Search

Choroid plexus, a fetal organ developing approximately from the sixth week of gestation, plays a fundamental role in developing fetal brain organization. As relatively little is known about the relationship between anomalies of choroid plexuses structure and their role in brain function, we examined cases of bifid choroid plexus (BCP) and discussed their potential association with lateral ventriculomegaly, other abnormal ultrasound findings, and their potential role as markers of fetal chromosomal abnormalities. In the present study, we described 23 cases of fetal BCP found in 2145 routine second trimester ultrasounds. For each patient 2D and 3D ultrasound volumes were acquired. BCP was defined as a choroid plexus whose body was divided into two portions (arms) differently located and oriented on the three spatial axes in correspondence to the lateral ventricle, in one or both sides. The entity of the separation and reciprocal orientation of the two arms was examined. The presence of BCP in a low-risk population of pregnant women undergoing routine second trimester ultrasound was showed. Lateral ventricles significantly increased in the presence of BCP. Malformations were found in four of 23 fetuses with BCP. Pregnancy outcome was favorable only in one of these four cases. We suggest that in the presence of mono or bilateral BCP without associated abnormal ultrasound findings, a closer look at fetal brain or extra-cranial structures is recommended. If no related abnormalities are found, serial prenatal and postnatal sonographic follow-up should be considered. In the presence of concomitant abnormal findings, genetic counseling, fetal karyotyping and magnetic resonance imaging, if possible by gestational age, are strongly advised.

Aim: In recent years, both dienogest, a fourth-generation progestin, and levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device have been found to be effective in terms of endometriosis-related pelvic pain improvement. No data, however, are available about their efficacy in terms of postoperative recurrence prevention in women recently submitted to surgery for endometriosis at every stage. Our objective was to compare two postoperative medical approaches for pain control and reduction of recurrences in patients undergoing surgery for endometriosis. Material and Methods: Ninety-two patients undergoing surgery for endometriosis and subsequent treatment by estradiol valerate + dienogest (EP) (group A) or levonorgestrel-releasing uterine device (LNG-IUD) (Group B) between January 2009 and June 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. The primary endpoints were pain relapse and disease recurrence rate at 12 and 24 months. The secondary endpoint was patient satisfaction with the therapy at 24 months. Results: Forty-eight patients in Group A and 44 in Group B were examined.At 12 and 24 months a statistically greater reduction both in Ca125 levels and VAS score was seen in women treated with EP compared to LNG-IUD. The recurrence rate at 12 and 24 months follow-up was slightly lower, but not at a significant level, in Group A than in Group B. Finally, satisfaction with treatment at 24 months was significantly higher in Group B. Conclusion: EP administration is significantly more effective than LNG-IUD in reducing pelvic pain and more effective in reducing recurrence rate but not at a significant level. LNG-IUD, however, has significantly higher patient satisfaction.

Novel non data—aided (NDA) algorithms are proposed for joint estimation of timing and carrier phase in MSK—type modulations. They are based on maximum likelihood methods and have a feedforward structure which is suitable to fully digital implementation. Performance with MSK and Gaussian MSK. (GMSK) is assessed by computer simulations and compared with that of other existing estimation schemes.

This paper considers feedforward carrier frequency estimation methods in burst-mode digital transmission, with tutorial objectives foremost. Assuming PSK modulation, two scenarios are envisaged in which frequency estimates are derived either from a preamble appended to the data block, or directly from the modulated signal. Several estimation algorithms are considered with different and somewhat contrasting characteristics. The characteristics we focus on are: estimation accuracy, estimation range, minimum operating signal-to-noise ratio (threshold), and implementation complexity. They provide a framework within which current estimation methods can be evaluated. The paper reviews and compares some prominent algorithms proposed in literature, trying to single out the best ones for a given application.