Habit reversal training in children and adolescents with chronic tic disorders: an Italian randomized, single-blind pilot study.

Background: The aim of the present study was to test the possibility to apply habit reversal training (HRT) in Italy and to evaluate the effectiveness of HRT in reducing tic severity compared with the "usual care" (UC) in Italian children and adolescents with Tourette Syndrome.

Methods: We performed a single blind, randomized, pilot study comparing HRT (active treatment) and UC (usual treatment). Out of 69 patients seen during the study period, we were able to enroll 21 patients (11 randomized to HRT e 10 to UC).

Effects of nebivolol versus carvedilol on left ventricular function in patients with chronic heart failure and reduced left ventricular systolic function.

Background: Beta-adrenoceptor antagonist (beta-blocker) therapy results in a significant improvement in left ventricular (LV) systolic function and prognosis in patients with chronic heart failure. Both carvedilol and nebivolol produce hemodynamic and clinical benefits in chronic heart failure, but it is unknown whether their peculiar pharmacologic properties produce different effects on LV function.

Objective: To assess the effects on LV function of nebivolol compared with carvedilol in patients with chronic heart failure and reduced LV systolic function.

Embolic stroke, sinus rhythm and left atrial mechanical function.

A 64-year-old man manifested a stroke two years after restoration of sinus rhythm through a radiofrequency catheter ablation. Transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated the presence of a thrombus in the left atrial appendage. Left atrial volumes and different parameters of atrial emptying showed that, despite the persistence of the sinus rhythm, atrial mechanical function was severely impaired.