Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of the Human Motor Cortex Modulates Processing of Heat Pain Sensation as Assessed by the Offset Analgesia Paradigm.

Offset analgesia (OA), which is defined as a disproportionately large reduction in pain perception following a small decrease in a heat stimulus, quantifies temporal aspects of endogenous pain modulation. In this study on healthy subjects, we aimed to (i) determine the Heat Pain Threshold (HPT) and the response to constant and dynamic heat stimuli assessing sensitization, adaptation and OA phenomena at the thenar eminence; (ii) evaluate the effects of high-frequency repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) of the primary motor cortex (M1) on these measures. Twenty-four healthy subjects underwent quantitative sensory testing before and after active or sham 10 Hz rTMS (1200 stimuli) of the left M1, during separate sessions.

Age-, gender- and body site-specific reference values of thermal Quantitative Sensory Testing in the Italian population using the Q-sense device.

Background: Age-, gender- and body site-specific values of thermal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) measures have not yet been reported using the novel and cheap device 'Q-sense'. Here, we aimed to assess normative values of Q-sense-derived parameters in a representative Italian population.

Methods: QST parameters were measured in 84 healthy participants (42 males; aged 20-76 years) equally distributed into three age groups (18-39, 40-59 and 60-80 years).

Electrophysiological evidence of subclinical trigeminal dysfunction in patients with COVID-19 and smell impairment: A pilot study.

Background: Smell and taste disturbances are among the most frequent neurological symptoms in patients with COVID-19. A concomitant impairment of the trigeminal nerve has been suggested in subjects with olfactory dysfunction, although it has not been confirmed with objective measurement techniques. In this study, we explored the trigeminal function and its correlations with clinical features in COVID-19 patients with impaired smell perception using electrophysiological testing.

Novel three-dimensional acellular dermal matrix for prepectoral breast reconstruction: First year in review with BRAXON .

Implant-based breast reconstruction is part of breast cancer treatment, and increasingly optimized reconstructive procedures exploit highly biocompatible materials to ensure enhanced aesthetic-functional results. Acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) are collagen-based materials that made prepectoral implant placement possible, thanks to their bioactive antifibrosis action. Recently, the first three-dimensional ADM, BRAXON , has been produced.

Microsurgical Reconstruction of the Nose: The Aesthetic Approach to Total Defects.

Background:  Reconstruction of complex defects involving nose and close facial units represents an aesthetic and functional challenge. Restoring satisfactory nasal shape, combining aesthetic, nasal function and patent airways is mandatory. In this paper, we describe our approach to total nose defects and we report our 20-year experience in microvascular nose reconstruction.

Cutaneous metastases of prostatic adenocarcinoma in two dogs.

Canine prostatic adenocarcinoma is an aggressive malignancy characterized by rapid growth, local invasiveness, and early metastatic spread. Metastases of prostatic cancer are generally diffuse at the time of diagnosis due to hematogenous or lymphatic spread and by direct exfoliation of neoplastic cells into the peritoneal cavity. Here we describe two dogs with prostatic adenocarcinoma and skin metastases.

The "ART" of facial filler injections: Avoid, recognize, and treat hyaluronic acid-induced complications.

Background: Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are frequently used for cosmetic purposes as volumizers or as wrinkle fillers. One of the major advantages of hyaluronic acid use is the possibility to neutralize it by using hyaluronidase should complications occur.

Patient: A case of a 21-year-old female patient is presented, in whom a hyaluronic acid injection-induced vascular occlusion was seen four days after the initial injection, with increasing pain and severe signs of ischemia.

Effect of early correction of nasal septal deformity in unilateral cleft lip and palate on inferior turbinate hypertrophy and nasal patency.

Objectives: A relatively neglected aspect of cleft lip nasal deformity is the effect of septal deviation and inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH) on the functional airway. In particular, ITH in the noncleft side can be especially problematic, because it reduces the healthy nasal area, creating bilateral nasal obstruction that might affect the growth of the maxillofacial skeleton. Although these anatomic and functional changes are documented, few recommendations have been developed regarding the proper approach to ITH.

Osteomyocutaneous fibular flap harvesting: Computer-assisted planning of perforator vessels using Computed Tomographic Angiography scan and cutting guide.

Introduction: Mandibular reconstruction performed after virtual planning has become more common during recent years. The gold standard for extensive mandibular reconstruction is of course a fibular free flap. In designing an osteomyocutaneous fibula flap, poor planning, aberrant anatomy and/or inadequate perforator vessels are the most frequent causes of complications and may force the surgeon to modify the flap design, explore the contralateral leg or harvest an additional microvascular flap.

Universal cranial ultrasound screening in preterm infants with gestational age 33-36 weeks. A retrospective analysis of 724 newborns.

Background: Cranial ultrasonography is a useful tool to detect intracranial lesions in premature neonates at risk. Our primary aim was to determine the number of patients with abnormal cranial ultrasonography. Secondary aims were to evaluate the usefulness of universal cranial ultrasonography screening in moderately preterm infants.

Breast-milk characteristics protecting against allergy.

Breast milk and colostrum are the first feeding sources for a child, providing nutrients, growth factors and immunological components, which are crucial for the newborn's correct development and health. Length of exclusive breastfeeding and time of solid foods introduction is a key factor that may influence allergy development. There is an emerging evidence of a relationship between breastfeeding, milk composition and lower risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension and allergies.

Chronic eosinophilic leukemia in a cat: cytochemical and immunophenotypical features.

A 3-year-old, male, domestic shorthaired cat was presented with a 3-day history of anorexia and depression. The cat was moderately dehydrated, had pale, slightly icteric, mucous membranes, oral ulcerations, and mild hepatosplenomegaly. A feline leukemia virus (FeLV) antigen test was positive.

Canine angiosarcoma: cytologic, histologic, and immunohistochemical correlations.

Background: Angiosarcomas (AS) are malignant tumors that arise from vascular endothelial cells and are common in dogs. Histologically, AS are markedly heterogeneous neoplasms that make interpretation by cytology difficult.

Objective: Our objective was to evaluate the cytologic features of canine AS and look for additional diagnostic criteria.