Topological phases of graphene-Kagome systems.

The growing skill in the synthesis processes of new materials has intensified the interest in exploring the properties of systems modeled by more complex lattices. Two-dimensional super-honeycomb lattices, have been investigated in metallic organic frameworks. They turned out as a significant route to the emergence of localized electronic responses manifested as flat bands in their structure with topological isolating behavior. A natural inquiry is a complete analysis of their topological phases in the presence of electronic correlation effects. Here we analyze the electron-electron correlation effects via Hubbard mean-field approximation on the topological phases of 2D and quasi-1D graphene-Kagome lattices. The 2D spin conductivity phase's diagrams describe metallic, trivial, and topological insulating behaviors, considering different energy coupling and electronic occupations. Our results pave the way to smart-engineered nanostructured devices with relevant applications in spintronics and transport responses.

Neuromodulation for fecal incontinence: outcome in 16 patients with definitive implant. The initial Italian Sacral Neurostimulation Group (GINS) experience.

PURPOSE: Sacral nerve modulation appears to offer a valid treatment option for some patients with fecal incontinence and functional defects of the internal anal sphincter or of the striated muscle. METHODS: Sixteen patients with fecal incontinence (4 males; mean age, 51.4 (range, 27-79) years) with intact or surgically repaired (n = 1) anal sphincter underwent permanent sacral nerve stimulation implant. Cause was traumatic in two patients, and associated disorders included scleroderma (2 patients) and spastic paraparesis (1 patient); eight (50 percent) of the patients also had urinary incontinence, and two (12.5 percent) had nonobstructive urinary retention. All patients were selected on the basis of positive findings from at least one peripheral nerve evaluation. The stimulating electrode was positioned in the S2 (1 patient), S3 (14 patients), or S4 (1 patient) sacral foramen. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 15.5 (range, 3-45) months. Mean preimplant Williams score decreased from 4.1 +/- 0.9 (range, 2-5) to 1.25 +/- 0.5 (range, 1-2) (P = 0.01, Wilcoxon test), and the number of incontinence accidents for liquid or solid stool in 14 days decreased from 11.5 +/- 4.8 (range, 2-20) before implant to 0.6 +/- 0.9 (range, 0-2) at the last follow-up. Important manometric data were an increase in mean maximal pressure at rest of 37.7 +/- 14.9 mmHg (implantable pulse generator 49.1 +/- 18.7, P = 0.04) and in mean maximal pressure during squeeze (prestimulation 67.3 +/- 21.1 mmHg, implantable pulse generator 82.6 +/- 21.0, P = 0.09). CONCLUSIONS: Neuromodulation can be considered an option for fecal incontinence. However, an accurate clinical and instrumental evaluation and careful patient selection are required to optimize outcome.

Tension-Free vaginal tape: analysis of outcomes and complications in 404 stress incontinent women.

The aim of this prospective multicenter study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) for the surgical treatment of female stress incontinence. Four hundred and four women underwent the TVT procedure. Their mean age was 57 years (range 31-83). The median follow-up time was 21 months (range 12-35). The subjective and objective cure rates were 92% and 90%, respectively. Another 4% of the women were significantly improved by the procedure. Intra- and postoperative complications were few and included uneventful bladder perforations (6%), retropubic bleeding requiring surgery (0.5%), voiding difficulties (4%) in the postoperative course, and one obturator nerve injury. We conclude that the TVT procedure is associated with a high cure rate and a low morbidity.

Age at onset and SPECT imaging in Alzheimer's disease.

It is generally accepted that presenile Alzheimer's disease (AD) has faster progression and severer clinical manifestation than senile onset AD. Recently a relative left frontal hypoperfusion was only found in patients with presenile AD by using SPECT imaging. The aim of the present report was to ascertain whether the same conclusion could be drawn matching the population with respect to the severity of the cognitive profile and disease duration. Twenty subjects for each group were studied with SPECT and no differences emerged between groups. It is postulated that presenile and senile onset AD represent aspects of the same biological process.