Expression of Interleukin-10 and Its Receptor Is Up-Regulated in Early Pregnant<i>Versus</i>Cycling Human Endometrium

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use of image analysis for the evaluation of rolling bottle tests results

Abstract The adhesion between bitumen and aggregates is of paramount importance for asphalt mixtures, because it is confirmed that a weak bond strength results in a premature failure of the pavement. Methods for determining the affinity or the adhesion between components are made both on loose and compacted samples. Among the first category the rolling bottle method, which is standardized in EN 12697-11 part a, is very common. It represents a simple, rapid and low cost test for an indication of the affinity between aggregate and bitumen and its influence on the susceptibility of the mixture to stripping. This paper proposes the use of 2D image analysis to evaluate the rolling bottle test results, overcoming the limits and shortcomings of the visual analysis prescribed by the reference standard. In order to demonstrate its applicability to a broad range of materials, this procedure was applied to both light and dark aggregates, mixed with a wax modified binder. The mixing temperature was varied so that the influence of the binder viscosity on the adhesion was assessed. A comparison between visual and semi-automatic estimation is presented, demonstrating that the latter brings to far better results. The accuracies were determined through confusion matrixes that permit to identify the errors made during the process of classification

A risk assessment method for "Eurobalise" fastening system: managing the sensor/sleeper interaction in the high-speed railway infrastructure

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Presurgical treatment of uterine myomas with the GnRH-antagonist relugolix in combination therapy: an observational study

To evaluate if a preoperative medical treatment with the GnRH-antagonist relugolix in combination therapy in a series of patients with abnormal uterine bleeding associated with uterine myomas may correct the anemia before scheduled surgery for myoma-associated AUB. Thirty-one patients scheduled for surgery underwent a pre-operative three-month course with a daily oral tablet of 40&nbsp;mg relugolix, 1&nbsp;mg estradiol, and 0.5&nbsp;mg norethindrone acetate. Hemoglobin levels, uterine volumes, largest myoma diameter, and VAS score for dysmenorrhea, pelvic pressure and bleeding discomfort, and indication to surgery were evaluated at study enrollment and at the end of therapy. Mean hemoglobin levels increased by 25%, from 9.3 ± 1.1 to 11.6 ± 1.7&nbsp;g/dL after three months (p &lt; 0.001). Uterine volume decreased from 380.7 ± 273.4 mL to 281.7 ± 198.7 mL (p &lt; 0.001), whereas the diameter of the largest myoma decreased from 6.4 ± 2.8&nbsp;cm to 5.5 ± 2.2&nbsp;cm (p &lt; 0.001). Four patients (13%), initially planned for a laparotomy procedure, were converted to a minimally-access procedure, whereas in eight patients (26%) surgery was avoided after medical therapy. Dysmenorrhea score improved from 4.7 ± 3.2 to 0.6 ± 1.1 (p &lt; 0.0001). Pelvic pressure score decreased from 5.9 ± 2.1 to 3.1 ± 2.3 (p &lt; 0.0001), whereas bleeding discomfort decreased from 7.4 ± 3.0 to 0.4 ± 1.6 (p &lt; 0.0001). Preoperative GnRH-antagonist therapy may enhance hemoglobin levels, decrease uterine and myoma size, and alleviate symptoms, potentially enabling safe surgical procedures

Improvement prostate cancer detection rate of suspicious lesions through MRI/TRUS fusion guided biopsy by a multiteam of radiologists

Abstract Background The objective of our study was to analyze the data of our biopsies, determine a detection rate (DR), compare it with the data in the literature and draw possible deductions, so as to offer the patient the possibility of not having other biopsies in the future. Methods We have enrolled 189 biopsy-naive patients in the period between September 2018 and December 2020. Each patient underwent multiparametric (mp)-MRI which was reviewed by our team of radiologists. In our center, each examination is examined by 4 radiologists separately with an overall final result. Through the t student test, any statistically significant differences between the DRs and the concordance rate between the positive cores and the suspected area on MRI were analyzed for each urologist who performed the procedure. Results The absolute (DR) was 69.3% (131/189 patients). The relative DR for each PIRADS score was 41% for PIRADS 3, 70.2% for PIRADS 4, 89.3% for PIRADS 5. We found a high percentage of agreement between the positive biopsy samples and the suspicious area identified on MRI: 90.8% (119/131 patients). There were no statistically significant differences between the DRs of the urologists who performed the procedure (p = 0.89), nor for the percentage of agreement between the positivity of the core and the suspected area on MRI (p = 0.92). Conclusions MRI in the future could become the gold standard for performing MRI fusion-guided biopsies to have a better diagnostic result and avoid rebiopsies. A team MRI reading allows greater accuracy in identifying the suspected lesion, which is demonstrated by a high rate of agreement with the positivity of the cores (90.8%). There is a cost problem due to the need to carry out the mpMRI but it could have less impact in the future. In addition, the MRI provides useful information on the extent of the disease (e.g., cT3a/b) which allows you to better plan the surgical strategy or other therapies

Protopine/Gemcitabine Combination Induces Cytotoxic or Cytoprotective Effects in Cell Type-Specific and Dose-Dependent Manner on Human Cancer and Normal Cells

The natural alkaloid protopine (PRO) exhibits pharmacological properties including anticancer activity. We investigated the effects of PRO, alone and in combination with the chemotherapeutic gemcitabine (GEM), on human tumor cell lines and non-tumor human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). We found that treatments with different PRO/GEM combinations were cytotoxic or cytoprotective, depending on concentration and cell type. PRO/GEM decreased viability in pancreatic cancer MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-1 cells, while it rescued the GEM-induced viability decline in HDFs and in tumor MCF-7 cells. Moreover, PRO/GEM decreased G1, S and G2/M phases, concomitantly with an increase of subG1 phase in MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-1 cells. Differently, PRO/GEM restored the normal progression of the cell cycle, altered by GEM, and decreased cell death in HDFs. PRO alone increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) in MIA PaCa-2, PANC-1 cells and HDFs, while PRO/GEM increased both intracellular and mitochondrial ROS in the three cell lines. These results indicate that specific combinations of PRO/GEM may be used to induce cytotoxic effects in pancreatic tumor MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-1 cells, but have cytoprotective or no effects in HDFs

Status and upgrade of the visible light diagnostics port for energy spread measurements at KARA

At the visible light diagnostic (VLD) port at the Karlsruhe Research Accelerator (KARA), it is possible to measure the energy spread of electron bunches by measuring the horizontal bunch profile of the incoherent synchrotron radiation. KALYPSO, a MHz-rate line-array detector has been used to measure the bunch profile. Recently, the KALYPSO system has been upgraded to a version incorporating a microstrip sensor based on TI-LGAD. The performed measurements have shown that the overall sensitivity of the system was significantly improved, which enables measurements at low bunch charges. In this contribution, a brief overview of the upgraded setup and preliminary measurement results will be presented

Turn-by-turn measurements of the energy spread at negative momentum compaction factor at KARA

The Karlsruhe Research Accelerator (KARA), the storage ring at KIT, allows short electron bunch operation with positive as well as negative momentum compaction factor. For both cases, the beam dynamics are studied. Using a line array camera KALYPSO (KArlsruhe Linear arraY detector for MHz rePetition rate SpectrOscopy), based on TI-LGAD, the horizontal intensity distribution of the emitted visible part of the synchrotron radiation is measured at a 5-degree port of a bending magnet on a turn-by-turn time scale. As the measurement is located at a dispersive section, the dynamics of the energy spread can be studied by measuring the horizontal bunch profile. The MHz acquisition rate and the low-light sensitivity of the line camera allow measurements at low bunch currents and the investigation of the microbunching instability. This contribution presents the results of the bunch profile measurements performed at positive and negative momentum compaction factor

Three-dimensional printed models as an effective tool for the management of complex congenital heart disease

IntroductionThree-dimensional printed models are widely used in the medical field for surgical and interventional planning. In the context of complex cardiovascular defects such as pediatric congenital heart diseases (CHDs), the adoption of 3D printed models could be an effective tool to improve decision-making. In this paper, an investigation was conducted into the characteristics of 3D printed models and their added value in understanding and managing complex pediatric congenital heart disease, also considering the associated cost.MethodsVolumetric MRI and CT images of subjects with complex CHDs were retrospectively segmented, and the associated 3D models were reconstructed. Different 3D printing technologies and materials were evaluated to obtain the 3D printed models of cardiac structures. An evaluation of time and costs associated with the 3D printing procedure was also provided. A two-level 3D printed model assessment was carried out to investigate the most suitable 3D printing technology for the management of complex CHDs and the effectiveness of 3D printed models in the pre-surgical planning and surgical strategies’ simulations.ResultsAmong the different techniques, selective laser sintering resulted to be the most suitable due to its reduced time and cost and for the positive clinical feedback (procedure simulation, surface finish, and reproduction of details).ConclusionThe adoption of 3D printed models contributes as an effective tool in the management of complex CHDs, enabling planning and simulations of surgical procedures in a safer way

Segmental transverse colectomy. Minimally invasive versus open approach: results from a multicenter collaborative study

none65noThe role of minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of transverse colon cancer is still controversial. The aim of this study is to investigate the advantages of a totally laparoscopic technique comparing open versus laparoscopic/robotic approach. Three hundred and eighty-eight patients with transverse colon cancer, treated with a segmental colon resection, were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic data, tumor stage, operative time, intraoperative complications, number of harvested lymph nodes and recovery outcomes were recorded. Recurrences and death were also evaluated during the follow-up. No differences were found between conventional and minimally invasive surgery, both for oncological long-term outcomes (recurrence rate p = 0.28; mortality p = 0.62) and postoperative complications (overall rate p = 0.43; anemia p = 0.78; nausea p = 0.68; infections p = 0.91; bleeding p = 0.62; anastomotic leak p = 0.55; ileus p = 0.75). Nevertheless, recovery outcomes showed statistically significant differences in favor of minimally invasive surgery in terms of time to first flatus (p = 0.001), tolerance to solid diet (p = 0.017), time to first mobilization (p = 0.001) and hospital stay (p = 0.004). Compared with laparoscopic approach, robotic surgery showed significantly better results for time to first flatus (p = 0.001), to first mobilization (p = 0.005) and tolerance to solid diet (p = 0.001). Finally, anastomosis evaluation confirmed the superiority of intracorporeal approach which showed significantly better results for time to first flatus (p = 0.001), to first mobilization (p = 0.003) and tolerance to solid diet (p = 0.001); moreover, we recorded a statistical difference in favor of intracorporeal approach for infection rate (p = 0.04), bleeding (p = 0.001) and anastomotic leak (p = 0.03). Minimally invasive approach is safe and effective as the conventional open surgery, with comparable oncological results but not negligible advantages in terms of recovery outcomes. Moreover, we demonstrated that robotic approach may be considered a valid option and an intracorporeal anastomosis should always be preferred.noneMilone, Marco; Degiuli, Maurizio; Velotti, Nunzio; Manigrasso, Michele; Vertaldi, Sara; D'Ugo, Domenico; De Palma, Giovanni Domenico; Dario Bruzzese, Giuseppe Servillo, Giuseppe De Simone, Katia Di Lauro, Silvia Sofia, Marco Ettore Allaix, Mario Morino, Rossella Reddavid, Carlo Alberto Ammirati, Stefano Scabini, Gabriele Anania, Cristina Bombardini, Andrea Barberis, Roberta Longhin, Andrea Belli, Francesco Bianco, Giampaolo Formisano, Giuseppe Giuliani, Paolo Pietro Bianchi, Davide Cavaliere, Leonardo Solaini, Claudio Coco, Gianluca Rizzo, Andrea Coratti, Raffaele De Luca, Michele Simone, Alberto Di Leo, Giovanni De Manzoni, Paola De Nardi, Ugo Elmore, Riccardo Rosati, Andrea Vignali, Paolo Delrio, Ugo Pace, Daniela Rega, Antonio Di Cataldo, Giovanni Li Destri, Annibale Donini, Luigina Graziosi, Andrea Fontana, Michela Mineccia, Sergio Gentilli, Manuela Monni, Mario Guerrieri, Monica Ortenzi, Francesca Pecchini, Micaela Piccoli, Italy. Corrado Pedrazzani, Giulia Turri, Sara Pollesel, Franco Roviello, Marco Rigamonti, Michele Zuolo, Mauro Santarelli, Federica Saraceno, Pierpaolo Sileri Giuseppe Sigismondo Sica, Luigi Siragusa Salvatore Pucciarelli, Matteo ZuinMilone, Marco; Degiuli, Maurizio; Velotti, Nunzio; Manigrasso, Michele; Vertaldi, Sara; D'Ugo, Domenico; De Palma, Giovanni Domenico; Dario Bruzzese, Giuseppe Servillo, Giuseppe De Simone, Katia Di Lauro, Silvia Sofia, Marco Ettore Allaix, Mario Morino, Rossella Reddavid, Carlo Alberto Ammirati, Stefano Scabini, Gabriele Anania, Cristina Bombardini, Andrea Barberis, Roberta Longhin, Andrea Belli, Francesco Bianco, Giampaolo Formisano, Giuseppe Giuliani, Paolo Pietro Bianchi, Davide Cavaliere, Leonardo Solaini, Claudio Coco, Gianluca Rizzo, Andrea Coratti, Raffaele De Luca, Michele Simone, Alberto Di Leo, Giovanni De Manzoni, Paola De Nardi, Ugo Elmore, Riccardo Rosati, Andrea Vignali, Paolo Delrio, Ugo Pace, Daniela Rega, Antonio Di Cataldo, Giovanni Li Destri, Annibale Donini, Luigina Graziosi, Andrea Fontana, Michela Mineccia, Sergio Gentilli, Manuela Monni, Mario Guerrieri, Monica Ortenzi, Francesca Pecchini, Micaela Piccoli, Italy. Corrado Pedrazzani, Giulia Turri, Sara Pollesel, Franco Roviello, Marco Rigamonti, Michele Zuolo, Mauro Santarelli, Federica Saraceno, Pierpaolo Sileri Giuseppe Sigismondo Sica, Luigi Siragusa Salvatore Pucciarelli, Matteo Zui