A novel tDCS sham approach based on model-driven controlled shunting

BackgroundTranscranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique able to transiently modulate brain activity, is surging as one of the most promising therapeutic solutions in many neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, profound limitations exist in current placebo (sham) protocols that limit single- and double-blinding, especially in non-naïve subjects.ObjectiveTo ensure better blinding and strengthen reliability of tDCS studies and trials, we tested a new optimization algorithm aimed at creating an “active” sham tDCS condition (ActiSham hereafter) capable of inducing the same scalp sensations perceived during real stimulation while preventing currents from reaching the cortex and cause changes in brain excitability.MethodsA novel model-based multielectrode technique — optimizing the location and currents of a set of small electrodes placed on the scalp — was used to control the relative amount of current delivered transcranially in real and placebo multichannel tDCS conditions. The presence, intensity and localization of scalp sensations during tDCS was evaluated by means of a specifically designed questionnaire administered to the participants. We compared blinding ratings by directly addressing subjects’ ability to discriminate across conditions for both traditional (Bifocal-tDCS and Sham, using sponge electrodes) and our novel multifocal approach (both real Multifocal-tDCS and ActiSham). Changes in corticospinal excitability were monitored based on Motor Evoked Potentials (MEPs) recorded via concurrent Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and electromyography (EMG).ResultsParticipants perceived Multifocal-tDCS and ActiSham similarly in terms of both localization and intensity of scalp sensations, whereas traditional Bifocal stimulation was rated as more painful and annoying compared to its Sham counterpart. Additionally, differences in scalp localization were reported for active/sham Bifocal-tDCS, with Sham tDCS inducing more widespread itching and burning sensations. As for MEPs amplitude, a main effect of stimulation was found when comparing Bifocal-Sham and ActiSham (F_(1,13) = 6.67, p = .023), with higher MEPs amplitudes after the application of Bifocal-Sham.ConclusionsCompared to traditional Bifocal-tDCS, ActiSham offers better participants’ blinding by inducing very similar scalp sensations to those of real Multifocal tDCS both in terms of intensity and localization, while not affecting corticospinal excitability.     

How structural and functional MRI can inform dual-site tACS parameters: A case study in a clinical population and its pragmatic implications

BackgroundAbnormalities in frontoparietal network (FPN) were observed in many neuropsychiatric diseases including substance use disorders. A growing number of studies are using dual-site-tACS with frontoparietal synchronization to engage this network. However, a computational pathway to inform and optimize parameter space for frontoparietal synchronization is still lacking. In this case study, in a group of participants with methamphetamine use disorders, we proposed a computational pathway to extract optimal electrode montage while accounting for stimulation intensity using structural and functional MRI.MethodsSixty methamphetamine users completed an fMRI drug cue-reactivity task. Four main steps were taken to define electrode montage and adjust stimulation intensity using 4x1 high-definition (HD) electrodes for a dual-site-tACS; (1) Frontal seed was defined based on the maximum electric fields (EF) predicted by simulation of HD montage over DLPFC (F3/F4 in EEG 10–10), (2) frontal seed-to-whole brain context-dependent correlation was calculated to determine connected regions to frontal seeds, (3) center of connected cluster in parietal cortex was selected as a location for placing the second set of HD electrodes to shape the informed montage, (4) individualized head models were used to determine optimal stimulation intensity considering underlying brain structure. The informed montage was compared to montages with large electrodes and classic frontoparietal HD montages (F3-P3/F4-P4) in terms of tACS-induced EF and ROI-to-ROI task-based/resting-state connectivity.ResultsCompared to the large electrodes, HD frontoparietal montages allow for a finer control of the spatial peak fields in the main nodes of the FPN at the cost of lower maximum EF (large-pad/HD: max EF[V/m] = 0.37/0.11, number of cortical sub-regions that EF exceeds 50% of the max = 77/13). For defining stimulation targets based on EF patterns, using group-level head models compared to a single standard head model results in comparable but significantly different seed locations (6.43 mm Euclidean distance between the locations of the frontal maximum EF in standard-space). As expected, significant task-based/resting-state connections were only found between frontal-parietal locations in the informed montage. Cue-induced craving score was correlated with frontoparietal connectivity only in the informed montage (r = ?0.24). Stimulation intensity in the informed montage, and not in the classic HD montage, needs 40% reduction in the parietal site to reduce the disparity in EF between stimulation sites.ConclusionThis study provides some empirical insights to montage and dose selection in dual-site-tACS using individual brain structures and functions and proposes a computational pathway to use head models and functional MRI to define (1) optimum electrode montage for targeting FPN in a context of interest (drug-cue-reactivity) and (2) proper transcranial stimulation intensity.     

关于医用B超基本工作原理及故障维修措施的研究

经济社会的快速发展,提升了人们的生活水平人们对医疗事业的发展提出了更高的要求,我国也加大了对医疗事业的建设与发展。尤其是所使用的相关设备与仪器。其中,医用B超就是最主要的医疗设备,能够通过设备的检查,对人体的身体情况以数据的形式展现,直接能够了解到人体的健康情况,提升医疗事业的技术水平,同时,也为医疗工作这提供了方便快捷的工作方式。但是,医用B超设备在使用的过程中,会受到一些因素的影响,使其发生故障,会对各项工作造成不同程度的影响。因此,需要对其加强管理,能够及时地发现故障问题,采取科学的措施解决,确保医疗事业的稳定发展。     

Case Study of Phrenic Nerve Paralysis: “I Can't Breathe!”

BackgroundThe anatomic course of the phrenic nerve runs in the fascia covering the anterior scalene muscle. Interscalene blocks are commonly performed by an anesthesiologist for shoulder surgery, such as a rotator cuff repair, total shoulder replacement, humeral fracture, or other arm surgery. Phrenic nerve palsy or paralysis is a known complication from interscalene block and is covered in multiple case reports and series in both Anesthesia and Neurosurgical literature, but only one case report in the Emergency Medicine literature.Case ReportThis case involves a 57-year-old man who had an uncomplicated arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with placement of interscalene block under care of anesthesia. He was discharged with a pain pump in place and then subsequently presented to the Emergency Department (ED) later that same day for evaluation of dyspnea. Using point-of-care ultrasound, his right diaphragm did not appear to be moving. Chest x-ray study revealed an elevated right hemidiaphragm. He was diagnosed with iatrogenic right phrenic nerve paralysis from interscalene block.Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?Emergent diagnosis of phrenic nerve paralysis in the ED is complicated by a distressed patient and need for quick intervention. Most formal tests for this diagnosis are not immediately available to emergency physicians. Ultrasound is a rapid and reproducible, noninvasive resource with high sensitivity and specificity, making it an ideal imaging modality for the emergent evaluation of possible phrenic nerve palsy or paralysis.     

Improved Diagnostic Sensitivity of Bowel Disease of Prematurity on Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound

Bowel diseases of prematurity, including necrotizing enterocolitis, are dreaded ailments of neonates. Early diagnosis is difficult, with clinical and radiographic findings often inconclusive. We present a novel use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in detection of pediatric bowel disease. Early identification of compromised blood flow or an at-risk bowel can be quantitatively detected and monitored. This ability has implications for guidance of emerging therapies, allowing targeting of inflammation. These findings represent an advancement in detection of bowel disease in neonates.     

Bupropion Overdose Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock Requiring Vasopressor Support and Lipid Emulsion Therapy

BackgroundBupropion overdose is a commonly encountered presentation in the emergency department (ED). While the majority of cases resolve with supportive care, serious adverse effects, including seizures, cardiogenic shock, and death, can occur. Intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) therapy has been utilized for a multitude of poisonings with varying levels of success. Although a number of cases suggest the value of ILE therapy in cases of bupropion overdose, more recent data propose that its role may be overstated.Case ReportA young woman presented to the ED with altered mental status complicated by seizure after bupropion overdose. She subsequently developed cardiogenic shock requiring vasopressor support. Bedside echocardiogram revealed a decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). She received ILE therapy with significant improvement in both hemodynamic status and LVEF by bedside ultrasound.Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?Although the majority of patients presenting with bupropion overdose improve with supportive care, life-threatening sequelae are possible. ILE therapy has shown promise in a variety of different overdose situations, although the evidence in cases of bupropion poisoning has been varied, and it has traditionally been utilized as a last-line rescue modality. Based on hemodynamic parameters and bedside ultrasound, this case suggests that early initiation of ILE therapy should be considered in these cases, as the potential benefits likely outweigh the theoretical risks.     

Sonodynamic Therapy: Advances and Challenges in Clinical Translation

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) consists of the synergetic interaction between ultrasound and a chemical agent. In SDT, the cytotoxicity is triggered by ultrasonic stimuli, notably through cavitation. The unique features of SDT are relevant in the clinical context more than ever: the need for efficacy, accuracy, and safety while being noninvasive and preserving the patient's quality of life. However, despite the promising results of this technique, only a few clinical reports describe the use of SDT. The objective of this article is to provide an extensive overview of the clinical and preclinical research conducted in vivo on SDT, to identify the limitations, and to detail the developed strategies to overcome them.     

EBUS-TBNA超声内镜对纵隔肿大淋巴结良恶性的鉴别诊断价值

目的:分析超声内镜引导下经支气管针吸活检(endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration，EBUS-TBNA)术中肿大纵隔淋巴结的超声图像特点，探讨EBUS-TBNA超声内镜对纵隔淋巴结良恶性的鉴别诊断价值，以期提高EBUS-TBNA对纵隔淋巴结恶性病变的活检率。方法:回顾性分析2014年10月至2018年11月行EBUS-TBNA患者的超声内镜图像。我们使用以下EBUS超声内镜特征来预测淋巴结的良恶:回声，长轴长度，短轴长度，纵横比，形态，边界，淋巴门有无，淋巴结内血流信号分级。将超声检查结果与最终病理结果或临床随访结果进行比较。采用SPSS 20.0软件进行统计学分析，采用logistic回归分析评价肿大淋巴结EBUS-TBNA超声内镜下的特征与良恶性的相关性，以 P<0.05 为标准判定差异有统计学意义。结果:对130例纵隔淋巴结肿大患者的227个淋巴结进行回顾性分析，67.4%的肿大淋巴结被证实为恶性转移。Logistic回归分析显示回声、长轴及短轴的长度、正常淋巴门结构的消失是诊断恶性淋巴结的独立预测因素。结论:纵隔恶性淋巴结具有一定的超声特征，可以通过这些超声特征提高EBUS-TBNA对纵隔恶性淋巴结的检出率。     

Endoscopic ultrasonography and small‐bowel endoscopy: Present and future

Over the last decade, impressive technological advances have occurred in ultrasonography and small‐bowel endoscopy. Nowadays, endoscopic ultrasonography is an essential diagnostic tool and a therapeutic weapon for pancreatobiliary disorders. Capsule endoscopy and device‐assisted enteroscopy have quickly become the reference standard for the diagnosis of small‐bowel luminal diseases, thereby leading to radical changes in diagnostic and therapeutic pathways. We herein provide an up‐to‐date overview of the latest advances in endoscopic ultrasonography and small‐bowel endoscopy, focusing on the emerging paradigms and technological innovations that might improve clinical practice in the near future.