Real-Time Observation of Phonon-Mediated σ-π Interband Scattering in MgB_{2}.

In systems having an anisotropic electronic structure, such as the layered materials graphite, graphene, and cuprates, impulsive light excitation can coherently stimulate specific bosonic modes, with exotic consequences for the emergent electronic properties. Here we show that the population of E_{2g} phonons in the multiband superconductor MgB_{2} can be selectively enhanced by femtosecond laser pulses, leading to a transient control of the number of carriers in the σ-electronic subsystem. The nonequilibrium evolution of the material optical constants is followed in the spectral region sensitive to both the a- and c-axis plasma frequencies and modeled theoretically, revealing the details of the σ-π interband scattering mechanism in MgB_{2}.

Expression and localization of VEGF receptors in human fetal skeletal tissues.

During development the vertebrate skeleton is the product of deriving cells from distinct embryonic lineages. The craniofacial skeleton is formed by migrating cranial neural crest cells, whereas the axial and limb skeletons are derived from mesodermal cells. The Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors (VEGFs) / receptors (VEGFRs) system plays an important role in angiogenesis, as well as osteogenesis, during bone development, growth, and remodeling, attracting endothelial cells and osteoclasts and stimulating osteoblast differentiation. Recent evidence has shown that during development VEGFR-3 is also expressed in neural and glial precursors of forebrain and cerebellum, as well as in the eye. In this study, we found that VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 are expressed in human bone both in fetal and adult life. The gene expression levels were significantly higher in fetal samples especially in mandibles. In addition, higher levels of VEGFR-3 in orofacial district were confirmed by western blotting analysis. We also observed that in fetal mandibular samples VEGFRs colocalized in several osteoblasts, osteoclasts and osteoprogenitor cells. Furthermore, some cells coexpressed VEGFR-3 and ET-1, a marker of neural crest cells. The results demonstrated different expression of VEGFRs in human mandibular and femoral bones which could be correlated to their different structure, function and development during organogenesis. VEGFR-3 might represent a specific signal for ectomesenchymal lineage differentiation during early human development.

Spindle cell liposarcoma of the face: case report and literature review.

Liposarcoma is a common soft tissue sarcoma accounting for approximately 20% of all mesenchymal tumours across all ages. Recently, collaborative research in the specialties of pathology and genetics has led to the delineation of several tumour variants with different behaviours and prognoses, one of which includes the very rare spindle cell liposarcoma (SCL) subtype. We present the first case of an SCL arising in the subcutaneous tissue of the forehead of a 78-year-old man. In light of the rarity of this tumour, we describe the tumour and its clinical and pathological characteristics and undertake a literature review to clarify the surgical management and prognosis of SCL, and increase awareness to avoid misdiagnosis of a benign soft tissue neoplasm.

Genetic and clinicopathologic aspects of Gorlin-Goltz syndrome (NBCCS): presentation of two case reports and literature review.

Gorlin-Goltz Syndrome (Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome) is a well-known disorder with distinctive symptoms, which are studied since the 1960s. This is an hereditary disease, with autosomal dominant trait, characterised by high penetration and variable expressivity. Only recently it has been ascertained that it is caused by the aberration of the long arm of the chromosome 9q22.3, mapped specifically in the area of Patched gene (PTCH). In particular, the PTCH gene is important both for embryonic structuring and cellular cycle, therefore, its mutation represents a key event for the development of the disease. From a clinical point of view, the syndrome requires a multidisciplinary approach meaning that a successful treatment needs the simultaneous co-operation of different specialists. Thus, a correct treatment entails the following steps: an early detection of the disease, an extended family history and a careful evaluation of symptoms. The aim of this article was to highlight the main pathologic and genetic features of Gorlin-Goltz Syndrome, its outbreak frequency and the main characteristics of the population clusters it is more likely to hit. Furthermore, due to the predisposition of the disease to relapse, a constant clinical follow-up combined with a correct treatment are important.

Submandibular cellulitis (Ludwig's angina) associated to a complex odontoma erupted into the oral cavity. Case report and literature review.

The clinical presentation of Ludwig's angina consists in a severe expanding cellulitis causing swelling of the floor of the mouth, tongue and submandibular region, thus resulting in a possible obstruction of the airway and in a rapid progress in deep neck soft tissue infection and mediastinitis with potentially fatal consequences. Frequently, submandibular cellulitis develops from an acute infection spreading from the lower molar teeth. Mandibular fractures, traumatic laceration of the floor of the mouth, and peritonsillar abscesses are other concomitant clinical features. A case of Ludwig's angina associated with a large erupted odontoma and with a deeply impacted third molar displaced to the border of the mandible is described. The patient was affected by enlargement of submandibular space, marked face swelling causing an evident face deformity, tenderness and redness of the neck and limited movement of the neck and mouth. In the past, Ludwig's angina was frequently fatal, however aggressive surgical and medical therapy have significantly reduced the mortality rate. The reported case can be considered as important, not only because of the rarity of the odontoma eruption in the oral cavity, but mainly for the extent of the clinical manifestation of a lesion usually described in literature as asymptomatic.

Acute thyroiditis of odontogenic origin.

If an abscess is not able to establish drainage through the skin surface or into the oral cavity, it may spread diffusely through fascial planes of the neck's soft tissue. Once the infection descends into the submandibular space, it may extend to the lateral pharyngeal space, and then to the retro-pharyngeal space. From here, it may reach the thyroid gland. The authors here describe a case of submandibular phlegmon derived from a periapical abscess of inferior premolar, which has reached the thyroid gland. The damage caused to the gland resulted in the release of a conspicuous quantity of thyroid hormones, thus causing a thyrotoxic pattern: temperature, cutaneous pallor, excessive perspiration, tremor, tiredness, weight loss, increased appetite, and tachycardia. Additionally, the gland's edema caused dysphagia and dysphonia commonly seen with thyroid gland enlargement. After dental drainage and appropriate anti-inflammatory and antibiotic therapy, administration of oral beta-blockers and corticosteroid therapy were performed to counteract thyrotoxicosis in order to prevent recurrences. Finally, a root canal was performed once the thyrotoxicosis had been resolved.

[Anterior iliac bone grafts: techniques and sequelae. Report on 107 cases and review of the literature]. / Innesti dalla cresta iliaca anteriore: tecniche e complicanze.

The anterior iliac crest is the harvest site preferred by many authors because of the quantity and quality of bone obtainable and the simplicity of harvesting techniques. The purpose of the present paper is to present a review of anterior iliac crest harvesting techniques and to illustrate the most serious sequelae reported in the literature. A clinical series is also presented in order to evaluate what is, in our experience, the degree of morbility connected with this donor site. We have controlled 107 patients who underwent bone harvesting from the anterior iliac crest between 1980 and 2000, investigating minor complications such as walking deficiency (immediate and long-term) the formation of seromas, haematomas, adynamic ileus and more serious complications such as retroperitoneal haemorrhages, abdominal hernias, ileus fractures, nervous lesions (immediate and long-term). From our survey it emerged that, among the major complications, incidentally rarely reported in the international literature, we found only a small percentage of cases involving damage to nervous structures. Minor complications were also limited and the only problem remains difficulty in walking after the operation which resolves fully in almost all cases. We can therefore state that the anterior iliac crest remains, to date, an excellent site for harvesting and there is no significant morbility and the surgeon has numerous techniques available for reducing the incidence of complications to the minimum.

Psychological aspects in orthognathic surgery. Body image and quality of life in postsurgical assessment. Body image and quality of life in postsurgical assessment.

AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the psychological assessment of 20 patients after orthognathic surgery. Body image, anxiety levels, depression, somatic symptoms, aggressiveness and quality of life have been evaluated using 3 different questionnaires (BDDE, SQ, Q-LES-Q) during the postsurgical period. Analysis of the questionnaire has shown that the patients undergo orthognathic surgery mainly for esthetical reasons and, even if they could be considered normal, psychological evaluation followed by a proper support is a must. The present study has mainly developed and outlined this aspect. METHODS: BDDE has been utilised to evaluate body image, self-estimation and social relationship. It was evident that the psychological impact after surgery represents a "revolution" for the patient. The "new face" may generate psychological problems for the patients. The SQ test has been used to evaluate the emotional profile. We also considered it essential for our study to evaluate several aspects of the quality of life of our sample group. The body image, particularly when others find it pleasing or displeasing may affect everyday life behaviour. RESULTS: The study reports positive results in the psycho-emotional profiles and in several aspects of the quality of life, while the results of the self-perception of the body image could be considered average. CONCLUSION: Reported data show that the corrections following orthognathic surgery have a positive impact on the assessment of the patients and on the personal and social attitude and behaviour, however suggesting, a long term psychological support to assure a satisfactory postoperative recovery.

[Sequelae of zygomatic-orbito-maxillary fractures. Report of 70 cases and review of literature]. / Esiti a distanza delle fratture zigomatico-orbito-mascellari. Analisi su 70 casi e revisione della letteratura.

Fractures of the zygomatic-orbito-maxillary complex (ZOM) are among the most frequent in maxillo-facial surgery. The study evaluates treatment for this type of fracture in the long-term and the sequelae linked to it. Patients who had been operated between february 1998 and november 1999 to reduce and retain ZOM fractures were subjected to check-up examination at the Maxillo-Facial Surgery Operative Unit, Florence. Cases selected had been operated via trans-oral access with incision of the superior vestibular fornix and where necessary with application of means of retention (Foley balloon and/or wire or plate-and-screw osteosynthesis). In these patients, the presence of residual deformities was evaluated together with enophthalmos, diplopia, compromised mouth opening if present, inflammation of the mucosa of the maxillary sinus, and above all incidence of sensory deficit in the distribution area of the infra-orbital nerves and the dental plexus. Particular attention was paid to evaluating tooth sensitivity on the side involved by the trauma, for any damage of the dental plexus. The most frequent sequela found in our group was lesion of the infra-orbital nerves, and a lower percentage of other sequelae such as residual deformities, enophthalmos or diplopia. Interestingly, in all cases in our series there was a significant reduction in tooth sensitivity on the side of the lesion, above all in the anterior sectors.

[Nodular fasciitis in the zygomatic area. Case report and review of the literature]. / Fascite nodulare in regione zigomatica. Caso clinico e review della Letteratura.

The authors report a clinical case of nodular fasciitis in the zygomatic area. Although this tumor-like proliferation occurs very rarely in the maxillofacial region, careful diagnosis based on histologic examination must distinguish it from neoplastic lesions such as fibrosarcoma with which the disorder shares certain histologic features. The case is compared with others described in the literature. In June 1996 a 12-year-old girl presented at our unit with swelling of the zygomatic region and positive history for trauma to the area. Palpation of the soft tissues detected a nodular formation about 1.5 cm in diameter. Echography and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the presence of a nodular proliferation above the bone surface. The nodule was surgically removed by skin excision, and histologic examination of the specimen confirmed the diagnosis of nodular fascitis. The etiology of the lesion was thought to be a reaction to trauma, in agreement with data reported in the literature. Nodular fasciitis is a benign, non-recurrent lesion; however, its rapid growth and the histologic features it shares with more aggressive tumors such as fibrosarcoma call for careful differential diagnosis. As in our case, a history of previous trauma to the involved area can aid in establishing a correct diagnosis.