Computer-aided detection of lung nodules via 3D fast radial transform, scale space representation, and Zernike MIP classification.

Purpose: The authors presented a novel system for automated nodule detection in lung CT exams.

Methods: The approach is based on (1) a lung tissue segmentation preprocessing step, composed of histogram thresholding, seeded region growing, and mathematical morphology; (2) a filtering step, whose aim is the preliminary detection of candidate nodules (via 3D fast radial filtering) and estimation of their geometrical features (via scale space analysis); and (3) a false positive reduction (FPR) step, comprising a heuristic FPR, which applies thresholds based on geometrical features, and a supervised FPR, which is based on support vector machines classification, which in turn, is enhanced by a feature extraction algorithm based on maximum intensity projection processing and Zernike moments.

Results: The system was validated on 154 chest axial CT exams provided by the lung image database consortium public database.

[Padua ileal bladder--surgical technique for bladder replacement with continent ileal reservoir].

A new technique for detubularized and originally reshaped ileal total bladder replacement following radical cystectomy for bladder cancer is described. The operative method is named "Padua ileal bladder". For first time it is described by Prof.

[Serious infections associated with transurethral operations for lower urinary tract obstruction].

Serious urinary infections associated with transurethral surgery are a problem of current interest. The underlying causes of their occurrence and the therapeutic approach used are discussed. The study covers 139 patients treated over a two-year period.

[The surgical treatment of congenital hydronephrosis].

Experience is recorded with the operative treatment of congenital hydronephrosis in 56 patients, 14 to 59 years of age, over the period from January 1985 through July 1989. Of major importance for establishing correct diagnosis were excretory urography and ultrasound examination of the kidneys. Retrograde ureteropyelography was performed in only 5 patients on the operation day.

[Nonspecific immunotherapy with BCG vaccine in bladder tumors].

Clinical experience is recorded and summarized with the application of BCG vaccine for prophylaxis, treatment and immunochemotherapy of bladder tumors for the period June 1985-January 1988. Included in the study were 85 patients distributed in five groups: 23 patients treated for prevention of relapses; 26 treated for existing and residual surface tumors; 13 in whom BCG vaccine F-70 was applied for prophylaxis purpose; 17 with surface tumors treated only surgically--control group; 10 patients with advanced bladder tumor treated with immunochemotherapeutic agents. Once the results have been reported and discussed, the following inferences were made: 1.

[Lord's operation in the treatment of idiopathic hydrocele].

In spite of observing the requirements for thorough hemostasis and minimal trauma, the routine methods applied so far for treatment of idiopathic hydrocele have shown high percentage of postoperative complications. In a search for a more reliable and atraumatic operative method, since November 1988 the authors have performed operative treatment in 14 patients by the method of Lord. The operative technique is presented and the first results reported.