Does the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder interfere with bariatric surgery results?

Objective: to analyze possible negative effects of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) on the success of bariatric surgery.

Methods: we evaluated forty patients undergoing bariatric surgery and with regular post-operative follow-up of at least one year. To all, we applied the questionnaire advocated in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV) of the American Psychiatric Association for ADHD, as well as analyzed their postoperative data.

Comparative analysis of explanted DBS electrodes.

Background: Hardware-related complications frequently occur in deep brain stimulation. Microscopy and spectroscopy techniques are effective methods for characterizing the morphological and chemical basis of malfunctioning DBS electrodes. A previous report by our team revealed the morphological and chemical alterations on a malfunctioning explanted electrode when it was compared to a new device.

Customized patterned substrates for highly versatile correlative light-scanning electron microscopy.

Correlative light electron microscopy (CLEM) combines the advantages of light and electron microscopy, thus making it possible to follow dynamic events in living cells at nanometre resolution. Various CLEM approaches and devices have been developed, each of which has its own advantages and technical challenges. We here describe our customized patterned glass substrates, which improve the feasibility of correlative fluorescence/confocal and scanning electron microscopy.

ICln: a new regulator of non-erythroid 4.1R localisation and function.

To optimise the efficiency of cell machinery, cells can use the same protein (often called a hub protein) to participate in different cell functions by simply changing its target molecules. There are large data sets describing protein-protein interactions ("interactome") but they frequently fail to consider the functional significance of the interactions themselves. We studied the interaction between two potential hub proteins, ICln and 4.

Morphological and chemical analysis of a deep brain stimulation electrode explanted from a dystonic patient.

Deep brain stimulation is an effective treatment for different types of dystonia; nevertheless dystonic movements could provoke hardware-related complications, including fractures or electrodes displacement. This study focuses on a morphological and structural analysis of a malfunctioning electrode removed from a dystonic patient. In this case, high impedance values and worsening of symptoms were observed.

Effect of slow freeze versus vitrification on the oocyte: an animal model.

Objective: To determine whether there is a deleterious effect on dynamic events in the nucleus and cytoplasm of oocytes by using different cryopreservation protocols in an animal model.

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: University hospitals.

Embryo manipulation and imprinting.

As the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) continues to rise worldwide, it remains of the upmost importance to maintain the safety of those techniques used in ART. Many of these practices are unique to this discipline; as such, it becomes difficult to assess the true risks that the potential offspring may be subjected to under this type of treatment. Removal of oocytes from a woman's body during an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle offers an increased opportunity for routine cellular processes to go awry.

Dose-dependent effects of gonadotropin on oocyte developmental competence and apoptosis.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of gonadotropins (Gn) on oocyte maturation, developmental competence and apoptosis in an animal model. Bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured for 24 h in media supplemented with varying concentrations of Bravelle (B), B + Menopur (B+M) or B + Repronex (B + R) (Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Parsiappany, NJ, USA). Then, nuclear maturation, embryo development, and apoptosis in cumulus cells and oocytes were evaluated.

Adhesive-free colloidal probes for nanoscale force measurements: production and characterization.

We describe novel approaches for the production and characterization of epoxy- and adhesive-free colloidal probes for atomic force microscopy (AFM). Borosilicate glass microspheres are strongly attached to commercial AFM cantilevers exploiting the capillary adhesion force due to the formation of a water meniscus, and then a thermal annealing of the sphere-cantilever system at a temperature slightly below the softening point of borosilicate glass. Controlling the wettability of the surfaces involved turned out to be a crucial element for the control of surface adhesion and for the implementation of a completely adhesive-free production method of colloidal probes.

Effect of gonadotropins on dynamic events and global deoxyribonucleic acid methylation during in vitro maturation of oocytes: an animal model.

Although the redistributions of mitochondria and cortical granules and global DNA methylation status were not altered in a dose-response manner, high dosages of gonadotropin induced spindle and chromosomal abnormalities. The present study highlights the importance of judicious use of gonadotropins and can be applied to clinical stimulation protocols to reduce the potential risks.

The effect of semen processing on sperm DNA integrity: comparison of two techniques using the novel Toluidine Blue Assay.

Objective: The first goal of this study was to determine the effect that semen processing has on sperm DNA integrity. The second goal was to assess which processing technique (modified swim-up versus density gradient centrifugation) results in a superior sample. DNA integrity was measured using a novel Toluidine Blue Assay.

Direct microfabrication of topographical and chemical cues for the guided growth of neural cell networks on polyamidoamine hydrogels.

Cell patterning is an important tool for organizing cells in surfaces and to reproduce in a simple way the tissue hierarchy and complexity of pluri-cellular life. The control of cell growth, proliferation and differentiation on solid surfaces is consequently important for prosthetics, biosensors, cell-based arrays, stem cell therapy and cell-based drug discovery concepts. We present a new electron beam lithography method for the direct and simultaneous fabrication of sub-micron topographical and chemical patterns, on a biocompatible and biodegradable PAA hydrogel.

Current assessment of sperm DNA integrity.

Conventional semen analysis is rapidly losing its place as the gold standard of diagnosis and the cornerstone of treating the infertile male in modern times. Recent technology allows scientists to analyze sperm fertilizing potential and subsequent embryonic growth by studying factors that have previously escaped traditional parameters. It has become increasingly evident that nuclear DNA arrangement is essential to the fertilizing potential of sperm.

Congenital mammary asymmetry. Classification and surgical treatment.

Aim Of The Study: The Authors intend to guide the choice of surgical treatment for mammary asymmetry, according to specific form of asymmetry.

Material And Methods: Possible types of symmetryzation surgery are listed. First Author's personal technique is described and some clinical cases are presented.

Minimally invasive surgery for ablation of osteoid osteoma of the spine.

Study Design: Compare the effectiveness of two different techniques for the management of osteoid osteoma of the spine.

Objective: To describe the technique, feasibility, and indications of two different minimally invasive surgical methods for the treatment of osteoid osteoma of the spine.

Summary Of The Background Data: Current treatment of osteoid osteoma of the spine is usually conventional surgical excision.

Subsidence of stand-alone cervical cages in anterior interbody fusion: warning.

Anterior cervical decompression and fusion with anterior plating of the cervical spine is a well-accepted treatment for cervical radiculopathy. Recently, to minimise the extent of surgery, anterior interbody fusion with cages has become more common. While there are numerous reports on the primary stabilising effects of the different cervical cages, little is known about the subsidence behaviour of such cages in vivo.

Spinal fusions: bone and bone substitutes.

Vertebral arthrodesis is one of the most commonly performed, yet incompletely understood, procedures in spinal surgery. Despite major progress in internal fixation techniques, the high rate of nonunions indicates that physiologic, biologic and molecular events that are crucial to this process are not well known. This article will analyze the general biology of bone regeneration, and particularly discuss the properties and use of various bone graft materials and graft substitutes.

Decompensation following scoliosis surgery: treatment by decreasing the correction of the main thoracic curve or "letting the spine go".

Coronal decompensation following correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has been reported to be due to the Cotrel-Dubousset rod derotation maneuver, or to a hypercorrection of the main thoracic curve. The treatment of such decompensation consists classically in observation, bracing, or extension of the instrumentation in the lumbar spine for a King 2 curve, or in the upper thoracic spine for a King 5 curve. As the postoperative decompensation is related to a hypercorrection of the main thoracic curve (relative to the compensatory curve), we hypothesized that if we were to "let the spine go" to some of its initial deformity, the balance of the patient would be improved.

The efficacy of interconnected porous hydroxyapatite in achieving posterolateral lumbar fusion in sheep.

Study Design: An animal study was performed to evaluate lumbar spinal fusion radiologically and mechanically.

Objectives: To assess the efficacy of interconnected porous hydroxyapatite in achieving posterolateral lumbar arthrodesis in sheep.

Summary Of Background Data: Posterolateral spinal arthrodesis with autologous bone graft is the gold standard procedure for lumbar fusion.

Posterolateral and anterior interbody spinal fusion models in the sheep.

Posterolateral and anterior interbody spinal arthrodesis is a frequent procedure, but high nonunion rates are reported and harvesting autologous bone graft from the iliac crest significantly increases morbidity. Bone graft substitutes are an alternative, but to date clinical results are not conclusive. Bone substitutes can be organic or inorganic, biologic or synthetic.