Local staging with CT of tumors of the upper urothelium

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ability of computerized tomography (CT) to stage transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract. METHODS: 29 transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract submitted to nephroureterectomy were retrospectively evaluated. All 29 tumors had preoperative CT scans performed to stage the lesion. The pathological staging was compared to that of CT. RESULTS: 10 of the 29 tumors had CT evidence of tumor extension and 19 had localized noninvasive tumor on CT. Of the 10 patients with CT findings of tumor extension, 2 (20%) had superficial tumors and 8 (80%) had tumors that invaded into the adventitial fat, renal parenchyma or perirenal fat (pT3, pT4). Of the 19 patients with localized noninvasive tumor on CT, 13 (68%) had superficial tumors and 6 (32%) had pT3 or pT4 tumors. CT sensitivity for tumor invasion was 57% with a specificity of 87.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis shows that CT is of limited value in staging these tumors. When CT demonstrates direct tumor extension through the renal pelvic or ureteral wall, it is a sensitive indicator of high-stage tumor. However, the results obtained in low stage tumors must be viewed with caution.     

晶须取向对SiCw／Al复合材料切削表面质量的影响

切削与晶须取向方向间的夹角对ＳｉＣｗ／Ａｌ复合材料切削表面质量有很大影响。当切削角为４５°时，晶须拔出和转动现象均较少，复合材料切削表面粗糙度最低。当切削角为１３５度时，晶段转动造成的撕裂破坏程度很大，复合材料切削表面粗糙度最大。     

Cytotoxicity versus antibacterial activity of some antiseptics in vitro

The relationship between endometriosis and infertility is observed frequently. Patients with both conditions require a conservative approach to their management. Since hormonal therapy is one of those approaches, we sought to compare the efficacy of Danazol and Gestrinone in 80 infertile patients (48 and 32, respectively). Therapy lasted 6 months in both treatment groups, and all patients studied had laboratory tests performed and were clinically evaluated and classified through laparoscopy before and after therapy. The improvement of symptoms and favorable follow-up were similar with both treatments. The reestablishment of menstrual patterns and fertility were also nearly alike in both groups. However, Gestrinone was associated with fewer secondary effects and is easier to administer than Danazol. We conclude that Gestrinone is a useful medication in the management of the infertile patient with endometriosis.     

Ultrasound‐activated Knoevenagel condensation of malononitrile with carbonylic compounds catalysed by alkaline‐doped saponites

α,β‐Unsaturated nitriles have been synthesized by Knoevenagel condensation of a carbonylic compound with malononitrile, assisted by sonochemical irradiation. Two alkaline‐promoted clays (Li⁺‐ and Cs⁺‐exchanged saponites) have been employed as catalysts. The influence of the carbonylic compound (benzaldehyde or cyclohexanone) and the use of a solvent on the catalytic activity have been studied. Remarkable increase in the conversion values has been found when the reaction is activated by ultrasound, as compared with the thermal activation. In this green, solvent‐free procedure, α,β‐unsaturated nitriles have been produced in very high yields (97%) when the Cs⁺‐saponite is used as catalyst. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Interplay of YBCO and Embedded 211 Particles in Melt-Textured YBCO Superconductors

Local orientations of superconducting YBa₂Cu₃O _x (123) and embedded Y₂BaCuO₅ (211) particles within bulk, melt-textured 123 samples are studied on a local scale by means of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The embedded Y₂BaCuO₅ (211) particles do not show any preferred texture, but their presence within the 123-matrix alters the growth of the 123-phase, independent of the orientation. EBSD enables to analyse the interactions between the 123- and 211-phases in detail.