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Analog-to-digital converter (ADC) noise limits the dynamic range of many radio-frequency systems for test and measurement, sensor, and communications applications. Improvements in the total dynamic range (as measured by the SNR) can be achieved by combining M ADCs in parallel, yielding an increase in SNR of M if the noise is fully uncorrelated across ADC units. However, the presence of correlated noise will limit the SNR improvement to a factor less than M. Noise in an ADC is due to thermal processes, quantization, and clock jitter. In an array of ADCs, thermal and quantization noise are independently generated in each ADC, but if a common clock is used, its jitter will generate correlated sampling noise in all the ADCs in the array. In this paper, we analyze and experimentally measure the impact of previously proposed harmonic decorrelation techniques on the sampling noise of an array of parallel ADCs driven by a common clock, sampling at an intermediate frequency. Both theory and experiments reveal that the decorrelation techniques reduce the total sampling noise by half, which is a result that could substantially relax clock requirements for high-dynamic-range systems and thus reduce clock costs.

Hardware errors adversely affect the performance of jamming sidelobe cancellation in a digital beamforming array that combines array elements into subarrays for digital combining and uses auxiliary channels to obtain an estimate of the jammer signals. Analysis is needed to determine how much hardware error can be tolerated to obtain a desired level of jamming cancellation performance. Under a specific set of assumptions, we derive analytical, closed-form expressions that relate third-order nonlinearities (TONs) to jamming cancellation power residue in a sidelobe cancellation system. We show that the TON residue is dominated by the subarray pattern. We demonstrate that for one jammer and many auxiliaries, if the auxiliary channels have similar nonlinear parameters to the subarrays, the sidelobe canceller can remove the TON components in the sum channel to obtain almost ideal (i.e., no nonlinearities in either subarray or auxiliary channels) performance.

The risks of estrogen therapy for postmenopausal women are discussed. Contraindications for this group of women are listed. Estrogen therapy differs when it is used as a contraceptive and when used for postmenopausal treatment. Natural rather than artificial estrogens are used in climacteric therapy; less side effects occur with natural estrogens. Lower doses can be used for the climacteric therapy. The author recommends against the use of artificial estrogens especially in high doses when treating climacteric women. Symptoms for the withdrawal of estrogen therapy are listed. Potentially dangerous side effects are discussed. The risk factors for each of these conditions are listed. A diagram presents factors instrumental in the development of endometrial and mammary cancer. A list of rules to be followed when prescribing estrogen therapy for postmenopausal patients is presented.

Die Indikationen fur die Messungen der Knochendichte bei der Frau wahrend der Postmenopause aus Vorgeschichte und Befund werden eingehend erortert. Die verschiedenen Moglichkeiten der quantitativen Messverfahren wie DXA, periphere Computertomographie und Ultraschallmethodik werden in ihrer klinischen Brauchbarkeit fur die gynakologische Praxis und in ihrem pradiktiven Wert fur das reale Frakturrisiko gewurdigt.

Craniofacial surgery is a new sub-specialty in the field of plastic reconstructive surgery and is dedicated to the treatment of severe cranial and facial malformations. Craniofacial surgery gradually started in Göteborg in the late 1970's and has been acting as the Scandinavian center since 1983. Over these 30 years an almost complete change in surgical techniques has evolved. Also profound changes in timing of surgery have followed. Results have been dramatically improved based on critical evaluation of standardized registration of long-term results. One of the most dramatic developments has been the introduction of implantable stainless steel springs. This has changed the treatment of Craniosynostosis completely and has made midfacial advancement procedures possible without relapse.

This paper presents a method to select a set of risky R&D projects toward a long-term capability goal. Achieving a long-term capability enhancement in a modern complex system often requires simultaneous improvements in multiple subsystems. Choosing an optimal investment portfolio from a set of risky R&D investments becomes challenging when different combinations of improvements may result in the same capability enhancement. In the presented method, a collection of root portfolios is identified, each of which achieves the target capability. The likelihood of success and cost (development and production) for each project within in the portfolio is then determined. Generally, prospective projects will be included in multiple root portfolios. An optimal R&D portfolio, composed of one or more root portfolios, can then be calculated to minimize portfolio cost (development, production, or both) for a given likelihood of success and a small set of dominant portfolios may occur. The method inherently captures the interdependence and trades that occur during portfolio selection. The method is demonstrated on a notional R&D portfolio.

Various hardware errors, including channel mismatch and phase noise, adversely affect the performance of jamming sidelobe cancellation in a digital beamforming array that combines array elements into overlapped subarrays for digital combining and uses auxiliary channels to obtain an estimate of the jammer signals. Analysis is needed to determine how much hardware error can be tolerated to obtain a desired level of jamming cancellation performance. We derive analytical, closed-form expressions that separately relate channel mismatch and phase noise to jamming cancellation ratio (CR) in a sidelobe cancellation system. We also validate our theoretical results using a high-fidelity simulation that models the phased array and signal processing chain, and obtain a close agreement between the theoretical and simulated results. By incorporating the errors in element- and subarray-level combining weights, we show that CR can be a misleading metric and it is more useful to consider the residue powers. We show that the residue power curve is proportional to the subarray pattern and provide design guidelines for improving jamming cancellation performance.

Die zunehmende Zahl älterer Frauen macht die Etablierung einer Altersgynäkologie als neuen Schwerpunkt und als erweitertes Leistungsangebot unseres Faches zwingend erforderlich. Die Betreuung betagter Frauen in der gynäkologischen Sprechstunde sollte sich jedoch nicht nur auf die Vorsorge, Diagnostik und Behandlung der konventionellen gynäkologischen Erkrankungen beschränken. Diese werden selbstverständlich in dieser Arbeit im Einzelnen abgehandelt. Es sollten vielmehr in einem neuen Verständnis unseres Faches auch die frauenspezifischen nicht gynäkologischen Alterserkrankungen in die Vorsorge, Prävention und Behandlung, soweit sinnvoll möglich, mit einbezogen werden. Diese Forderung ergibt sich einerseits aus dem breiten Wirkungsspektrum der Sexualhormone in der Hand des Gynäkologen, andererseits insbesondere aus dem breiten Wirkungsspektrum der langzeitigen präventiven Östrogensubstitution in zahlreiche benachbarte medizinische Fächer hinein, wie innere Medizin, Orthopädie, Neurologie und andere. Der Gynäkologe sollte also Praxiskenntnisse der wichtigsten Krankheitsrisiken älterer Frauen über die Pathophysiologie, Differentialdiagnose, Behandlung, vor allem aber über die Vorbeugung der frauenspezifischen Alterserkrankungen besitzen. Die Sonderstellung der Gynäkologie in der primären Versorgung älterer Frauen ergibt sich aus der einmaligen Stellung des Frauenarztes in der Gesundheitsvorsorge der Frauen und aus dem speziellen Vertrauensverhältnis zwischen dem Gynäkologen und seinen Klientinnen. Zur Betreuung der Seniorinnen gehört heutzutage auch die Lebensstilberatung mit dem Ziel der Erhaltung der Gesundheit und Leistungsfähigkeit und der Prävention verhütbarer Erkrankungen. Auf diese neuen Gesichtspunkte wird ebenfalls eingegangen. Die Medizin, die der Frau nach der Menopause dreißig zusätzliche Lebensjahre geschenkt hat, muss auch die Verantwortung dafür übernehmen, dass dieser Daseinsabschnitt bei guter körperlicher und geistiger Frische, annehmbarer Lebensqualität und in weitgehender Freiheit von verhütbaren Alterserkrankungen gelebt werden kann.

Zusammenstellung einschlagiger Literatur, ausgehend von der Bibel, uber die klassische bis zur modernen belletristischen Literatur zum Thema Sterilitat, Sterilitatsdiagnostik und -behandlung, verbunden mit Zitaten und Kommentaren des Verfassers.

Studies on the incidence of coronary disease have revealed a well documented, significant primary preventive effect of estrogens, as well as estrogens and progestogens against this important risk of health for postmenopausal women [1–7]. Experimental investigations in castrated and estrogen-treated, cholesterol fed cynomolgus monkeys confirmed these findings [8]. Studies dealing with secondary estrogen–progestogen prevention in patients with existing coronary diseases were less frequently performed [2,9]. This object was investigated in the HERS trial [10].

The objective of this research was to ascertain the gender-and ethnic-related factors that influence what one eats. This survey was conducted using a validated, pilot-tested questionnaire in 11 states and the District of Columbia, which were participating in the W-182 Western Regional Research project. The results indicated that the factors that influence what one eats differ by gender and ethnicity. Men were very much influenced by likes and dislikes, and by their spouse or significant other. Women were influenced by likes and dislikes, and health. Food likes/dislikes and concerns about health and weight were among the leading four factors for all ethnic groups. Food likes/dislikes were the top factor influencing what is eaten by 51% or more of Asians, Pacific Islanders, Caucasians and Hispanics. Concern about health was the top factor for 62% and 58%, respectively, of African Americans and Native Americans.

Numerous dietary recommendations aim to decrease fat and increase fiber in the American diet, yet obesity remains a major public health problem in the United States as indicated by excessive weight for height ratios. The purpose of the Western Regional Project 182 was to examine knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the general population in 11 states and the District of Columbia regarding dietary fat and fiber. This paper specifically discusses the survey results related to the relationships of fat and fiber knowledge and food behavior to body mass index (BMI). Using self-reported weight and height, it was estimated that more than one third of the respondents (n = 1297, 42%) had a BMI ≥ 26. Subjects with BMI scores less than 26 generally had the highest knowledge scores of all BMI groups, but no significant differences in fat knowledge were found among the BMI classifications. Behavior that was related to fat intake was significantly (p 250,000 people were most likely to have a lower BMI than females with other educational levels, lower economic categories, and from less populated areas. Results support continued use of government and private funds to educate Americans to improve diet and achieve acceptable weights for heights.

Over 2700 subjects were surveyed to determine if a particular disease condition resulted in better knowledge, beliefs and dietary practices in relation to fat and fiber intakes. Using discriminant analysis, it appeared that the presence of disease conditions could affect these aspects of fat and fiber intake, but the contribution was minimal. General overall nutrition knowledge was lower for subjects reporting osteoporosis, and knowledge of specific facts about fiber was significantly lower in hypertensive and heart disease subjects. Dietary practices related to selection of high fat food was poorer in hypertensives than normotensives. Those with heart disease and hypercholesterolemia had better knowledge about fat than those without this condition. Only subjects with heart disease had more appropriate beliefs toward diet fat and health than did other subjects. Dietary practices appeared to be a factor for only two disease conditions. Subjects self-reporting elevated blood cholesterol levels had more appropriate fiber and fat practices, and diabetics had better diet fiber practices than others. Using multiple regression analysis, older subjects had lower fat and higher fiber intakes, whereas those with greater BMI had poorer diet practices with respect to fat and fiber. Furthermore, the analysis indicated that individuals with the belief that fat or fiber intake could affect health and well-being, and those with better nutrition knowledge, had better dietary practices.

This study aimed at investigating the prevalence of osteopenia among a hypoestrogenic group of patients with primary or secondary amenorrhea. Twenty-seven patients with amenorrhea were examined. Sixteen of them presented with secondary amenorrhea (mean age 27.8 +/- 1.9 yrs), and 11 with primary amenorrhea (mean age 21.3 +/- 1.6 yrs). Ten regularly menstruating women (mean age 28.9 +/- 1.4 yrs) served as controls. Estradiol serum levels as well as lumbar spine bone mineral density were measured. All 11 patients with primary amenorrhea showed osteopenia with a mean bone mineral density Z-score of 71 +/- 2% and mean estradiol levels of 30.6 +/- 5.9 pg/ml. The secondary amenorrheic patients were significantly demineralized with a mean Z-score of 82 +/- 3%; 10 of them had osteopenia. Their mean estradiol levels were 34.3 +/- 2.9 pg/ml. The bone density in the primary amenorrheic patients was significantly lower as compared with the secondary amenorrheic women. In comparison, lumbar spine bone density in all control women was normal with a mean Z-score of 104 +/- 3%. In summary, 21 of the 27 patients had osteopenia, higher than that reported in post-menopausal women. Since it is not proven whether the bone mineral deficit of amenorrheic patients can ever be compensated, early diagnostic steps and estrogen-progestogen replacement for the prevention of further bone loss and subsequent fractures are recommended.

Osteopenia is common in gonadal dysgenesis when no sex steroid replacement therapy is carried out. Four patients with gonadal dysgenesis, one with ovarian hypoplasia, and one with androgen insensitivity syndrome, all having osteopenia, were treated by high-dose estrogen-progestogen injections (so-called “pseudopregnancy”) for 6 months. Each patient showed considerable increase in lumbar spine bone mineral density and impressive secondary sexual development during therapy.

Study Objective: A multicentric European study was undertaken by the International Federation of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, to compile information on sexual activity during adolescence. Setting and Participants: Eleven countries contributed to the study. The following data were collected: Age of first sexual intercourse, and adolescent pregnancy and abortion rates, as well as contraceptive methods used during adolescence. Results: It was found that boys start sexual intercourse earlier than girls with girls starting sexual intercourse after the age of 16. No significant differences were found among European countries for adolescent pregnancy rate. A reduction of adolescent pregnancy rate was reported from Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, and the United Kingdom during the years 1985 through 1989. An increase in the abortion rate was recorded for Denmark, Finland, Hungary, and Italy during the same period. Oral contraceptives were the most popular contraceptive method in many European countries. Conclusions: Sexual education programs must be initiated in countries that have not yet approved them in schools. Further multicentric data must be collected to harmonize the use of the same birth control methods during adolescence. The need for consultation on adolescent sexuality matters in European countries as well as the prevention of complications arising from premature sexual relations must also be stressed.

This paper presents a novel photonic transceiver architecture for digital array applications. The architecture utilizes optical remoting for minimal hardware impact at the antenna and phase encoding for improved linearity. The individual elements are addressed through wavelength division multiplexing and photonic downconversion is used to increase the linearity of the photonic receiver. The architecture is evaluated through a 10 GHz, two-element experimental prototype system. The phase stability of the system is evaluated by measuring the relative phase drift between the two elements at the outputs of the transmitter and receiver. The transmitter exhibits low phase error, on the order of 10 millidegrees, while the receiver shows a phase error of approximately 1 degree over a time scale of 2 ms at uncontrolled laboratory temperatures.

Beamformers are spatial filters that focus energy in a particular direction while attempting to eliminate interference from other directions. This paper compares several adaptive approaches that seek to provide detection performance equivalent to classical techniques while using fewer beams, a form of measurement compression. Using an apriori distribution on the source locations together with an initial set of beams as a starting point, these algorithms adaptively form a sequence of beams based on posterior distributions of the source locations. Two methods are considered: one attempts to maximize the trace of the Fisher information and the other maximizes mutual information based on a Gaussian posterior approximation.

We discuss the potential benefits of combining the high speeds, broad modulation bandwidths and precision timing of photonic sampling techniques with recent advances in the theory and algorithms of compressive sampling.

This prospective pilot study has been carried out to assess the effect of high parenteral doses of estrogens and progestogens on lumbar spine bone density in osteopenic women. Thirteen osteopenic women received 40 mg estradiol valerate and 250 mg hydroxyprogesterone caproate by intramuscular injections once a week for 6 months (so called "pseudopregnancy"). One g oral calcium was added. Six out of the 13 patients (49.5 +/- 4.8 y were peri- and postmenopausal = group A. Seven patients (21.5 +/- 2.2 y) suffered from primary and secondary amenorrhea, in 4 out of them due to gonadal dysgenesis = group B. Estradiol was measured by commercial radioimmunoassay. Bone density was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) of the upper 4 lumbar vertebrae. Lumbar spine bone density as well as estradiol serum levels were measured before and 3 and 6 months after therapy, respectively. Estradiol increased from 34.8 +/- 7.5 pg/ml to 3226 +/- 393 pg/ml after 3 months and to 2552 +/- 254 pg/ml after 6 months, respectively, in group A. Bone density increased by 15.3 +/- 3.6% within the first 3 months to a total of 18.8 +/- 3.9% after 6 months, respectively. Two patients we have controlled for two years, maintained this increase. In group B estradiol increased from 27.8 +/- 6.5 pg/ml to 3028 +/- 728 after 3 and to 2491 +/- 684 pg/ml after 6 months. Bone density in this group increased by 11.8 +/- 1.9% within 3 and to a total of 18.2 +/- 2.8% after 6 months.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

We investigate the applicability of sparse signal recovery techniques featured in recent compressed sensing literature to stretch processing, a widely adopted high-range resolution pulse compression technique. We present simulation results suggesting that, under certain assumptions, incorporating sparse signal recovery algorithms results in up to a 30% improvement in range resolution. In addition, we empirically study the effects of grid mismatch and the sensitivity to phase difference between closely spaced scatterers. We also analyze worst-case coherence of the derived dictionary to better understand the expected performance of a class of representative scatterer configurations.

We present the design of an analog-to-information (A2I) converter consisting of parallel analog processing channels, whose output is sampled by traditional analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). The architecture employs a reconfigurable analog front-end that modulates the signal of interest with a high-speed digital chipping sequence and integrates the result prior to sampling at a low rate. This front-end is combined with a digital controller which generates the chipping sequences and processes the digitized samples. The result is a highly versatile architecture that is mapped efficiently on a single CMOS chip.

■ Objective: To assess the effect of nutrition education, using computerized dietary analysis, on nutrition knowledge, nutrition status, dietary compliance, and quality of life in hemodialysis patients. ■ Design: A 6-month nonrandomized control study including 3 months of prestudy data. ■ Setting: A free-standing dialysis center that treated approximately 50 hemodialysis patients. ■ Patients: Twenty chronic hemodialysis patients (treatment: n=12, control: n=8) who voluntarily agreed to participate. ■ Interventions: All study participants completed prestudy and poststudy quality-of-life assessments, a depression inventory, and a nutrition knowledge assessment. Patients in the treatment group completed monthly 3-day food records, which were analyzed by computer nutrient analysis software. Results were discussed with the patients during one-on-one education sessions. Control patients completed prestudy and poststudy 3-day food records. ■ Main outcome measures: Change in prestudy and poststudy assessment scores, nutritionrelated laboratory data, anthropometric data, and dietary data. ■ Results: The treatment group's nutrition knowledge test scores significantly improved. Nutrient intakes showed no significant changes except for calorie intake, which decreased in the treatment group. Serum albumin and total protein increased in both groups, and the protein catabolic rate (PCR) of the treatment group increased significantly. The treatment group showed improvement in the alertness behavior area of the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP), and the control group declined in the recreation and pastimes area of the SIP. ■ Conclusions: Computerized dietary analysis is an effective instruction tool, is helpful in improving dietary protein intake as measured by PCR, and may contribute to improved quality of life of hemodialysis patients.

In this article, we describe the simultaneous digital measurement of both phase (PM) and amplitude (AM) noise of VHF and microwave sources by the direct digitization of the signal-under-test. Our measurement approach takes advantage of a commercially-available, high-dynamic-range analog-to-digital converter driven by a high-performance clock to digitize the signal-under-test with high fidelity. Following digitization, phase and amplitude fluctuations are extracted and converted to PM and AM noise spectra. Measurement of microwave signals is accomplished by the inclusion of a specially-designed low-noise down-converter to translate the signal frequency to the VHF regime while introducing minimal additional signal noise. Measurements made on this system are shown to be in good agreement with those obtained using a conventional heterodyne mixer system. In addition to speeding the characterization of RF sources by simultaneously measuring both PM and AM signal characteristics, the digital noise measurement approach allows the direct measurement of the PM- and AM-noise spectra of more complex signals, such as pulsed CW waveforms, in both the VHF and microwave regimes.

Constituents of the follicular fluid (FF) have been suspected to influence fertilizability and cytogenetic constitution of human oocytes. Therefore, we analysed the FF concentrations of 17 beta-estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), testosterone (T), and prolactin (PRL) of 114 oocytes recovered for in vitro fertilisation (IVF). 46 of these oocytes were fertilised and transferred to the maternal uterus. Among the unfertilized gametes, 27 were not analysable. 30 were normal haploid, and 11 were classified as abnormal. There was no significant difference between fertilised and unfertilized oocytes for FF concentrations of E2, P, T, and PRL and for the E2/P ratios. Similarly, we detected no significant difference between normal and abnormal oocytes for these parameters.

Seven menus that were consistent with the 1989 National Research Council's Recommended Dietary Allowances and the Diet and Health recommendations were developed and evaluated for women ages 25 to 50 years. The menus were compared with current consumption trends using the 1986 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFH-86). Compared with CSFII-86 intakes, the menus provided more food from every group except meats. Processed meats were eliminated, but intake of red meats, which provided essential minerals, was comparable to the CSFII data. It was difficult to meet the RDA for minerals that are provided largely from meat and dairy products without exceeding the Diet and Health recommended protein limit. Minerals were provided by increasing intake of grains and vegetables. Average servings in the menus provided 4 fruit; 4 vegetables, especially dark green; .75 legumes; 2.5 skim and lowfat dairy products; 8 grains, almost exclusively whole grains; 1.5 sweets, mainly sweet spreads; 3 fat, mostly reducedfat products; and 3.5 (ounces) meat.

Genetic factors, especially numerical chromosome anomalies, play an important role in embryonic loss. Since somatic cell analysis cannot assess the risk of errors arising de novo during germ cell maturation, we investigated, whether the male gametes from couples with habitual abortion (group HA) carry a higher rate of anomalies, than those from donors without reproductive dysfunction (group K). Chromosomes were demonstrated after fusion of sperm with zona-free golden hamster ova. Our results indicate no significant difference between the two groups for the total rates of aneuploidy (HA: 3.6%, K: 2.0%) and structural anomalies (HA: 15.3%, K: 7.0%). However, the levels of chromosome breaks and acentric fragments were significantly higher in the abortion group (5.8% and 8.1%, respectively, vs. 2.4% each in group K). The implications of this fact remain to be investigated.

Between 1985 and 1989 115 non-ruptured tubal pregnancies were operated upon, using a pelviscope and preserving of the tube. For the purpose of prophylactic haemostasis 2,5 I.U. ornipressin (Por 8) were injected into the mesosalpinx. The tube was opened (linear salpingotomy) by using various instruments. This method was used in 49 patients by means of the thermocoagulator and hooked scissors; with the remaining 66 patients the following laser systems were employed: CO2-laser (n = 13); Nd: YAG-laser by the contact method (n = 22); argon-laser (n = 31). No intraoperative complications were noted. Postoperative rebleeding occurred in three patients requiring subsequent treatment, and pelviscopy had to be repeated in two patients, because of incompletely removed trophoblastic tissue. The tubal condition (patency; occurrence of adhesion) was checked in 53 (47%) of the patients by means of hysterosalpingography (n = 15) or second-look pelviscopy (n = 38). Tubal patency/peritubal adhesion were found after conventional surgery in 64%/55% of the controlled cases and after laser salpingotomy in 90%/11%, respectively. Summing up, we can say, that the various laser systems are suitable for operating non-ruptured pregnancies due to their accurate incision and simultaneously coagulating effect. Due to the lower postoperative tubal occlusion rate and lower tendency to adhesion, it appears, that the laser systems are superior to the conventional endoscopy instruments, although the rate of complications was highest after CO2-laser application.

A microwave S-band receiver was developed for studying dynamic range issues in digital beam forming (DBF), phased-array radar systems with multiple receivers. Particular attention was paid to understanding the balance between the analog and the analog-digital conversion segments of the receiver to maximize its dynamic range. Measurements of spurious signals were made well below the receiver noise floor to gain an understanding of which spurs, if correlated among the receivers in a DBF system, might appear above the noise level at the output of the digital beam former.

An extensive basal cell carcinoma of the mid-parietal scalp penetrating the skull and invading the posterior third of the superior sagittal sinus was successfully treated in a 60-year-old man. This was accomplished by gradually obstructing the sinus over a period of five weeks unit it was possible to resect the tumor along with 15 cm of the sagittal sinus. Total obstruction of the sinus was achieved using two miniature tissue expanders surgically placed and affixed to the vessel. By gradual filling of the expanders, it was possible, after five weeks, to demonstrate angiographically that the sagittal sinus between the two tissue expanders was obliterated. The one piece resection included a wide margin of skin, bone, dura mater and sagittal sinus. The extensive defect of the dura mater was covered by a free fascia lata graft and the scalp defect by a visor bipedicled forehead flap. The forehead donor area was skin grafted. There were no complications during surgery and the patient recovered uneventfully. There has been no recurrence after one year.

The purpose of the present paper is to analyze the most recent advances in the field of craniosynostosis basic and clinical research and management, and to give an overview of the more frequently adopted surgical strategies. After reviewing some basic concepts regarding normal craniofacial embryology and growth, aetiopathogenesis of craniosynostosis and craniofacial dysostosis, classification and diagnosis and historical evolution of surgical treatment, the authors elaborate on a selection of topics that have modified our current understanding of and therapeutical approach to these disease processes. Areas covered include advances in molecular biology and genetics, imaging techniques and surgical planning, resorbable fixation technology, bone substitutes and tissue engineering, distraction osteogenesis and the spring-mediated cranioplasties, resorbable distractor devices, minimally invasive surgery and in utero surgery. A review of the main subtypes of craniosynostosis and craniofacial dysostosis is presented, including their specific clinical features and a commentary on the presently available surgical options.

The purpose of the present paper is to analyze the most recent advances in the field of craniosynostosis basic and clinical research and management, and to give an overview of the more frequently adopted surgical strategies.