Tourette syndrome (TS) bears a higher rate of inflammatory complications at the implanted hardware in deep brain stimulation (DBS).

Background: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a commonly performed surgical technique for the treatment of movement disorders, and recent surgical trials concerning the treatment of a wider range of disorders have recently been published. Despite DBS being non-ablative and minimally invasive, numerous complications and side effects have been recorded. In particular, concerning the growing interest in novel indications for DBS, an enthusiastic approach has put neurosurgeons at risk of underestimating some of the complications that might be associated with specific characters of the treated disease.

[Tricuspid dysfunction as a result of rheumatic disease].

Background: Rheumatic tricuspid valve dysfunction is the rarest of all valvular disease and is often associated or secondary to left-sided valvular disease. She often realize tricuspid regurgitation. The surgical treatment is generally conservative but also it can be radical generally using bioprotheses.

[Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans in children].

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a relatively rare skin neoplasm. Usually affecting adults, the incidence in children is even less frequent. Through a report of three pediatric cases of DFSP, we describe the particularities of this tumor in children.

The influence of orientation and contrast flicker on contour saliency of outlines of everyday objects.

One of the most important tasks of the visual system is the extraction of edges and object contours, and the integration of discrete elements to form a coherent global percept. A great deal is known about the spatial properties of contour extraction, but less is known about the dynamics and spatio-temporal aspects. We used Gabor-rendered outlines of real-world objects, where we could manipulate low-level properties, such as element orientation and phase, while incorporating higher-level properties, such as object complexity and identity, to study dynamic relationships in object detection.

Deep brain stimulation therapy for treatment-refractory Tourette's syndrome: A review.

Tourette's syndrome is a chronic neurobehavioral disorder that can demonstrate refractoriness to conservative treatments, or to invasive nonsurgical treatments such as botulinum toxin infiltration, or to psychobehavioral treatments. In these cases, the surgical option is often proposed, either with lesional interventions, or more recently with deep brain stimulation (DBS). This latter modality is currently preferred because of its reversibility and modularity.

Evaluation of cardiovascular risk in blood donors: results of the CARDIORISK study in the Parma Transfusion Service.

Background: Cardiovascular disease, which is one of the main causes of mortality in industrialised countries, is ever increasingly the focus of prevention. In this study, called "Cardiorisk", we evaluated cardiovascular risk in the population of blood donors at the Service of Immunohaematology and Transfusion Medicine in Parma.

Patients And Methods: Between January 2007 and December 2008, 6,172 consecutive blood donors (aged 35-65 years) were enrolled in this project which entailed calculating each subject's cardiovascular risk score, based on an evaluation of both unalterable risk factors (age and gender) and modifiable risk factors (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, glycaemia, smoking, hypertension) as well as anti-hypertensive and/or cholesterol-lowering therapy.

Long-term, post-deep brain stimulation management of a series of 36 patients affected with refractory gilles de la tourette syndrome.

Objectives:   This study aimed to assess the long-term results of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for patients affected with Gilles de la Tourette syndrome, documenting refractoriness to conservative treatments.

Material And Methods:   Starting from November 2004, 36 patients diagnosed with a Tourette syndrome refractory to conventional and innovative treatments (refractory Tourette syndrome) were operated on for DBS positioning at our dedicated Tourette Clinic. A total number of 79 procedures were carried out: 67 at the thalamic intralaminar/ventralis oralis (Vo/CM-Pf) target, 2 at the posterior Gpi, and 10 at the nucleus accumbens.

Perfluorinated nitrosopyrazolone-based erbium chelates: a new efficient solution processable NIR emitter.

We show the design and synthesis of new perfluorinated nitrosopyrazolone-based ligands and the original method employed for their complexation of erbium ions in the presence of the co-ligand perfluorotriphenylphosphine oxide; the resulting chelate is non-hygroscopic, solution processable and possesses a NIR emission with lifetimes as long as 16 micros.

Anatomical considerations for subaxial (C2) pedicle screw placement: a radiographic study with computed tomography in 93 patients.

Study Design: Radiographic study.

Objective: More detailed anatomical knowledge of the C2 pedicle is required to optimize and minimize the risk of screw placement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the linear and angular dimensions of the true C2 pedicle using axial computed tomography.

The impact of technological advances in neurosurgery: historical perspectives and new developments.

Technological advances have driven diagnostic and therapeutic improvements in the field of neurosurgery. The basic concepts underlying some of the most significant medical advances originated from specific needs in the management of neurosurgical disorders. The authors look at the historical background of modern neurosurgery and, in view of the evolution of the mechanical and computerised devices now considered the gold standard in the different branches of neurosurgery (trauma, oncological, vascular and functional), consider the possible future scenario in this field.

Behaviour of fluorescence emission of cyanine dyes, cyanine based fluorescent nanoparticles and CdSe/ZnS quantum dots in water solution upon specific thermal treatments.

Fluorescence techniques are widely used as detection methods in a wide range of biological imaging and analytical applications. The purpose of this work is to determine a measurement method which leads to a comparison between different classes of fluorophores in term of stability of the fluorescence signal upon thermal treatment cycles. This kind of investigation can determine whether the fluorophore performance is affected by heating/cooling cycles and to what extent.

Molecular cloning of the first human monoclonal antibodies neutralizing with high potency swine-origin influenza A pandemic virus (S-OIV).

The pandemic caused by the new H1N1 swine-origin influenza virus (S-OIV) strain is a worldwide health emergency and alternative therapeutic and prophylactic options are greatly needed. Two human monoclonal antibody Fab fragments (HMab) neutralizing the novel H1N1 influenza strain at very low concentrations were cloned from a patient who had a broad-range anti-H1N1 serum neutralizing activity. The two HMabs neutralized S-OIV with an IC50 of 2.

Thalamic single-unit and local field potential activity in Tourette syndrome.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the ventralis oralis (VO) complex of the thalamus improves tics in patients with Tourette syndrome (TS). To neurophysiologically describe the VO complex we recorded, in seven patients with TS undergoing DBS electrode implantation, single-unit activity during surgery and local field potentials (LFPs) a few days after surgery. Single unit recordings showed that the VO complex is characterized by a localized pattern of bursting neuronal activity.

Monoclonal antibodies isolated from human B cells neutralize a broad range of H1 subtype influenza A viruses including swine-origin Influenza virus (S-OIV).

The new H1N1 swine-origin influenza virus (S-OIV) strain is a global health problem. The elucidation of the virus-host relationship is crucial for the control of the new infection. Two human monoclonal antibody Fab fragments (HMab) neutralizing the novel H1N1 influenza strain at very low concentrations were cloned before the emergence of S-OIV from a patient who had a broad-range H1N1 serum neutralizing activity.

Identification of everyday objects on the basis of Gaborized outline versions.

Using outlines derived from a widely used set of line drawings, we created stimuli geared towards the investigation of contour integration and texture segmentation using shapes of everyday objects. Each stimulus consisted of Gabor elements positioned and oriented curvilinearly along the outline of an object, embedded within a larger Gabor array of homogeneous density. We created six versions of the resulting Gaborized outline stimuli by varying the orientations of elements inside and outside the outline.

Time dependent subthalamic local field potential changes after DBS surgery in Parkinson's disease.

Local field potentials (LFPs) recorded through electrodes implanted in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) for deep brain stimulation (DBS) provided physiological information about the human basal ganglia. However, LFPs were always recorded 2-7 days after electrode implantation ("acute" condition). Because changes in the tissue surrounding the electrode occur after DBS surgery and could be relevant for LFPs, in this work we assessed whether impedance and LFP pattern are a function of the time interval between the electrode implant and the recordings.

Neurosurgical treatment for Gilles de la Tourette syndrome: the Italian perspective.

Despite the availability of both pharmacological and behavioral therapies for Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome (GTS), a subgroup of patients suffer intractable disease and require treatment through non-conservative means. Since 1955, various neurosurgical procedures have been considered as a potential resort for this severely affected sub-group; this article reviews the neurosurgical treatment for GTS, with in-depth discussion on deep brain stimulation (DBS). Internationally, 39 cases of GTS undergoing DBS treatment have been published.

Thalamic deep brain stimulation for treatment-refractory Tourette syndrome: two-year outcome.

Background: Eighteen patients with severe and refractory Tourette syndrome (TS) underwent bilateral thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS).

Objective: To assess the long-term outcome on tics, behavioral symptoms, and cognitive functions in the largest case series of thalamic DBS for TS to date.

Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 15 of the original 18 patients were evaluated before and after surgery according to a standardized protocol that included both neuropsychiatric and neuropsychological assessments.

A high molecular weight donor for electron injection interlayers on metal electrodes.

The molecular donor 9,9'-ethane-1,2-diylidene-bis(N-methyl-9,10-dihydroacridine) (NMA) has been synthesized, and its electronic properties were characterized both in solution using cyclic voltammetry and optical absorption spectroscopy, and at interfaces to metals with photoelectron spectroscopy (PES). The optical energy gap of NMA in solution increases by 0.10 eV when the compound is doubly oxidized.

Mastectomy, body deconstruction, and impact on identity: a qualitative study.

Objectives: This qualitative study aims at understanding the consequences of body deconstruction through mastectomy on corporality and identity in women with breast cancer.

Design: Nineteen women were contacted through the hospital. All had to undergo mastectomy.

Modelling the two-dimensional polymerization of 1,4-benzene diboronic acid on a Ag surface.

Modelling of the two-dimensional polymerization of 1,4-benzene diboronic acid molecules on the Ag(111) surface, which leads to the formation of a covalent organic framework, is reported. An estimation of free enthalpy is given that takes into account the constraints induced by the molecular adsorption on the surface. The various thermodynamic functions, enthalpies, entropies, and free enthalpies, are obtained from DFT calculations.

Anatomical considerations for cervical pedicle screw insertion: the use of multiplanar computerized tomography measurements in 122 consecutive clinical cases.

Background Context: Successful placement of pedicle screws in the cervical spine requires a sufficient three-dimensional understanding of pedicle morphology to allow accurate identification of the screw axis.

Purpose: The goal of the present study was to assess morphologic trends from one level to the next with respect to linear and angular parameters associated with the subaxial cervical pedicles.

Study Design/setting: We evaluated the pedicle morphology of cervical spine using axial and sagittal computed tomography (CT) imaging.

Issues related to deep brain stimulation for treatment-refractory Tourette's syndrome.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been used in a small number of patients with Tourette's syndrome and results on tics and comorbidities have been promising. The choice of the DBS target appears to influence the effectiveness; preliminary studies and case reports suggest that certain target areas may be more effective than others in patients with specific symptoms and comorbidities. Clinical data on the effect of DBS on tics and behavioral symptoms support its use in patients with severe, refractory Tourette's syndrome, particularly in younger adults who have a greater severity and prevalence of tics and comorbidities, and are more likely to experience social impairment.

Electrode displacement after intracerebral hematoma as a complication of a deep brain stimulation procedure.

Objectives: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is nowadays considered a safe and effective procedure for various movement disorders in which conservative treatments have failed to show significant therapeutic results. One of the most common complications of definitive electrode positioning is intraparenchymal hemorrhage.

Materials And Methods: Authors report the case of a 55-year-old female patient treated for Parkinson's disease in which intraparenchymal hemorrhage developed after DBS procedure, leading to significant (about 8 mm at the neuroradiological controls) displacement of an otherwise correctly positioned DBS electrode.

Deep brain stimulation and cognitive functions in Parkinson's disease: A three-year controlled study.

There is debate over the cognitive and behavioral effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) in advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). To evaluate these effects, we performed a prospective, naturalistic controlled, 3-year follow-up study. A total of 65 PD patients were enrolled, of whom 32 underwent STN-DBS (PD-DBS) and 33, even though eligible for this treatment, declined surgery and chose other therapeutic procedures (PD-control).