The rare case of positive FDG-positron emission tomography for giant cavernous hemangioma of the liver

Hemangioma is the most common benign liver tumor and the second most common liver tumor after metastases. Large hemangiomas are often heterogeneous. When they exceed 4 cm in diameter, they are termed giant hemangiomas. These giant hemangiomas often present heterogeneous patterns. These heterogeneous appearances are shown because of intratumoral changes due to several degenerative phenomena. PET/CT is reported to be useful for the differentiation of benign from malignant liver lesions. We report the case of a large hepatic hemangioma characterized by high FDG uptake

A novel stepwise micro-TESE approach in non obstructive azoospermia

Background: The purpose of the study was to investigate whether micro-TESE can improve sperm retrieval rate (SRR) compared to conventional single TESE biopsy on the same testicle or to contralateral multiple TESE, by employing a novel stepwise micro-TESE approach in a population of poor prognosis patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Methods: Sixty-four poor prognosis NOA men undergoing surgical testicular sperm retrieval for ICSI, from March 2007 to April 2013, were included in this study. Patients inclusion criteria were a) previous unsuccessful TESE, b) unfavorable histology (SCOS, MA, sclerahyalinosis), c) Klinefelter syndrome. We employed a stepwise micro-TESE consisting three-steps: 1) single conventional TESE biopsy; 2) micro-TESE on the same testis; 3) contralateral multiple TESE. Results: SRR was 28.1 % (18/64). Sperm was obtained in both the initial single conventional TESE and in the following micro-TESE. The positive or negative sperm retrieval was further confirmed by a contralateral multiple TESE, when performed. No significant pre-operative predictors of sperm retrieval, including patients’ age, previous negative TESE or serological markers (LH, FSH, inhibin B), were observed at univariate or multivariate analysis. Micro-TESE (step 2) did not improve sperm retrieval as compared to single TESE biopsy on the same testicle (step 1) or multiple contralateral TESE (step 3). Conclusions: Stepwise micro-TESE could represent an optimal approach for sperm retrieval in NOA men. In our view, it should be offered to NOA patients in order to gradually increase surgical invasiveness, when necessary. Stepwise micro-TESE might also reduce the costs, time and efforts involved in surgery

Laboratory Diagnosis of Intrathecal Synthesis of Immunoglobulins: A Review about the Contribution of OCBs and K-index

the diagnosis of MS relies on a combination of imaging, clinical examinations, and biological analyses, including blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) assessments. G-Oligoclonal bands (OCBs) are considered a "gold standard" for MS diagnosis due to their high sensitivity and specificity. recent advancements have involved the introduced of kappa free light chain (k-FLC) assay into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum (S), along with the albumin quotient, leading to the development of a novel biomarker known as the "K-index" or "k-FLC index". the use of the K-index has been recommended to decrease costs, increase laboratory efficiency, and to skip potential subjective operator-dependent risk that could happen during the identification of OCBs profiles. this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview and analysis of recent scientific articles, focusing on updated methods for MS diagnosis with an emphasis on the utility of the K-index. numerous studies indicate that the K-index demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity, often comparable to or surpassing the diagnostic accuracy of OCBs evaluation. the integration of the measure of the K-index with OCBs assessment emerges as a more precise method for MS diagnosis. this combined approach not only enhances diagnostic accuracy, but also offers a more efficient and cost-effective alternative

NASA Low Power Stirling Convertor for Small Landers, Probes, and Rovers Operating in Darkness

A variety of mission concepts have been studied by NASA and the U. S. Department of Energy that would utilize low power Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) for probes, landers rovers, and repeaters. These missions would contain science instruments distributed across planetary surfaces or near objects of interest where solar flux is insufficient for using solar cells. Landers could be used to provide data like radiation, temperature, pressure, seismic activity, and other surface measurements for planetary science and to inform future mission planners. The studies proposed using fractional versions of the General Purpose Heat Source (GPHS) or multiple Light Weight Radioisotope Heater Units (LWRHU) to heat power conversion technologies for science instruments and communication. Dynamic power systems are capable of higher conversion efficiencies, which could enable equal power using less fuel or more power using equal fuel, when compared to less efficient static power conversion technologies. Providing spacecraft with more power would decrease duty cycling of basic functions and, therefore, increase the quality and abundance of science data. Low power Stirling convertors are being developed at NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) to provide future micro spacecraft with electrical power by converting heat from one or more LWRHUs. An initial design converts multiple watts of heat to one watt of electrical power output using a Stirling convertor. Development of the concept includes maturation of convertor and controller designs, performance evaluation of an evacuated metal foil insulation, and development of system interfaces. Demonstration of the convertor is planned and represents a new class of RPS with power levels an order of magnitude lower than previous practical designs

NASA Low-Power Stirling Convertor for Small Landers, Probes, and Rovers Operating in Darkness

A variety of mission concepts have been studied by NASA and the U. S. Department of Energy that would utilize low power Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) for landers, probes, and rovers. These missions would contain science measuring instruments distributed across planetary surfaces or near objects of interest where solar flux is insufficient for using solar cells. Landers could be used to provide data like wind, temperature, pressure, seismic activity, and other planetary measurements to mission planners or future explorers. The studies proposed using fractional versions of the General Purpose Heat Source (GPHS) or multiple Light Weight Radioisotope Heater Units (LWRHU) to heat power conversion technologies for science instruments and communication. Dynamic power systems are capable of higher conversion efficiencies, which could enable equal power using less fuel or more power using equal fuel, when compared to less efficient static power conversion technologies. Providing spacecraft with more power would decrease duty cycling of basic functions and, therefore, increase the quality and abundance of science data. Low power Stirling convertors are being developed at NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) to provide future micro spacecraft with electrical power by converting heat from one or more LWRHUs. An initial design converts multiple Watts of heat to one Watt of electrical power output using a Stirling convertor. Development of the concept includes maturation of convertor and controller designs, performance evaluation of an evacuated metal foil insulation, and development of system interfaces

Rendimiento de cultivares de arveja (Pisum sativum, L) en diferentes ambientes de la República Argentina - Campaña 2018-2019

Se estima que la población mundial para 2050 llegará a las 9.000 millones de personas, por lo que la demanda de alimentos será creciente y las legumbres juegan un papel fundamental en la dieta de los países que más población tienen, como India y China. Dentro de las legumbres, arveja es la especie de menor precio en relación a lenteja, garbanzo o porotos. En este sentido, cuando se hace necesario importar alimentos, las arvejas son las preferidas. El área de siembra de arveja en Argentina no se ha incrementado, en gran parte por el bajo precio en 2018 en relación a otros cultivos de invierno y, por otro lado, por el escaso o nulo consumo interno (Vita y Prieto, 2018). Sin embargo, dado los precios actuales de arveja verde (alrededor de 250 U$S/tn), hacen mucho más interesante la posibilidad de incluirla en los sistemas de producción. Sumado al beneficio del margen de los planteos agrícolas, una vía de uso diferente a la exportación o al consumo humano directo, es su inclusión en las dietas forrajeras destinadas a alimentar bovinos de carne o de leche, como así también porcinos o aves. Abundan en la bibliografía internacional los trabajos donde se demuestra que el uso de arveja en reemplazo parcial de otras harinas proteicas, como la de soja y fuentes energéticas como el maíz, conducen a ganancias de peso similares o superiores a los testigos (Lardy et al, 2009; Fendrick et al, 2005; Soto Navarro et al, 2012; Pasinato et al, 2019; Landblom & Poland, 1997; Reed et al, 2004; Birkelo et al, 2000). Por todo esto, es importante conocer la adaptación de los diferentes materiales disponibles en el mercado a los ambientes productivos de Argentina.EEA PergaminoFil: Prieto, Gabriel María. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Oliveros. Agencia de Extensión Rural Arroyo Seco; ArgentinaFil: Appella, Cristian Manuel. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Chacra Experimental Integrada Barrow; ArgentinaFil: Avila, F. CREA. Consorcio Regional de Experimentación Agrícola; ArgentinaFil: Bracco, V. Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNNOBA). Sede Junín; ArgentinaFil: Brassesco, Raul Francisco. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Paraná. Agencia de Extensión Rural Victoria; ArgentinaFil: Buschittari, D. Agricultores Federados Argentinos (AFA). Sociedad Cooperativa Limitada (SCL); ArgentinaFil: Casciani, Andres. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Oliveros. Agencia de Extensión Rural Arroyo Seco; ArgentinaFil: Espósito, María Andrea. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Oliveros; ArgentinaFil: Fariña, Leandro. Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Agencia Regional de Desarrollo Productivo; ArgentinaFil: Fekete, Ana Cecilia. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Salta; ArgentinaFil: Frolla, Franco Daniel. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Bordenave; ArgentinaFil: Gallego, Juan José. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Valle Inferior de Río Negro; ArgentinaFil: Introna, Jimena. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Pergamino. Sección Agronomía; ArgentinaFil: Lavilla, M. Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNNOBA). Sede Junín; ArgentinaFil: Maggio, J.C. Agrar del Sur; ArgentinaFil: Prece, Natalia María. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Pergamino. Sección Agronomía; ArgentinaFil: Maggio, María Elisa. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Salta; ArgentinaFil: Mariotti Martinez, Jorge Alberto. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Famaillá; ArgentinaFil: Martinez, S. Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNNOBA). Sede Junín; ArgentinaFil: Orliacq, A. Ministerio de Agroindustria de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Chacra Experimental Pasman; ArgentinaFil: Vallejo, Maximiliano. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Paraná. Agencia de Extensión Rural Victoria; ArgentinaFil: Zgrablich, A. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC); Argentin

Submucosal hemorrhoidectomy by radiosurgery. Technical notes

The authors describe submucosal hemorrhoidectomy by radiosurgery. They operated on 60 patients with IV degree haemorroids with this technique and they present why they did it and the good results obtained

Sex in prisons to be studied by Howard League

Commenting on “The United Kingdom Howard League for Penal Reform Commission on Sex in Prison” A charity is launching the first study of sex in British prisons