Levetiracetam in tardive dyskinesia: an open label study.

Levetiracetam (LEV), a novel antiepileptic drug, has demonstrated antidyskinetic effect in preclinical animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD) and in one open label study in PD patients with levodopa-induced dyskinesia. The acute antidyskinetic effects of LEV in patients with tardive dyskinesia were evaluated in an open label study. Eight patients received oral LEV (1,000 mg/day) for 1 month and blinded evaluations were performed at baseline and at the end of the treatment period. A significant reduction of the abnormal movements was recorded while psychiatric symptoms did not worsen and the adverse event profile was benign. LEV may be efficacious for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia and deserves further clinical testing.     

Effect of auditory rhythmic cuing on gait kinematic parameters of stroke patients

The emotional and psychological benefits of musical experiences for human behavior are well documented by research in music therapy and psychology of music. It is also documented that music and rhythm have been utilized universally to accompany motor activity. The effect, however, of music and rhythm on motor activity including mechanics of hemiparetic gait has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of auditory rhythmic cuing on gait kinematic parameters of stroke patients. Eight subjects were studied over three trials. For each trial, a baseline walk without rhythm and a walk with rhythm as pacemaker, matched to the step cadence of the baseline walk, was videotaped with two 60 Hz videocameras. Three dimensional coordinates of ten body points were calculated by combining the images of the two cameras utilizing the direct linear transformation (DLT) method. The raw position data was digitally smoothed before being submitted to further analysis. Repeated measures ANOVA and paired t-tests revealed positive modifications in gait patterns due to musical rhythmic cues; specifically: (1) the stride lengths and hip joint range of motion (ROM) of the affected/non-affected sides became more symmetrical; and (2) center of mass (CM) vertical displacement decreased. These results support the presence of an entrainment effect of auditory rhythmic cuing on hemiparetic gait.     

The pedicled superficial temporalis fascial flap: a new method for reconstruction in otologic surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Our goal was to describe a novel fascial flap of the temporal region and its use for reconstruction in otologic and neurotologic surgery. METHODS: The superficial temporalis fascia has an axial blood supply derived from the middle temporal artery and can be raised independently from the overlying temporoparietal fascia or the underlying deep temporalis fascia. This flap was used on 15 consecutive patients to solve a wide variety of reconstructive problems after otologic procedures. RESULTS: No additional morbidity was observed from the use of this flap. There were no complications related to the reconstruction. Adequate exposure for raising this flap was obtained using standard incisions for the otologic procedures. Follow-up ranges from 2 to 25 months. CONCLUSIONS: This fascial flap provides a wide surface area of tissue on a narrow-based pedicle capable of a wide arc of rotation. It provides thin, pliable tissue that can be adapted to the needs of various reconstructive otologic/neurotologic problems.     

Direct rupture of splenic hydatid cyst without volume loss: report of a unique case

We present a rare case of primary spleen Echinococcus cyst with rupture evidence due to trauma. The cyst presented with an echogenic pattern at ultrasound examination but subsequent CT study revealed calcification of the cyst wall and signs of rupture. Serological tests were positive for echinococcus and eosinophilia defined. Volume changes of hydatid cyst were not discernible in the imaging studies despite evidence of rupture. Both imaging methods may suggest the diagnosis unless typical diagnostic features are present. Hydatid disease was confirmed histologically on the specimen after surgical excision of the cyst.     

Acute Q fever lobar pneumonia: a case report

Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii-an obligate, Gram-negative, intracellular bacteria. Acute febrile illness, hepatitis, and atypical pneumonia are the three most common manifestations, whereas lobar pneumonia is rarely reported among acute Q fever patients. We report a case of acute Q fever with lobar pneumonia and multi-organ involvement.     

Annexin A3 is a mammary marker and a potential neoplastic breast cell therapeutic target

Breast cancers are the most common cancer-affecting women; critically the identification of novel biomarkers for improving early detection, stratification and differentiation from benign tumours is important for the reduction of morbidity and mortality.To identify and functionally characterise potential biomarkers, we used mass spectrometry (MS) to analyse serum samples representing control, benign breast disease (BBD) and invasive breast cancer (IDC) patients. Complementary and multidimensional proteomic approaches were used to identify and validate novel serum markers.Annexin A3 (ANX A3) was found to be differentially expressed amongst different breast pathologies. The diagnostic value of serum ANX A3 was subsequently validated by ELISA in an independent serum set representing the three groups. Here, ANX A3 was significantly upregulated in the benign disease group sera compared with other groups (P < 0.0005).In addition, paired breast tissue immunostaining confirmed that ANX A3 was abundantly expressed in benign and to a lesser extent malignant neoplastic epithelium. Finally, we illustrated ANX A3 expression in cell culture lysates and conditioned media from neoplastic breast cell lines, and its role in neoplastic breast cell migration in vitro.This study confirms the novel role of ANX A3 as a mammary biomarker, regulator and therapeutic target.     

Multitechnique characterization of conventional and experimental Ag-based brazing alloys for orthodontic applications

Objectives

To characterize the microstructure, mechanical properties, ionic release and tarnish resistance of conventional and experimental Ag-based soldering alloys for orthodontic applications.

Galvanic coupling of steel and gold alloy lingual brackets with orthodontic wires: Is corrosion a concern?

Objectives:The aim of this research was to assess galvanic behavior of lingual orthodontic brackets coupled with representative types of orthodontic wires.Materials and Methods:Three types of lingual brackets: Incognito (INC), In-Ovation L (IOV), and STb (STB) were combined with a stainless steel (SS) and a nickel-titanium (NiTi) orthodontic archwire. All materials were initially investigated by scanning electron microscopy / x-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) while wires were also tested by x-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD). All bracket-wire combinations were immersed in acidic 0.1M NaCl 0.1M lactic acid and neutral NaF 0.3% (wt) electrolyte, and the potential differences were continuously recorded for 48 hours.Results:The SEM/EDX analysis revealed that INC is a single-unit bracket made of a high gold (Au) alloy while IOV and STB are two-piece appliances in which the base and wing are made of SS alloys. The SS wire demonstrated austenite and martensite iron phase, while NiTi wire illustrated an intense austenite crystallographic structure with limited martensite. All bracket wire combinations showed potential differences below the threshold of galvanic corrosion (200 mV) except for INC and STB coupled with NiTi wire in NaF media.Conclusions:The electrochemical results indicate that all brackets tested demonstrated galvanic compatibility with SS wire, but fluoride treatment should be used cautiously with NiTi wires coupled with Au and SS brackets.