Lung Biopsy With a Non-intubated VATS Approach in an Obese Population: Indications and Results.

Background: According to the international guidelines, patients affected by interstitial lung disease with unusual clinical presentation and radiological findings that are not classic for usual interstitial pneumonia end up meeting criteria for surgical lung biopsy, preferably performed with video-assisted thoracic surgery. The growing appeal of non-intubated thoracic surgery has shown the benefits in several different procedures, but the strict selection criteria of candidates are often considered a limitation to this approach. Although several authors define obesity as a contraindication for non-intubated thoracoscopic surgery, the assessment of obesity as a dominant risk factor represents a topic of debate when minor tubeless procedures such as lung biopsy are considered.

[Network for disabled adults in Geneva].

It is estimated that about 1 712 000 people are suffering from disability in Switzerland, and that 1 to 3% of them present a severe form of disability associated with intellectual deficiency. Management of such patients is complex and faces various challenges. Communication and collaboration with the patients and among all stakeholders are key.

Juvenile psoriasis: an epidemiological study of 69 cases.

Background: Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disease that affects people of every age; prevalence in pediatric population is unknown because of the lack of studies.

Methods: We collected data about patients 0-18 years old coming to our center in the period from November 2010 to September 2012.

Results: We found 69 children (38 males, 31 females) affected by psoriasis, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.

Gender differences in motor and non-motor symptoms among Sardinian patients with Parkinson's disease.

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) occurs more frequently in men than in women and a higher risk for PD development in males compared with females has been hypothesized, suggesting gender may be a significant factor in the development and progression of parkinsonism. To date, gender differences in non-motor symptoms are under-reported.

Objective: To assess gender differences in motor and non-motor symptoms among Sardinian PD patients.