A novel stepwise micro-TESE approach in non obstructive azoospermia

Background: The purpose of the study was to investigate whether micro-TESE can improve sperm retrieval rate (SRR) compared to conventional single TESE biopsy on the same testicle or to contralateral multiple TESE, by employing a novel stepwise micro-TESE approach in a population of poor prognosis patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Methods: Sixty-four poor prognosis NOA men undergoing surgical testicular sperm retrieval for ICSI, from March 2007 to April 2013, were included in this study. Patients inclusion criteria were a) previous unsuccessful TESE, b) unfavorable histology (SCOS, MA, sclerahyalinosis), c) Klinefelter syndrome. We employed a stepwise micro-TESE consisting three-steps: 1) single conventional TESE biopsy; 2) micro-TESE on the same testis; 3) contralateral multiple TESE. Results: SRR was 28.1 % (18/64). Sperm was obtained in both the initial single conventional TESE and in the following micro-TESE. The positive or negative sperm retrieval was further confirmed by a contralateral multiple TESE, when performed. No significant pre-operative predictors of sperm retrieval, including patients’ age, previous negative TESE or serological markers (LH, FSH, inhibin B), were observed at univariate or multivariate analysis. Micro-TESE (step 2) did not improve sperm retrieval as compared to single TESE biopsy on the same testicle (step 1) or multiple contralateral TESE (step 3). Conclusions: Stepwise micro-TESE could represent an optimal approach for sperm retrieval in NOA men. In our view, it should be offered to NOA patients in order to gradually increase surgical invasiveness, when necessary. Stepwise micro-TESE might also reduce the costs, time and efforts involved in surgery

Chapter Habitat and flora monitoring in the Regional Nature Reserve of "Palude del Conte e Duna Costiera di Porto Cesareo" (Puglia, Italy)

This study describes the results of the monitoring activity on habitats and plant species in the Regional Nature Reserve of "Palude del Conte e Duna Costiera di Porto Cesareo" (Puglia, Italy) and in the adjoining special areas of conservation (SACs), in the period April-December 2018. The activity combined field vegetation surveys and interpretation of orthophotos on a GIS system. The study identifies the pressure and threat factors that negatively affect the conservation of habitats

Gruppo elettrovalvola perfezionata per impianti fluidici di condizionamento e relativo gruppo contabilizzatore

Un gruppo servovalvola definente un condotto collegabile ad una linea di un impianto termoidraulico tramite mezzi di collegamento filettati rilasciabili, comprende un dispositivo a turbina alloggiato nel condotto, una prima pluralità di magneti permanenti portati da un rotore del dispositivo a turbina, una seconda pluralità di poli magnetici accoppiati magneticamente alla prima pluralità di magneti permanenti, una centralina di controllo collegata ai poli magnetici, una batteria collegata alla centralina di controllo per essere caricata tramite il dispositivo a turbina, un trasmettitore collegato alla centralina di controllo per trasmettere / ricevere dati a distanza, un attuatore di regolazione fluidica configurato per regolare il flusso nel condotto e controllato / alimentato tramite la centralina di controllo e la batteri

Unilateral Blepharoptosis from Renal Cell Carcinoma

Blepharoptosis is the drooping or inferior displacement of the upper eyelid. Blepharoptosis can be either congenital or acquired. Tumour metastasis is one of the acquired causes of blepharop-tosis. The lungs, locoregional lymph nodes, bone and liver are the usual sites of metastases of renal cell carcinoma (RCC); however, unusual locations of RCC have also been reported. Herein, we describe a case of a 47-year-old man with unilateral ptosis and blurred vision due to meta-static RCC. We describe the different causes of blepharopstosis, the path that led to the diagno-sis, and how RCC can metastasize to unusual anatomical regions such as the orbit. Symptoms such as exophthalmos, lid edema, diplopia, ptosis, cranial nerve paralysis or blurred vision may mime a benign disease; however, they could also be the symptoms of a systemic malignancy

The EcoThermo project: key and innovative aspects

In this paper we present the most innovative aspects of the EC-FP7 EcoThermo project. The main aim of the project consists on innovating the technique of heat cost allocation in buildings with a centralized heating system, overcoming the heat cost allocator drawbacks for reliability, measurement reproducibility and traceability and contexts of applications. Given the complexity of the project, we will focus on its main aspects, such as the use of a virtual sensor to estimate the radiators heating power, the design of electronic valves fitted out with an energy harvesting system and the original wireless communication protocol

Imaging of Renal Medullary Carcinoma

Renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) is a rare, highly aggressive tumor recognized as an independent pathological entity. African-descent adolescents and young adults with sickle cell hemoglobinopathy are the most affected groups. This rare subtype of renal cell carcinoma has its own morphogenetic and pathological characteristics. The major clinical manifestations include gross hematuria, abdominal or flank pain, and weight loss. The prognosis is very poor, with 95% of cases diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease. In this review, we summarize the morphologic and dynamic characteristics of RMC under various imaging modalities such as ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance. Differential diagnosis and management strategies are also discussed

Imaging of Renal Medullary Carcinoma

Renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) is a rare, highly aggressive tumor recognized as an independent pathological entity. African-descent adolescents and young adults with sickle cell hemoglobinopathy are the most affected groups. This rare subtype of renal cell carcinoma has its own morphogenetic and pathological characteristics. The major clinical manifestations include gross hematuria, abdominal or flank pain, and weight loss. The prognosis is very poor, with 95% of cases diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease. In this review, we summarize the morphologic and dynamic characteristics of RMC under various imaging modalities such as ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance. Differential diagnosis and management strategies are also discussed.</p