The Effectiveness of Probiotics on Oral Health During Adult Orthodontic Treatment With Fixed Appliances: A Two-Arm Parallel-Group Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Background And Objectives: Fixed orthodontic appliances interfere with daily oral care procedures, causing more plaque accumulation and thus increasing the risk of periodontal diseases. Probiotics have been suggested to maintain oral health using beneficial bacteria. However, the evidence to determine the clinical benefits of probiotics as a supplement to oral health in orthodontic patients is still insufficient.

Investigating the Existence of Ribosomal Protein L5 Gene in Syrian Strain of Genome: Sequencing It and Evaluating Its Immune Response as DNA Vaccine.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Syria is caused mainly by . It represents a serious health problem, which has aggravated further after the civil war in the country. Until now, there are no effective protective strategies, safe therapy, or efficacious vaccine to protect from this infection.

Robot-Assisted Stereotactic Shunting as a Novel Treatment for Pontine Glioependymal Cysts.

In this case report, the authors describe the first case of a glioependymal cyst of the brainstem managed by robot-assisted, stereotactic, cysto-ventricular shunting. Glioependymal cysts are rare congenital cystic lesions that are thought to form by displacement of ependymal cells during the embryonal period. Glioependymal cysts have been reported in a variety of different locations within the central nervous system.

Analysis of Driver Mutational Hot Spots in Blood-Derived Cell-Free DNA of Patients with Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma Obtained before Intracerebral Biopsy.

In newly diagnosed systemic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, next-generation sequencing of plasma-derived cell-free DNA (cfDNA) detects somatic mutations as accurate as genotyping of the tumor biopsy. A distinct diffuse large B-cell lymphoma entity confined to the central nervous system is primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL), which requires intracerebral biopsy and neuropathologic analysis to establish the diagnosis. So far, a biomarker for diagnosis and follow-up of PCNSL that can be investigated in blood has not been identified.

Evaluation of Immune Response and Protection Induced by V-ATPase Subunit F as DNA Vaccine Against (LCED Syrian 01) After Detection and Sequencing.

Background: Leishmaniasis is one of the major emerging health problems worldwide and () is most prevalent in the Middle East due to conflict and environmental factors, and there is no effective prevention strategy available until now. An effective vaccine has not been developed to date. DNA vaccines are considered a promising approach to protect against this infection.

10 kHz cervical SCS for chronic neck and upper limb pain: 12 months' results.

Objective: Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) overlaps painful areas with paresthesia to alleviate pain. Ten kHz High-Frequency SCS (HF10 cSCS) constitutes a treatment option that can provide pain relief without inducing paresthesia. In this retrospective, open-label study, we evaluated the efficacy of HF10 cSCS in chronic neck and/or upper limb pain.

High-Resolution O-Arm Data Reconstruction for Optimized Intraoperative Imaging of Deep Brain Stimulation Leads: A Preclinical Study.

Background: The employment of the O-arm for intraoperative localization of deep brain stimulation (DBS) leads has been shown to be feasible and effective. However, partial volume artifacts impede the determination of individual electrode contacts and thus allow only an indirect approximation of each contact's localization.

Objective: To reduce the partial volume artifacts by means of high-resolution (HiRes) reconstruction of O-arm data and thus allow more accurate predictions with regard to the positioning and orientation of individual DBS contacts.

A multicenter real-world review of 10 kHz SCS outcomes for treatment of chronic trunk and/or limb pain.

Objectives: High-frequency spinal cord stimulation (HF-SCS) at 10 kHz has proven to be efficacious in the treatment of chronic back and leg pain in a randomized, controlled, trial (SENZA-RCT). However, large observational studies have yet to be published. Therefore, we performed a real-world, multicenter, retrospective, review of therapy efficacy in 1660 patients with chronic trunk and/or limb pain.

Combined Deep Brain Stimulation of Subthalamic Nucleus and Ventral Intermediate Thalamic Nucleus in Tremor-Dominant Parkinson's Disease Using a Parietal Approach.

Objectives: Despite its efficacy in tremor-suppression, the ventral intermediate thalamic (VIM) nucleus has largely been neglected in deep brain stimulation (DBS) for tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease (tdPD). The employment of a parietal approach, however, allows stimulation of VIM and subthalamic nucleus (STN) using one trajectory only and thus constitutes a promising alternative to existing strategies. In the present study, we investigate safety and efficacy of combined lead implantation and stimulation of STN and VIM using a parietal approach.

Comparative Study of Robot-Assisted versus Conventional Frame-Based Deep Brain Stimulation Stereotactic Neurosurgery.

Background/aims: Technological advancements had a serious impact on the evolution of robotic systems in stereotactic neurosurgery over the last three decades and may turn robot-assisted stereotactic neurosurgery into a sophisticated alternative to purely mechanical guiding devices.

Objectives: To compare robot-assisted and conventional frame-based deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery with regard to accuracy, precision, reliability, duration of surgery, intraoperative imaging quality, safety and maintenance using a standardized setup.

Methods: Retrospective evaluation of 80 consecutive patients was performed who underwent DBS surgery using either a frame-based mechanical stereotactic guiding device (n = 40) or a stereotactic robot (ROSA Brain, MedTech, Montpellier, France) (n = 40).

A Retrospective Case Series of High-Frequency Spinal Cord Stimulation (HF10-SCS) in Neurogenic Bladder Incontinence.

Background: Current treatment options for bladder disorders of neurogenic etiology often leave unsatisfactory results. Therefore, new and effective treatments must be investigated. High-frequency spinal cord stimulation (HF-SCS) at 10 kHz has proven to be effective in the treatment of refractory chronic back and leg pain.

Neuroanatomical background and functional considerations for stereotactic interventions in the H fields of Forel.

The H fields of Forel constitute an intricate neuroanatomical structure that occupies a central position within the posterior subthalamus. Anatomically, it features a dense concentration of fiber bundles including corticofugal, pallidothalamic, cerebellothalamic and other projections that connect functionally relevant areas of the brain. Functionally, the fields of Forel are embedded within the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuit and constitute the main link between the striatopallidal system and the thalamocortical network.

Causes of failure of pallidal deep brain stimulation in cases with pre-operative diagnosis of isolated dystonia.

Introduction: Pallidal deep brain stimulation (GPi-DBS) is an effective therapy for isolated dystonia, but 10-20% of patients show improvement below 25-30%. We here investigated causes of insufficient response to GPi-DBS in isolated dystonia in a cross-sectional study.

Methods: Patients with isolated dystonia at time of surgery, and <30% improvement on the Burke-Fahn-Marsden dystonia-rating-scale (BFMDRS) after ≥6 months of continuous GPi-DBS were videotaped ON and OFF stimulation, and history, preoperative videos, brain MRI, medical records, stimulation settings, stimulation system integrity, lead location, and genetic information were obtained and reviewed by an expert panel.

Deep Brain Stimulation of the H Fields of Forel Alleviates Tics in Tourette Syndrome.

The current rationale for target selection in Tourette syndrome revolves around the notion of cortico-basal ganglia circuit involvement in the pathophysiology of the disease. However, despite extensive research, the ideal target for deep brain stimulation (DBS) is still under debate, with many structures being neglected and underexplored. Based on clinical observations and taking into account the prevailing hypotheses of network processing in Tourette syndrome, we chose the fields of Forel, namely field H1, as a target for DBS.

Micro-Multileaf Collimator LINAC Radiosurgery for Vestibular Schwannomas.

Objective: This study evaluates the efficacy of linear accelerator (LINAC) radiosurgery using micro multi-leaf collimator technique (μMLC) in the treatment of a consecutive series of patients with vestibular schwannomas.

Patients And Methods: In this retrospective study, we enrolled 50 patients with non-neurofibromatosis type 2 vestibular schwannoma who were treated with μMLC LINAC-based SRS at University Hospital of Cologne, Germany. A minimum clinical follow-up of 24 months was conducted.

Intensity-based 2D 3D registration for lead localization in robot guided deep brain stimulation.

Intraoperative assessment of lead localization has become a standard procedure during deep brain stimulation surgery in many centers, allowing immediate verification of targeting accuracy and, if necessary, adjustment of the trajectory. The most suitable imaging modality to determine lead positioning, however, remains controversially discussed. Current approaches entail the implementation of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Deep Brain Stimulation of Medial Dorsal and Ventral Anterior Nucleus of the Thalamus in OCD: A Retrospective Case Series.

Background: The current notion that cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuits are involved in the pathophysiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has instigated the search for the most suitable target for deep brain stimulation (DBS). However, despite extensive research, uncertainty about the ideal target remains with many structures being underexplored. The aim of this report is to address a new target for DBS, the medial dorsal (MD) and the ventral anterior (VA) nucleus of the thalamus, which has thus far received little attention in the treatment of OCD.

Stereotactic intracavitary brachytherapy with P-32 for cystic craniopharyngiomas in children.

Purpose: Although microsurgery remains the first-line treatment, gross total resection of cystic craniopharyngeomas (CP) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and the addition of external irradiation to subtotal resection proves to achieve similar tumor control. However, concern regarding long-term morbidity associated with external irradiation in children still remains. With this retrospective analysis, the authors emphasize intracavitary brachytherapy using phosphorus-32 (P-32) as a treatment option for children with cystic CP.

Stereotactic interstitial brachytherapy for the treatment of oligodendroglial brain tumors.

Purpose: We evaluated the treatment of oligodendroglial brain tumors with interstitial brachytherapy (IBT) using (125)iodine seeds ((125)I) and analyzed prognostic factors.

Patients And Methods: Between January 1991 and December 2010, 63 patients (median age 43.3 years, range 20.

Stereotactic LINAC radiosurgery for the treatment of typical intracranial meningiomas. Efficacy and safety after a follow-up of over 12 years.

Purpose: The efficacy and safety of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for treatment of intracranial meningiomas has been demonstrated in numerous studies with short- and intermediate-term follow-up. In this retrospective single-center study, we present long-term outcomes of SRS performed with a linear accelerator (LINAC) for typical intracranial meningiomas.

Patients And Methods: Between August 1990 and December 2007, 148 patients with 168 typical intracranial meningiomas were treated with stereotactic LINAC-SRS, either as primary treatment or after microsurgical resection.

Stereotactic LINAC-Radiosurgery for Glomus Jugulare Tumors: A Long-Term Follow-Up of 27 Patients.

Background: The optimal treatment of glomus jugulare tumors (GJTs) remains controversial. Due to the critical location, microsurgery still provides high treatment-related morbidity and a decreased quality of life. Thus, we performed stereotactical radiosurgery (SRS) for the treatment of GJTs and evaluated the long-term outcome.

Intraoperative functional magnetic resonance imaging for monitoring the effect of deep brain stimulation in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Objectives: To investigate the effects of low- and high-frequency deep brain stimulation (DBS) on the nucleus accumbens (ACC) and the adjacent internal capsule in 3 patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) using blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) under intraoperative conditions.

Methods: After placement of the electrode in the right ACC, the patients underwent an MR scan inside the operating room. BOLD imaging was performed and interpreted using a boxcar paradigm with alternating high-frequency stimulation of the ACC and the internal capsule versus rest.

Young adults with dyskinetic cerebral palsy improve subjectively on pallidal stimulation, but not in formal dystonia, gait, speech and swallowing testing.

Background: Pharmacological treatment of dyskinetic cerebral palsy (CP) is often ineffective. Data about outcome of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in these patients remains scarce.

Methods: Eight patients with dyskinetic CP and DBS of the Globus Pallidus internus were investigated.