor-bladder-neck dyssinergia, detrusorial iper-reflexy bladder instability. In paraplegic subjects the exam should be performed in gynecological position or in side decubitus, and micturition is obtained by means of sovrapubic percussion and compression or with prevailing action of the abdominal press. The detrusor-striped dyssinergia is the dysfunction of the bladder where the ultrasound scan results are more meaningful and give the best elements. In these cases, already in basal conditions, could be present a bladder neck half-opened. During micturition there is an ample opening of the bladder neck and of the prostatic urethra, but scarce relaxation of the membranous urethra; sometimes a protrusion of the back lip of the bladder neck could be present too. In iper-reflexy (unstable bladders) and in detrusorial ipo-reflexy, ultrasound scans could result poorly specific and non-significative.

Prostate cancer: correlation between local and systemic disease.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is in Italian men the second neoplasm for incidence. Transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) is still today a cheap test, not very invasive, well accepted by the motivated patient and sufficiently accurate for the valuation of the local status disease. We proposed our data to verify if a careful local ultrasonographic study of prostatic carcinoma could or not predict its systemic course. METHODS: We have valued 136 out patients affected by prostate cancer and treated with either palliative medical therapy or radiotherapy. The follow-up varies from 12 to 132 months. The local, evaluation of the disease done through TRUS in longitudinal and/or axial scan (the dimension of the gland, the volume and ultrasonographic characteristics of the lesion, capsular involvement and estimation of the surrounding structures: seminal vesicles, vesica, rectum). RESULTS: In the long run, considering the local and systemic course of the disease, we have noticed accordance globally in 116 patients (85.3%); 13 patients showed only systematic progression (9.5%) while in 7 patients, we have noticed a local but not a systemic variation. CONCLUSIONS: We can deduce that periodical carrying-out of the TRUS (twice a year) constitute a reliable index not only of local procedure of the pt. but also predicting the systemic course of the disease, making the routine carrying out of the other check-up unnecessary, that could be reserved for cases with precise clinical indication.

Localization of the genes controlling B chromosome transmission rate in maize (Zea mays ssp. mays, Poaceae).

In previous papers we found that the frequency of B chromosomes in native races of maize varies considerably in different populations. Moreover, we found genotypes that control high and low transmission rates (TR) of B chromosomes in the Pisingallo race. In the present work crosses were made to determine whether the genes controlling B-TR are located on the normal chromosome set (As) or on the B chromosomes (Bs). We made female f.0B × male m.2B crosses between and within high (H) and low (L) B-TR groups. The Bs were transmitted on the male side in all cases. The mean B-TR from the progeny of f.0B (H) × m.2B (H) and f.0B (H) × m.2B (L) crosses was significantly higher than that from f.0B (L) × m.2B (L) and f.0B (L) × m.2B (H) crosses. The results show that the B-TR of the crosses corresponds to the H or L B-TR of the 0B female parents irrespective of the Bs of the male parent. This indicates that B-TR is genetically controlled by the 0B female parent and that these genes are located on the A chromosomes.

[Milk of calcium renal stone: echographic diagnosis]. / Milk of calcium renal stone: diagnosi ecografica.

"Milk of calcium renal stone" (liquid renal calculosis) is a quite uncommon lithiasis distinguished by the presence of a semiliquid suspension of calcium salts or a "seed-like" sediment in a caliceal diverticulum or an ectasia segment of the collecting system. We reviewed 5 patients (1 male and 4 females, mean age 48.6 years), with a history of urinary tract infection, renal pain or haematuria. All patients underwent renal ultrasonographic assessment in both clinostatic and orthostatic position. Three patients underwent intravenous pyelography before ultrasound. Ultrasonography showed a sonolucent "levelled" image with a posterior acoustic shadow inside a hydro-caliceal dilation (2 pts.) or caliceal diverticulum (3 pts.); the persistence of the "level" in both clinostatic and orthostatic position allowed an immediate diagnosis in all patients. Intravenous pyelography performed before renal ultrasound showed no abnormality in 1 patient and was misleading in two; it otherwise confirmed the diagnosis when performed after renal ultrasonography. Three patients underwent surgery, two patients refused therapy; sonographic follow-up showed no evolution of the morphologic picture. Once considered as exceptional, liquid renal calculosis still remains rare pathology and accounts for 0.6% of all the urinary lithiasis diagnosed by ultrasound in our series. An accurate sonographic assessment allows a reliable diagnosis of this particular lithiasis and an easy discrimination from solid lithiasis, nephrocalcinosis, medullary sponge kidney and hydropyonephrosis. Hence, a correct diagnosis of this rare condition lets uneffective and improper treatments be avoided.

[Echo-guided drainage of pararenal and pelvic fluid accumulations: technique, indications, and results]. / Il drenaggio ecoguidato di raccolte pararenali e pelviche: tecniche, indicazioni e risultati.

Percutaneous echoguided drainage of retroperitoneal collections is to be considered a recommendable technique which guarantees a good percentage of success and a complete resolution of the effusions and also gives a low percentage of complications. The drainage can be made through a simple percutaneous needle puncture or through a catheter which is kept for some days. The latter technique done by Seldinger or Trocar's method, guarantees more possibilities of success. The systemic echographic control during the post-operatory period of the urological patients have permit to find out the high frequency of small fluid effusions (haematic, urinary or lymphatic) in the operation area; not all the collections need a treatment. The urinary collections or those with clinical signs of anemia have to be drained. In the presence of small haematic or lymphatic collections, the ultrasonography follow-up shows almost always a progressive volume reduction with a following disappearance. Percutaneous drainage has to be performed in the presence of a large collection (more than 5 cm of diameter), in the case of a persistent collection or when patient presents with clinical features of infection.

[Echographic follow-up after radical prostatectomy]. / Follow-up ecografico dopo prostatectomia radicale.

The abdominal and transrectal ultrasound is of a great importance in the follow-up and in the early postoperatory control in the patients which have undergone a radical prostatectomy. The abdominal ultrasonography can be used to identify the presence of abdominal or pelvic fluid collections in the postoperative period or to evaluating the upper urinary tract. Ultrasonography has come to play a primary role in the detection of lymphonodal and/or parenchymal metastasis. Transrectal ultrasound permits to identify the local illness relapse, whereas the ultrasonography examination during micturition allows the functional study of the bladder neck. Moreover, transrectal ultrasound is useful in guiding biopsy needle into a specific lesion seen on the sonogram in the perianastomotic region whereas random ecoguided biopsy in the perianastomotic area is necessary in patients with signs of recurrent cancer even in the absence of suspicious areas.

[Echographic study of the bladder neck and prostate region after Nd-Yag laser treatment]. / Studio ecografico del collo vescicale e della loggia prostatica dopo trattamento con Nd Yag Laser.

The authors describe the ultrasonic images they obtained in the follow up of three groups of patients who were divided according to basic pathology and treated with Nd: Yag Laser with contact (CLAP) and side firing (VLAP) fibers. Next the great differences noted between the results achieved with ultrasonic investigation and those obtained with flowmeter controls and IPSS are presented. The authors discuss the possible causes of these dissonances and hypothesize a new way to evaluate cervico-urethral de-obstruction: no longer an anatomical technique but a functional one.

[Lobar nephritis: echographic diagnosis and follow-up]. / Nefronia lobare: diagnosi e follow-up ecografico.

Acute lobular nephritis is a focal bacterial infection localizer within the parenchyma of the kidney which may develops with abscess formation; clinical features of such evolution include, fever, chills, flank pain and the hematological findings of infective disease. Echographic pattern includes a law-level echogenic mass with a central hypoechoic or echo-free with sometimes may deform renal profile. Clinical picture and echographic pattern allow the diagnosis of acute lobular nephritis. In the present work we report 3 cases of lobular nephritis on which ultrasound study has permitted the correct diagnosis equally to TC and RM which also was performed. Furthermore the ultrasound imaging is a valid method to appreciate the clinical evolution of patient during therapy.

[Carcinoma of the prostate: correlation between local staging and systemic progression]. / Carcinoma della prostata: correlazione tra stato locale ed andamento sistemico.

Management of prostate cancer requires considerable economic and social efforts and may causes some discomfort to patient. To attempt a simplification of the prostate cancer follow-up (dosage of PSA, ultrasound and abdominal and pelvic TC and/or RM, bone scan, X-ray chest and X-ray bone), Authors have review the patients with prostatic cancer who were undergone to a conservative treatment with hormonal and/or radiation therapy. From January 1984 to September 1995, 136 patients have been evaluated in the Urological Department of University of Perugia. Local staging cancer has been made according to TNM system. Ultrasound transrectal follow-up study (TRUS) we made through longitudinal and/or transversal scans. The echographic features have been evaluated are the prostate size, volume and echogenic pattern of cancer, extracapsular extention and, finally, the echographic appearance of surrounding tissues (seminal vesicles, rectum, bladder). In 116 patients (85.3%) Authors found a good correlation of clinical course and the results of the investigations whereas in 20 patients (14.7%) such correlation falls to be demonstrated. Although PSA level remains an important prognostic marker for monitoring patients with prostatic cancer, TRUS is useful to determinate not only the local status but also to predict the subsequent clinical course of these patients. The later could be performed at least twice a year whereas further investigations could be prescribed only in presence of clinical suspicious of metastasis. It can be concluded that TRUS and PSA levels are sufficiently safe indexes on follow-up of prostate cancer which can replace the most expensive examinations avoiding an unnecessary cost to the health care system. Furthermore TRUS can recognize patients with urine flow obstruction who may benefit by treatment with improvement of their quality of life.

[Vaccination against influenza in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: clinical and antibody response]. / La vaccinazione antiinfluenzale in soggetti affetti da artrite reumatoide: risposta clinica ed anticorpale.

The question whether influenza vaccine could lead to a clinical flare in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and whether it could induce an effectively protective antibody response to the infection is still much debated. Based on these data, we have performed an open study in 40 patients with RA. Patients were divided into two groups according to their disease activity (those with RA in remission and those with active RA, respectively), and their clinical and serum antibody response was assessed following the vaccine administration in the 1991-92 winter seasons. A group of age and sex matched, healthy controls were also vaccinated. Our results suggest that immunization against influenza does not modify the clinical picture of RA, even though some differences between the two groups mentioned above were noticed. In addition, side-effects or adverse reactions occurred with similar frequency in patients with RA and in the controls; as to the antibody response in patients with RA, in the majority of cases the immune response proved adequate to provide significant protection from the infection.

[Urethral diverticuli in women: role of diagnostic methods in the preoperative assessment]. / Diverticoli uretrali nella donna: ruolo delle metodiche diagnostiche nell'inquadramento preoperatorio.

From 1985 to 1993 we observed 9 female patients with urethral diverticula. All patients underwent first clinical examination and then US (suprapubic and transrectal or transvaginal scans) and X-ray cystography which demonstrated the communication between the diverticula and the urethra, MRI was also performed, in order to explain the rapports between the diverticulum and the sphyncter. All patients underwent surgery and 8 were cured. No cases of incontinence were observed.

[Locally advanced prostatic cancer and systemic involvement]. / Cancro prostatico localmente avanzato ed interessamento sistemico.

In a group of 115 patients with prostatic cancer, the correlation between the local and systemic evolution of the neoplasm has been evaluated. In 80 patients non local and systemic up-staging of the tumor was observed. In further 18 patients both local and systemic staging uppers and in the remaining 17 patients no correlation between local and systemic evolution was observed. In conclusion, in this series, the prostatic cancer demonstrated an high concordance in both local and systemic evolution and then the modifications of local staging can be used as a predictive parameter of systemic evolution of the prostatic cancer.

[Echographic features of testicular neoplasms. Our experience]. / Caratteri ecografici delle neoplasie testicolari. Nostra esperienza.

14 patients with primitive testicular cancer underwent US and afterwards surgery. A comparison between echo-pattern and hysto-pathology was done with the following results: sharp limits and ipoechoic homogeneous pattern in leydigioma and low-staging seminoma. Presence of anechoic areas and irregular limits: teratoma and embrionary carcinoma with no correlation with the staging. Inclusively no correlation between echo-pattern and staging of neoplasm or presence of neoplastic lymphnodes was observed.