Line-scan camera calibration: a robust linear approach.

Camera calibration requires three steps: estimation of correspondences between world and image coordinates, computation of a linear solution, and nonlinear optimization using the linear estimate as a starting point. The resulting accuracy depends mostly on the first and final steps. However, the nonlinear optimization method can achieve an accurate result only when given an initial estimate close to the global solution. Therefore, obtaining a good linear estimation is crucial for the performance of the camera calibration procedure. This work proposes a robust method to estimate a linear solution for the calibration of line-scan cameras, resulting in individual intrinsic and extrinsic parameters by using only a single line scan. The calculated parameters can then be used by nonlinear optimization methods to finely adjust the estimation of all the line-scan camera parameters, including distortions. The proposed procedure does not impose restrictions on particular orientations, and always generates a well-conditioned problem that can be solved analytically with no optimization required. Extensive experiments are performed to verify the robustness and accuracy of the proposed method. The comparative results demonstrate that the proposed method provides excellent performance.

Persistence and infectivity of Zika virus in semen after returning from endemic areas: Report of 5 cases.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data about the persistence and infectivity of Zika virus in semen of symptomatic travelers returning from endemic areas and even less data in asymptomatic cases. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the persistence and infectivity of ZIKA virus in semen in five patients with Zika virus infection returning to Spain from endemic areas. STUDY DESIGN: We evaluated the epidemiological, clinical and virological characteristic of the five patients. In semen we detected ZIKA virus by PCR, partial sequencing and cell culture. We also performed phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS: We detected Zika virus RNA (Asian lineage) by PCR in semen samples from day 14th to day 96th since the day of illness onset. Semen viral culture was positive for Zika virus in two patients at days of illness 30 and 69 by virus propagation. Phylogenetic analysis strongly suggested male to female sexual transmission in a couple returning from Maldives. CONCLUSION: This case series confirms that Zika virus RNA can be detected in semen up to three months after infection. Viral culture of semen samples shows prolonged infectivity that can lead to sexual transmission of Zika virus.

Complicaciones fetales en las gestaciones gemelares monocoriales biamnióticas: estudio de 94 casos / Fetal complications of monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies

Antecedentes: El embarazo de gemelos monocoriales tienen un mayor riesgo de mortalidad y morbilidad perinatal, que la gestación única y el embarazo gemelar bicorial. Objetivos: Estudiar la incidencia y el manejo de las complicaciones fetales propias de las gestaciones gemelares monocoriales biamnióticas. Métodos: Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de 94 embarazos gemelares monocoriales biamnióticos, seguidos en las Consultas de Tocología de Alto Riesgo del Hospital Universitario La Paz de Madrid, entre 2008 y 2010. Resultados: Se recogieron 94 gestaciones monocoriales biamnióticas. Aparecieron complicaciones fetales en el 23,4 por ciento de las mismas: síndrome de transfusión feto-fetal en el 9,57 por ciento de los casos, retraso del crecimiento intrauterino selectivo en el 11,7 por ciento, muerte fetal intrauterina en el 2,1 por ciento, y malformaciones fetales en el 7,4 por ciento. Conclusiones: Las gestaciones monocoriales biamnióticas son un tipo de embarazo gemelar de alto riesgo, asociado con más complicaciones fetales y muerte perinatal. Se recomienda un estrecho seguimiento ecográfico cada 2 semanas, desde la semana 16, para diagnosticar y tratar precozmente las complicaciones fetales.

Background: The monochorionic twin pregnancy has a higher risk of perinatal mortality and morbidity, than the single gestation and the dichorionic twin gestation. Objectives: To detail the incidence and management of specific fetal complications of monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of monochorionic diamniotic pregnancies followed in the High Risk Obstetrics Unit of the University Hospital La Paz, Madrid, between 2008-2010. Results: We collected 94 monochorionic diamniotic pregnancies. Fetal complications occurred in 23.4 percent of them: feto-fetal transfusion syndrome in 9.57 percent of cases, selective intrauterine growth retardation in 11.7 percent, stillbirth in 2.1 percent, and fetal malformations in 7.4 percent. Conclusions: Monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies are a high-risk type of twin pregnancy, associated with an increased risk of death and perinatal complications. Ultrasound monitoring is recommended for uncomplicated monochorionic pregnancies every 2 weeks from week 16, to detect and treat fetal complications.

Diferencias en el metabolismo lipídico, niveles de homocisteína, folato y vitamina B12 entre gestaciones gemelares y únicas / Differences in lipid metabolism, homocysteine levels, serum folic acid and vitamin B12 between single and twin pregnancies

Antecedentes: Se están usando diferentes tipos de suplementación nutricional durante la gestación, sin embargo, existen escasez de estudios que se centren en los resultados metabólicos de los mismos. Objetivos: Comprobar si mediante la suplementación se logra el control del impacto de los múltiples cambios metabólicos que conlleva una gestación múltiple, usando análisis comunes. Método: Comparamos tres diferentes grupos de pacientes entre la semana gestacional 25 y 27. Un grupo de 46 gestaciones únicas, un grupo de 38 gestaciones gemelares espontáneas y otro grupo de 32 gestaciones gemelares tras técnicas de reproducción asistida. Comparamos niveles de colesterol LDL, HDL, triglicéridos, folato sérico, vitamina B12, homocisteína, hemoglobina, creatinina y plaquetas. Resultados: Los niveles de triglicéridos fueron más altos en ambos grupos de gemelares (p<0,001) y los niveles de colesterol fueron similares en los tres grupos. Las concentraciones de folato sérico fueron mayores en las gestaciones gemelares (p<0,001). El resto de parámetros estudiados fueron similares en los tres grupos. Conclusión: La suplementación siguiendo las recomendaciones de la ACOG y la SEGO es efectiva en el control de colesterol LDL, HDL, folato sérico, vitamina B12, homocisteína, hemoglobina, creatinina y plaquetas. Sólo los niveles de triglicéridos no se relacionan con la suplementación y pueden estar relacionados con mayor incidencia de colestasis y preeclampsia en gestaciones múltiples.

Background: Different ways of nutritional supplementation are being advised by physicians during pregnancy, but there is a lack of literature focused on its metabolical results. Aims: Check if the control of the impact that the multiple metabolic changes related to multiple pregnancies have on the mother's homeostasis is achieved with the supplementation, through common used blood tests. Method: We compare three different groups of patients between the 25 and 27th week of gestation. One group of 46 single pregnancies, a second group of 38 spontaneous twin pregnancies and another group of 32 twin pregnancies after assisted reproduction techniques. We compare the levels of LDL, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, serum folic acid, Vit B12, homocysteine, haemoglobine, creatinine and platelets. Results: The levels of triglycerides were higher in both groups of twin pregnancies (p<0.001), but the levels of cholesterol remain similar. Folic acid concentrations were higher in the groups of twin pregnancies (p<0.001). The rest of levels studied were similar in the 3 groups. Conclusion: The supplementation following the ACOG and SEGO recommendations seems to be effective in controlling the values of LDL, HDL-cholesterol, serum folic acid, Vit B12, homocysteine, haemoglobine, creatinine and platelets. Only the levels of triglycerides appear unaffected by the supplementation and can be related with the higher incidence of preeclampsia and cholestasis seemed among twin pregnancies.

Embarazo con acromegalia materna asociada a crecimiento intrauterino fetal retardado / Pregnancy in acromegalic women associated with intrauterine growth restriction

La acromegalia es el exceso de secreción de hormona de crecimiento (HC). Esta alteración está relacionada con esterilidad y con complicaciones maternas durante el embarazo por aumento de la secreción de la HC. Presentamos el caso de una gestante diagnosticada de acromegalia persistente a pesar de haber sido operada vía transesfenoidal y tratada con cabergolina. Durante la gestación, la paciente no presentó complicaciones metabólicas ni tensionales, observándose un progresivo descenso de los niveles del factor de crecimiento insulínico-1 (IGF-I). El feto tuvo un crecimiento acorde con la amenorrea hasta la semana 31 en la que hizo una restricción del crecimiento con oligoamnios y alteración en el doppler en la semana 37. Se finalizó la gestación realizando una cesárea naciendo un recién nacido de 2400 gramos sin complicaciones neonatales. Aunque el curso del embarazo de las gestantes con acromegalia transcurre generalmente sin complicaciones, presentamos el primer caso descrito de un crecimiento intrauterino retardado en una paciente con acromegalia.

Pregnancy in acromegalic patients is an infrequent event, due to perturbed gonadotroph function. On the other hand, pregnancy may cause an enlargement of the adenoma or an increase of growth hormone (GH) secretion. We report the case of a pregnant acromegalic woman who had been previously operated by transphenoidal approach and treated with cabergolin. A progressive decrease of insuline-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) level during pregnancy without tumoral syndrome or visual troubles was shown during pregnancy. Neither metabolic complication nor hypertension were detected. Ultrasound performed at 31th week showed a decrease of the fetal growth. At 37th week, an intrauterine growth restriction and oligohydramnios was diagnosed. It was performed a cesarean section and it was delivered a healthy 2700 grams male newborn. Our report suggests that pregnancy could not influence negatively in acromegalic patient but may be associated with intrauterine growth restriction.

Upper gastrointestinal findings detected by capsule endoscopy in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.

OBJECTIVE: We analyzed our experience with the use of capsule endoscopy in areas that can be explored with gastroscopy to justify obscure bleeding, as well as the outcome after a new recommended gastroscopy in order to determine if a second gastroscopy before the capsule study can provide any benefit in the management of this disease. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 82 patients who were explored with capsule endoscopy for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding who had undergone previously only one gastroscopy. Findings in the zones which were accessible by gastroscopy were normal, mild/known and severe/unknown. In the latter cases we recommended a second gastroscopy, and their treatment and outcome were subjected to further study. RESULTS: Capsule endoscopy did not find any unknown esophageal findings. In 63% of cases, no gastric or duodenal lesions were shown; in 20%, lesions were mild or had been previously diagnosed, and in 17%, a new gastroscopy was recommended due to the discovery of an unknown condition which could be the cause of the obscure bleeding. This new information brought about a change in treatment for 78% of patients in this group, all of whom improved from their illness. Capsule endoscopy found significant intercurrent alterations in the small intestine in only 14% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: The performance of a second gastroscopy, previous to capsule endoscopy, in the study of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding can offer benefits in diagnostic terms and may introduce therapeutic changes. A detailed analysis of the upper tract frames in intestinal capsule endoscopy studies is mandatory since it may provide relevant information with clinical impact on the management of these patients.

Sobrepeso y obesidad pregestacional como factor de riesgo de cesárea y complicaciones perinatales / Maternal pre-pregnancy overweight and obesity as a risk factors for cesarean delivery and other obstetrical complications

Objetivo: Comprobar si el sobrepeso y la obesidad materna son factores de riesgo de complicaciones pe-rinatales. Método: Estudio transversal de 1.223 gestantes nulíparas atendidas en el Hospital La Paz entre agosto 2007 y abril 2008. Las gestantes se dividieron en tres grupos según el índice de masa corporal (IMC) al inicio del embarazo: 482 con peso normal (IMC: 18,5-24,9 Kg/m²); 419 con sobrepeso (IMC: 25-29,9Kg/m²) y 322 con obesidad (IMC: >30Kg/m²). Se estudiaron las complicaciones obstétricas, semanas de gestación en el momento del parto, tipo de parto y peso fetal. Resultados: El riesgo de cesßrea en las gestantes con sobrepeso fue casi el doble que el de las gestantes de peso normal (OR: 1,9; IC95 por ciento 1,4-2,5) Las gestantes obesas sufrieron el triple de cesáreas que las de peso normal (OR: 3,1; IC95 por ciento 2,8-4,3). El número de inducciones del parto fue mayor en las gestantes con sobrepeso (OR: 1,7; IC95 por ciento 1,4-1,9) y el doble en las obesas (OR: 2,0; IC95 por ciento 1,8-2,9) con respecto a las de peso normal. El riesgo de macrosomía fetal (>4.000 gramos) fue mayor en las gestantes con sobrepeso (OR: 1,5; IC95 por ciento 1,4-2,2) y en las obesas (OR: 1,9; IC95 por ciento 1,3-2,8) que en las de peso normal. En el análisis de regresión logística multivariante (ajusfando por edad, diabetes e hipertensión gestacionales) persistió la asociación entre sobrepeso y cesárea (OR: 2,1; IC95 por ciento 1,7-2,7) y entre obesidad y cesárea (OR: 3,0; IC95 por ciento 2,6-3,8). Conclusiones: El sobrepeso y la obesidad materna al inicio del embarazo están asociados con un aumento del número de cesáreas y de inducciones del parto. Este riesgo es mayor a medida que aumenta el IMC materno.

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine if the maternal prepregnancy overweight and obesity are related to risk of cesarean delivery and other obstetrical complications. Methods: Transversal study of 1223 nulliparous women that delivered in our maternity between August 2007 and April 2008. Women were categorized by the body mass index (BMI): 482 normal weight (BMI: 18.5-24.9 Kg/m²), 419 overweight (BMI: 25-29.9 Kg/m²) and 322 obesity (BMI: >30 Kg/m²). Obstetrical complications, labor and its complications, and neonatal weight were studied. Results: Women who were overweight was nearly twice as likely to deliver by cesarean section as women with normal weight (OR: 1.8; 95 percent CI 1.4-2.9). Obese women experienced a three-fold increase in risk of cesarean section in comparison to normal weight women (OR: 3.02; 95 percent CI 2.6-4.5). Number of labor inductions was higher in overweight and obese group (OR: 1.6; 95 percent CI 1.3-1.9) and (OR: 2.1; 95 percent CI 1.7-2.9) respectively in comparison to control group. The highest risk of fetal macrosomia (weight >4000 g) was in the overweight (OR: 1.5; 95 percent CI 1.4-2.2) and obese women (OR: 1.9; 95 percent CI 1.3-2.8) compared with the normal weight women. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the association persisted between obesity and cesarean delivery (OR 3.0; 95 percentCI 2.6-3.8) and among overweight and cesarean section (OR 2.1; 95 percentCI 1.7-2.7) after adjusting for variables such as age, diabetes and hypertension. Conclusions: Overweight or obesity prior to pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of cesarean delivery and labor inductions. This risk increases as the BMI increases.

Public opinion survey after capsule endoscopy: patient s point of view on its utility.

AIM: When programming a medical test such as capsule endoscopy (CE), finding the closest point between the patient's experience and his/her expectation is essential to improve any further explorations. For this purpose we designed a form which tries to collect the information required. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From December 2003 to January 2005 we examined the small intestine of 98 patients with the help of CE. Later they were sent an anonymous questionnaire in July 2005, which included 10 questions upon the origin and previous knowledge of the patient about this technique, their tolerance to it, and the value they attached to it with regard to finding a new diagnosis and assigning different treatments, and also the incidence in the positive or negative evolution of their disease in particular and of medicine in general. RESULTS: Answer rate reached 58% and was slightly higher among women and people over 70 years; 80% of repliers had been informed about CE by a physician, while nearly all the rest had received previous information from the media; 37% had had symptoms for more than 12 months, while only 17% had suffered them for one month before the exploration. A bit over 30% did not know what the specific diagnostic field of the test was (most of them women and young people), although most of them were not surprised by the procedure. Over 75% showed "acceptable" or "excellent" tolerance, while 5.5% (most of them young people) found it hard to bear. The opinion about its utility in the diagnosis was 37%, and although 70% thought that CE had revealed nothing new about their pathology, over 60% declared feeling better after the test; 84% pointed out that it had achieved a breakthrough for their quality of life (most of them men and very old people), and only 13% thought it was worthless. However, nearly all the answers agreed in that CE was an "important" or "very important" diagnostic device. CONCLUSIONS: After the test using CE, the diagnostic benefit detected by the patient is not the same as that shown by technical studies. Nevertheless, the test can be highly satisfactory for the patient in particular, and also in an overall view. CE is a well-tolerated test, applied in our setting to chronic diseases and that, contrary to what we supposed, is explained to patients mainly by a physician. Most of them are not familiar with its specific indications.

Synthesis of ecteinascidin ET-743 and phthalascidin Pt-650 from cyanosafracin B.

An efficient new process is described for the synthesis of ecteinascidin ET-743 (1) and phthalascidin (2), starting from readily available cyanosafracin B (3).

A sensitive monoclonal antibody sandwich ELISA for the measurement of the major olive pollen allergen Ole e 1.

BACKGROUND: Olive pollen is a major cause of inhalant allergy in countries around the Mediterranean sea. The major allergen of olive pollen is Ole e 1. Measurement of the major allergen content of allergen products for diagnosis and therapy is becoming an essential element of standardization protocols. This study aimed at the development of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) sandwich ELISA for Ole e 1. METHODS: Balb/c mice immunized with Ole e 1 were used for the production of mAbs. Screening of mice and hybridomas was performed in a RIA with radiolabeled purified Ole e 1. Purified mAbs were used as catching and/or (biotinylated) detecting antibodies in sandwich ELISA. RESULTS: Four mAbs (IgG1kappa) directed to nonoverlapping epitopes on Ole e 1 were obtained: 1A12, 5C1, 10A12 and 3H8. Both 1A12 and 10A12 were successfully used for affinity purification of Ole e 1 from olive pollen extract. Two sandwich ELISAs were developed, with 1A12 and 10A12 as catching, and 5C1 and 3H8 as detecting antibodies, respectively. Both catching and detecting antibodies were used in similar concentrations, ranging from 60 to 100 ng/well. For both ELISAs, the sensitivity was approximately 1 ng/ml of Ole e 1. The measuring range was from 1 to 25 ng/ml. No significant differences were observed, when the performance of both ELISAs in standardization of olive pollen extracts was compared. CONCLUSIONS: Two sensitive sandwich ELISAs for the major olive pollen allergen Ole e 1 were developed. They will prove to be useful tools in allergen standardization protocols.

IB-96212, a novel cytotoxic macrolide produced by a marine Micromonospora. I. Taxonomy, fermentation, isolation and biological activities.

A novel bioactive macrolide, IB-96212 has been isolated from the fermentation broth of a marine actinomycete, L-25-ES25-008. The strain belongs to the genus Micromonospora. The macrolide showed a very strong cytotoxic activity against P-388, and lower but significant activity against A-549, HT-29, and MEL-28 cell lines. We describe the isolation, taxonomy and fermentation of the producing strain as well as the isolation of IB-96212.

Agrochelin, a new cytotoxic antibiotic from a marine Agrobacterium. Taxonomy, fermentation, isolation, physico-chemical properties and biological activity.

Agrochelin, a new alkaloid cytotoxic substance, was produced by the fermentation of Agrobacterium sp. The compound was obtained from the bacterial cells by solvent extraction and purified by silica gel chromatography. Agrochelin (1) and its acetyl derivative (2) exhibited cytotoxic activity.

Two marine Agrobacterium producers of sesbanimide antibiotics.

Sesbanimides are cytotoxic compounds, originally isolated in 1983 from seeds of the leguminous plants Sesbania drummondii and Sesbania punicea. In this paper we describe the bacterial production of sesbanimides by two "marine Agrobacterium"; strain PH-103 which produces Sesbanimide-A and strain PH-A034C which produces Sesbanimide-C. The isolation and taxonomy of the producing microorganisms, fermentation and isolation of sesbanimides are reported.

Thiocoraline, a new depsipeptide with antitumor activity produced by a marine Micromonospora. I. Taxonomy, fermentation, isolation, and biological activities.

A novel bioactive depsipeptide, thiocoraline, was isolated from the mycelial cake of a marine actinomycete strain L-13-ACM2-092. Based on morphological, cultural, physiological, and chemical characteristics, strain L-13-ACM2-092 was ascribed to the genus Micromonospora. Thiocoraline showed a potent cytotoxic activity against P-388, A-549 and MEL-28 cell lines, and also a strong antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive microorganisms. This compound binds to supercoiled DNA and inhibits RNA synthesis.