Network-based brain stimulation selectively impairs spatial retrieval

Background

Direct brain stimulation via electrodes implanted for intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) permits the modulation of endogenous electrical signals with significantly greater spatial and temporal specificity than non-invasive approaches. It also allows for the stimulation of deep brain structures important to memory, such as the hippocampus, that are difficult, if not impossible, to target non-invasively. Direct stimulation studies of these deep memory structures, though, have produced mixed results, with some reporting improvement, some impairment, and others, no consistent changes.

Choroidal Structural Changes in Tubercular Multifocal Serpiginoid Choroiditis

Purpose: To assess choroidal vascular changes among patients with tubercular multifocal serpiginoid choroiditis (TB MSC) using previously validated techniques.

Methods: Patients with TB MSC (n = 18) and healthy controls (n = 30) underwent enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) imaging. Using previously validated algorithm of image binarization, EDI-OCT scans were segmented to derive total choroidal area, luminal area, stromal area, and choroidal vascularity index (CVI).

Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the CVI between controls (66.90 ± 1.77%) and TB MSC patients (65.46 ± 2.53%; p < 0.001). There was significant reduction in CVI at follow-up (3 months) (63.77 ± 3.91%; p = 0.05). The choroidal thickness was higher in TB MSC compared to controls (278.90 ± 57.84 µm versus 329.33 ± 27.69 µm; p = 0.001).

Conclusions: CVI provides insight into structural changes in choroid in TB MSC. During the active disease, there is relative decrease in choroidal vascularity. As the lesions heal, choriocapillaris atrophy occurs with remodeling of choroid.     

Kuntscher’s nail removal techniques: an illustrative walk-through its journey

The use of Kuntscher nail for femur fracture dates back to World War 2. Since then, the technique of intramedullary nailing has evolved and the use of Kuntscher nail has become almost obsolete. The orthopaedic surgeons across the globe are facing a new challenge of removal of these Kuntscher nails due to different indications. Different but scattered English literature has been published describing the experiences and techniques of surgeon with K nail removal. Up till now, no systematic analysis has been performed evaluating the available literature. We have planned a systematic review to evaluate and explore the various indications and techniques of K nail removal.