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OBJECTIVE: To assess the use of testicular needle aspiration techniques to evaluate fertility potential in azoospermic, formerly cryptorchid men. STUDY DESIGN: Fifteen consecutive adult azoospermic, formerly cryptorchid patients (eight unilateral and seven bilateral) were examined by needle aspiration techniques, fine (FNA) and large needle (LNAB) testicular aspiration biopsy, for cytologic and histologic analysis. Five of the 15 subsequently underwent surgical biopsy for attempted assisted fertilization. RESULTS: Spermatozoa or spermatids were detected by FNA cytology or LNAB histology in one or both testicles in 87.5% of the unilateral and 28. 6% of the bilaterally affected, formerly cryptorchid patients (P = .041, Fisher's exact test). The addition of LNAB to FNA identified spermatids in one patient with unilateral cryptorchidism and only Sertoli cells on FNA cytology. Furthermore, LNAB differentiated testicles with the cytologic finding of only Sertoli cells into those with or without diffuse fibrosis. In the five patients in whom assisted fertilization was attempted, the needle aspiration techniques predicted the presence or absence of spermatozoa in the subsequent surgical biopsy. CONCLUSION: The two needle aspiration techniques can be used to assess the fertility potential of azoospermic, formerly cryptorchid men and to select patients for assisted fertilization.

This paper addresses the problem of mitigating non-stationary diffusely scattered multipath interference or “hot clutter” by space-time adaptive processing (STAP) in radar systems that use a multi-channel receive antenna array. A computationally efficient time-varying (TV) fast-time STAP algorithm that can effectively cancel hot clutter during the coherent processing interval (CPI) while simultaneously preserving the Doppler spectrum characteristics of the ordinary backscattered “cold clutter” is proposed. The TV-STAP method is compared with several benchmark techniques in a numerical study simulating aircraft and ship detection in over-the-horizon (OTH) radar.

This paper is focused on multichannel radar array processing and addresses some challenging issues concerning: the adaptation in nonstationary and nonhomogeneous environments, the value of Space-Time Adaptive Processing (STAP) in an operational High Frequency (HF) radar system, the benefits resulting from the joint use of multiple (not colocated) transmitters and receivers, and the parallel implementation of the multichannel processor. The work follows on where the importance of a multichannel processing is demonstrated with reference to airborne, ground-based, and Over The Horizon (OTH) radar systems.

This paper is concerned with adaptive Doppler processing in high frequency (HF) over-the-horizon (OTH) radar to improve the detection of slow-moving ships against clutter. A knowledge-based adaptive detection approach that exploits additional information to identify the surfaces that scatter clutter in each radar resolution cell (i.e. land, sea or land-plus-sea) is proposed to guide the selection of training data for the adaptive algorithm. The practical performance of the KB scheme is compared with conventional FFT-based Doppler processing and a traditional adaptive algorithm that does not exploit additional information.

The problem addressed is that of high frequency (HF) single site location (SSL) using a linear array, where the signal of interest propagates beyond the line of sight via the sky-wave mode. The paper proposes a new geolocation method that exploits multipath to resolve the “coning” ambiguity in a linear array. For the first time, this opens up the possibility to perform meaningful HF-SSL using a linear array. The proposed method is also applicable to traditional HF-SSL systems based on two-dimensional apertures. In this case, the advantage is reducing estimation errors as opposed to resolving an ambiguity. Experimental data with known ground truth on a HF source is used to validate the method.

The problem of blind source separation by spatial processing is considered for convolutive mixtures of narrowband sources received by a sensor array. Multipath propagation is due to time-varying doubly-spread finite impulse response channels where the signal modes are Doppler shifted and arise from diffuse scattering rather than specular reflection. This paper introduces a new blind spatial filtering technique, referred to as the Generalized Estimation of Multipath Signals (GEMS) algorithm, which exploits multipath as the basis for signal separation under relatively mild assumptions regarding the signal spatial signatures and source waveform properties. The performance of GEMS is compared with a benchmark signal-copy procedure using real data acquired by an experimental high frequency (HF) antenna array system.1

Target detection and tracking systems using emitters of opportunity have received significant interest recently, especially those which exploit VHF and UHF broadcasts as signal sources in so-called passive radar systems. Here, the authors discuss an experimental system in the high-frequency (HF) band, where due to long-distance ionospheric propagation of radio waves in the 3-30-MHz spectrum, the illuminator may be located well beyond the line-of-sight. In this study, live data was recorded by a high dynamic range multi-channel digital receiver connected to a two-dimensional (L-shaped) antenna array, and signals from an uncooperative HF over-the-horizon (OTH) radar transmitter have been captured and analysed. As a preliminary step towards the development of a general HF-OTH passive radar system, the scope of this work is to compare the performance of conventional and adaptive spatial processing techniques in terms of their ability to cancel direct-wave interference and protect useful signal echoes to detect a small cooperative aircraft target. In particular, an alternative adaptive beamforming method specifically tailored to this application is proposed, and its practical performance is compared with classical and standard adaptive beamforming approaches. GPS data measured on-board the cooperative aircraft provided accurate ground truth of the flight path, enabling target profiles in bi-static range, Doppler frequency and direction-of-arrival (azimuth/elevation) to be calculated as a function of time. This information permitted the different processing schemes to be evaluated with a high degree of confidence. The experimental system and live data analysed are exclusively from the HF Radar program of the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), Australia.

The effects of the administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on the increase of testis and prostate volume was monitored by ultrasound in six patients affected by idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. A significant increase of testis volume was observed after 90 and 180 days (6.65 versus 3.32 mL, 99.1% net increase and 8.47 mL, 176.8% increase, respectively) of pulsatile GnRH treatment. A similar increase of prostate volume was observed at day 90 (12.67 versus 7.78 mL, 70.3% net increase) and day 180 (14.70 mL, 97.7% increase). The ultrasound monitoring of the modifications of testis and prostate volume may represent a biological assay of the effects of GnRH treatment and offer additional data on the response of target organs to the hormonal treatment.

An alternative multi-static HF radar architecture, known as the Forward-Based Receiver Augmentation (FBRA) system, has been developed and tested by the Defence Science and Technology Organization [1]. The experimental system has performed beyond expectations in a number of trials involving targets of interest. This is not only due to the impressive hardware capabilities, but also the advanced signal processing for clutter and interference mitigation, particularly STAP which was shown to be indispensable for the successful operation of the system. This paper describes the real-time STAP algorithm in the FBRA system, and demonstrates its experimental detection performance on a cooperative aircraft target with flight path "ground truth" data available from on-board GPS logging equipment.

Female breast carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation is a lesion which can enhance of conventional therapy added with tamoxifene-octreotide association. The Authors report a case completely responsive after two years therapy, which grading was: pT4, N1biii, Mx, G2 staging III.

Nm23-H1 and CD44v6 expression has been shown to be correlated with the metastatic potential of colorectal cancer (CRC) in some studies but not in others. The present study was undertaken to evaluate immunohistochemically the expression of these markers and to correlate them with clinicopathological variables.Archival tissues of 41 non metastatic colorectal cancers were histopathologically evaluated and stained with monoclonal antibodies versus Nm23-H1 and CD44v6.Expression of Nm23-H1 was detected in 73% (n = 30) of all CRC, and CD44v6 in 37% (n = 15) of all CRC. CD44v6 was found to be statistically associated with tumour grading differentiation (p0.03), but no correlation emerged between Nm23-H1 and CD44v6 and Dukes stage, site, peritumoral lymphocytic infiltration, venous infiltrating, perineural infiltrating, tumour budding, pushing and infiltrating tumour growth.Even if the results are not statistically significant, the authors noticed that the expression of Nm23-H1 was correlated with those histopathological parameters that indicate local disease progression and metastases.

Multinodular goitre is a very common pathology among people especially female adult and represents more than 90% of the thyroid surgery. We analyzed 37 patients, demonstrating that the whole gland is progressively affected by an incessant nodulogenesis and we confirm the necessity of total thyroidectomy in order to eliminate any persistent pathology.

The Authors, basing on cadaveric dissections and 40 parotidectomies performed, accurately describe relations between facial nerve and surrounding tissues in its extracranial tract, with particular reference to parotid surgery. They underline Schwalbe's apophysis as the sole safe and constant anatomic landmark in the dissection of the facial nerve trunk.

To assess the use of testicular needle aspiration techniques to evaluate fertility potential in azoospermic, formerly cryptorchid men.Fifteen consecutive adult azoospermic, formerly cryptorchid patients (eight unilateral and seven bilateral) were examined by needle aspiration techniques, fine (FNA) and large needle (LNAB) testicular aspiration biopsy, for cytologic and histologic analysis. Five of the 15 subsequently underwent surgical biopsy for attempted assisted fertilization.Spermatozoa or spermatids were detected by FNA cytology or LNAB histology in one or both testicles in 87.5% of the unilateral and 28.6% of the bilaterally affected, formerly cryptorchid patients (P = .041, Fisher's exact test). The addition of LNAB to FNA identified spermatids in one patient with unilateral cryptorchidism and only Sertoli cells on FNA cytology. Furthermore, LNAB differentiated testicles with the cytologic finding of only Sertoli cells into those with or without diffuse fibrosis. In the five patients in whom assisted fertilization was attempted, the needle aspiration techniques predicted the presence or absence of spermatozoa in the subsequent surgical biopsy.The two needle aspiration techniques can be used to assess the fertility potential of azoospermic, formerly cryptorchid men and to select patients for assisted fertilization.

The authors, o the basis of a retrospective analysis of a series of 13 cases of chronic periaortitis, after a review of the literature about the subject, discuss about the most recent theories about pathogenesis, pathological anatomy, diagnosis and treatment of this condition. At first the authors stress the importance of adopting the term chronic periaortitis to describe any idiopathic fibrotic retroperitoneal process, as a consequence of the well established relationship between the atherosclerotic abdominal aorta an the development of this condition. Histological, immunohistochemical and immunological studies, consented to clarify the pathogenesis o the lesion. CT or MRI currently makes the diagnosis but histological confirmation is desiderable. Surgical therapy plays still a fundamental role in the management of chronic periaortitis, but the use of immunosuppressive drugs is to be considered extremely promising.

The Authors, on the basis of their experience with 196 patients aged from 18 to 45, affected by relapsing varicose veins, stress the advantages of the outpatient treatment according to Muller's technique. For these lesions excellent aesthetic and functional results, easy surgical technique, low incidence of complications, prompt resumption to work were registered.

The Authors report a review of the Literature and their personal series to evaluate the role of total thyroidectomy in the surgical management of non-toxic multinodular goiter. On the basis of the data obtained, the Authors consider total thyroidectomy the therapy of choice for this pathology.

Purpose: We investigated the morphological and functional features of cavernous helicine arterioles in male potent subjects. Materials and Methods: Ten young men reporting normal rigid erections which were confirmed by polysomnographic recording underwent power Doppler sonography of the cavernous helicine arterioles during flaccidity, after intracavernous injection of alprostadil, and after subsequent genital and audiovisual sexual stimulation. Results: During flaccidity the helicine arterioles were never detected by power Doppler imaging while they became evident in all cases after alprostadil injection, They usually originated from the cavernous artery forming an acute angle and showed 3 orders of ramifications, Systolic and diastolic flow was present. After genital and audiovisual sexual stimulation, and achievement of maximum rigidity, the helicine arterioles were still evident but with only 1 or 2 orders of distal ramifications, Only systolic flow was present. During penile tumescence the helicine arterioles disappeared in all cases. Conclusions: Using power Doppler sonography it is possible to investigate the functional anatomy of the cavernous helicine arterioles during the various phases of the erectile cycle. Our preliminary study suggests that the helicine arterioles are functionally inactive during penile flaccidity while they are activated during penile tumescence and continue to supply blood to the corpora also during maximum penile rigidity.

A case of subtotal colectomy cecoproctostomy for multiple lesions of the colon is introduced. This procedure has advantages over ileoproctostomy because it spares the terminal ileum, ileocecal junction and cecum. Due to the high incidence of bowel movements after the ileoproctostomy operation, the authors recommend cecoproctostomy as a valid choice in a selectioned group of patients with multiple or extended lesions that spares cecum and rectum.

The authors present a case of PPD, stressing the importance to distinguish "true" PPD from pagetoid spread, for correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment. This distinction is possible by using immunohistochemical stains, with particular regarding Ab-GCDFP-15, considered specific marker for Paget's cell.

The Authors report a case of ovarian endometriosis causing an "Ab extrinseco" sigmoid stenosis. The histogenesis as well as different possibilities of treatment, i.e. medical and surgical, are discussed.

The authors after a review of the literature report a case of anterior tibial artery false aneurysm in a seventeen year old male, due to traumatic sprained ankle during a basketball match. Surgical techniques used in repairing the lesion as well as microsurgical technique for the direct suture of the artery, which allowed to resolve the problem, are discussed.

The authors report a case of juvenile vasculopathy in a homocystinuria patient. They point out that thromboembolism may be the only symptomatic expression of this genetically determined metabolic disease. Diagnostic approach and surgical therapy of the vascular lesions as well as medical therapy to prevent further complications are analysed. The opportunity to perform clinical tests for the diagnosis of homocystinuria in all those young patients presenting vascular lesions without other risk factors is finally stressed.

Two cases of deep lipomas of the neck developed between the skeletal muscles were presented: one intermuscular and the other intramuscular. Taking into consideration the rarity of the case, the authors examined the clinical surgical aspect, paying special attention to the relationship between sonographic and computerized tomographic characteristics and the histological aspects in order to define whether the lipomatous tumors were benign or malignant. They also studied the localization of cervical lipomas, of lipoblastomas of hibernomas and of liposarcomas and defined an anatomo-clinical classification of both superficial and deep cervical lipomas.

Twenty patients with sexual inadequacies secondary to different degrees of chronic renal failure were investigated. The patients were divided into two groups: group A—ten patients treated with a conservative diet therapy; group B—ten patients on hemodialysis. All the patients under investigation were administered 2000 IU of hCG every other day for 120 days after a 30-day period without treatment. Andrologic, biometric, hematologic, and sexual data were evaluated before and after hormone treatment. Sexual parameters were collected through self-evaluation by the patients and their partners. Our results agree with Van Kammen et al (1975) and show an improvement of the andrologic and biometric data in patients from group A. Furthermore, eight patients form group A and three patients from group B reported a remarkable improvement in their sexual responses.

Many therapeutic regimens, differing in dose and duration, have been employed in the treatment of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. This study presents the results from a regimen of hCG plus hMG plus testosterone combined treatment in 15 patients affected by selective hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. The patients were homogeneous in age (16–23 years), testicular size, aspermia, absence of prior hormonal treatment, and normal karyotype. They were administered 5000 IU of hCG plus 75 IU of hMG twice a week for two months and a single dose of depo-testosterone (250 mg) in the third month. This therapeutic plan was carried out continuously for eight three-month cycles (24 months). Sexual maturation and seminal parameters were checked every six months. All the patients improved in testicular size (from 4.6 ± 1.55 ml to 13 ± 3.5 ml) and secondary sexual characteristics (penis, scrotum, pubic hair), but facial and axillary hair in most patients remained abnormal. After 24 months, all of them had ejaculations, but only two were normo-spermic, and seven were still azoospermic. In patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism treated with gonadotropins there were better results in achieving sexual maturation than in improving seminal parameters. We believe that this differential response is due to multiple factors rather than a single factor.

Free L-carnitine was assayed in semen from patients with various andrologic diseases by an enzymatic-spectrophotometric method. Extremely low concentrations were found in semen from patients with agenesis of the vas deferens (31.8 +/- 18.8 nm/ml). Semen from men with vasectomies contains a higher concentration of free carnitine (105.0 +/- 8.1 nm/ml). When comparing these data with those of ten fertile control subjects (817.0 +/- 200 nm/ml), we assume that seminal free L-carnitine mainly originates from the epididymis. Semen from patients with azoospermia caused by testicular failure also contains a low carnitine concentration. In hypogonadotropic eunuchoids the gonadotropin treatment increased the low basal concentration. A correlation between semen carnitine content and sperm motility and number was also tested in 124 infertile patients. The results show a positive correlation between free L-carnitine and sperm count (r = 0.617; P less than 0.01), between free L-carnitine and sperm motility (r = 0.614; P less than 0.01), and between free L-carnitine and the number of motile spermatozoa per milliliter (r = 0.646; P less than 0.01).

We present a simple derivation of a Feynman-Kac type formula to study fermionic systems. In this approach the real time or the imaginary time dynamics is expressed in terms of the evolution of a collection of Poisson processes. A computer implementation of this formula leads to a family of algorithms parametrized by the values of the jump rates of the Poisson processes. From these an optimal algorithm can be chosen which coincides with the Green Function Monte Carlo method in the limit when the latter becomes exact., 4 pages, 1 PostScript figure, REVTeX