[Artificial intelligence in the diagnosis of prostate cancer]. / Iskusstvennyi intellekt v diagnostike raka predstatel'noi zhelezy.

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the possibilities and prospects of using artificial intelligence (AI) in the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PC). The laboratory diagnosis of PC is considered and prostate images are analyzed according to transrectal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging using AI algorithms. Particular emphasis is placed on prostate histologic evaluation.

Seroepizootology of Q fever in Bulgaria during the last five years.

The work presents results of investigations on Q fever seroepizootology in Bulgaria during the last five years. These data are compared with the preceding period from 1950 to 1983. The basic method for investigation is Complement fixation test. Also used are immunofluorescence, agglutination reaction, cultivation and direct Electron microscopy. In general 15,814 samples were tested. Q fever positivity was foundin 10.08% of cattle, 20.44% of sheep, 10.17% of goats, 59.25% of dogs, 26.66% of magpies, 11.11% of wood-pigeons, 7.40% of mouflons, 7.14% of foxes and 5.82% of hens. These data confirm the results of our preceding investigations for the wide dissemination of C. burnetti among domestic animals. Positive data for the significant spread of C. burnetti among the wild animals and birds also exists. The disease manifests itself clinically in abortions in sheep and cattle and mastitis in sheep. The inapparent form, however, is much more frequent. The infected dogs represent a special interest. The control measures are based on the wide use of tetracyclines. The presented data testify to the continuing importance of the problem of Q fever in Bulgaria.

Experimental Q fever in sheep.

The aim of the present investigation is the complex study of experimental infection in pregnant ewes by means of clinical, serological, biological, histological and Electron microscopy methods. Four ewes, pregnant from the 2nd to 5th month, were infected by intravenous (in one case by intraperitoneal) routes with a C. burnetii strain at 10(6) ID 50/ml. The clinical illness in all of the animals was characterized by fever and two-phase temperature reaction on the 5th and 12th days. The clinical symptoms were as follows: torpidity, reduced appetite, thirst, conjuctivitis, rhinitis, rapid breathing. As a result of the developed latent infection, after the acute stage, the animals gave birth to three unviable lambs who died within 24 h. Another lamb was still-born. The lambs showed cachexia, arthritis, ataxia, wrinkled skin. The highest CF-titers (1:256-1:512) were reached on the 40th day, but serum antibodies (1:8-1:32) first appeared on the 8th day. The titers began to decrease on the 60th day. The pathomorphological changes testify to a latent infection characterized by placentitis, lymphocellular proliferation of the lamb's parenchymal organs and lymph nodes, multiple thromboses, interstitial pneumonia and plural proliferative changes. The EM exam showed rickettsiae in placentas mainly in the form of inclusions in cytoplasm of leukocytes and epithelial cells.