The spatiotemporal dynamics of semantic integration in the human brain.

Language depends critically on the integration of lexical information across multiple words to derive semantic concepts. Limitations of spatiotemporal resolution have previously rendered it difficult to isolate processes involved in semantic integration. We utilized intracranial recordings in epilepsy patients (n = 58) who read written word definitions.

Identifying sources of human interictal discharges with travelling wave and white matter propagation.

Interictal epileptiform discharges have been shown to propagate from focal epileptogenic sources as travelling waves or through more rapid white matter conduction. We hypothesize that both modes of propagation are necessary to explain interictal discharge timing delays. We propose a method that, for the first time, incorporates both propagation modes to identify unique potential sources of interictal activity.

Lateralization of interictal temporal lobe hypoperfusion in lesional and non-lesional temporal lobe epilepsy using arterial spin labeling MRI.

Purpose: Non-invasive imaging studies play a critical role in the presurgical evaluation of patients with drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), particularly in helping to lateralize the seizure focus. Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL) MRI has been widely used to non-invasively study cerebral blood flow (CBF), with somewhat variable interictal alterations reported in TLE. Here, we compare temporal lobe subregional interictal perfusion and symmetry in lesional (MRI+) and non-lesional (MRI-) TLE compared to healthy volunteers (HVs).

Critical role of the ventral temporal lobe in naming.

Objective: Lexical retrieval deficits are characteristic of a variety of different neurological disorders. However, the exact substrates responsible for this are not known. We studied a large cohort of patients undergoing surgery in the dominant temporal lobe for medically intractable epilepsy (n = 95) to localize brain regions that were associated with anomia.

Optimally targeting the centromedian nucleus of the thalamus for generalized epilepsy: A meta-analysis.

Background: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the centromedian nucleus (CM) is an effective therapeutic option for select patients with generalized epilepsy. However, several studies suggest that success varies with active contact location within the CM and the exact target remains undefined.

Objective: To quantify the association between active contact location and outcomes across all published series of CM DBS.

Intraoperative localization and preservation of reading in ventral occipitotemporal cortex.

Objective: Resective surgery in language-dominant ventral occipitotemporal cortex (vOTC) carries the risk of causing impairment to reading. Because it is not on the lateral surface, it is not easily accessible for intraoperative mapping, and extensive stimulation mapping can be time-consuming. Here the authors assess the feasibility of using task-based electrocorticography (ECoG) recordings intraoperatively to help guide stimulation mapping of reading in vOTC.

Optimal targeting of the anterior nucleus of the thalamus for epilepsy: a meta-analysis.

Objective: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the anterior nucleus of the thalamus (ANT) has been shown to be an effective therapeutic option for select patients with limbic epilepsy. However, the optimal target and electrode position for this indication remains undefined. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to quantify the association between active contact location and outcomes across all published series of ANT DBS.

Distinguishing type II focal cortical dysplasias from normal cortex: A novel normative modeling approach.

Objective: Focal cortical dysplasias (FCDs) are a common cause of apparently non-lesional drug-resistant focal epilepsy. Visual detection of subtle FCDs on MRI is clinically important and often challenging. In this study, we implement a set of 3D local image filters adapted from computer vision applications to characterize the appearance of normal cortex surrounding the gray-white junction.

South African healthcare provider perspectives on transitioning adolescents into adult HIV care.

Background: The first generation of South African (SA) children perinatally infected with HIV is entering adulthood, and there is now a pressing need for systematised transfer of these patients from paediatric to adult care.

Objectives: Previous research has investigated the HIV healthcare transition in North America and Europe, yet none has been conducted in SA. Our study is the first to describe the perspectives of healthcare providers overseeing the transition in resource-limited settings.

Vinegar-amended anaerobic biosand filter for the removal of arsenic and nitrate from groundwater.

The performance of a vinegar-amended anaerobic biosand filter was evaluated for future application as point-of-use water treatment in rural areas for the removal of arsenic and nitrate from groundwater containing common ions. Due to the importance of sulfate and iron in arsenic removal and their variable concentrations in groundwater, influent sulfate and iron concentrations were varied. Complete removal of influent nitrate (50 mg/L) and over 50% removal of influent arsenic (200 μg/L) occurred.

Evaluating the cement stabilization of arsenic-bearing iron wastes from drinking water treatment.

Cement stabilization of arsenic-bearing wastes is recommended to limit arsenic release from wastes following disposal. Such stabilization has been demonstrated to reduce the arsenic concentration in the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP), which regulates landfill disposal of arsenic waste. However, few studies have evaluated leaching from actual wastes under conditions similar to ultimate disposal environments.

The large pediatric scrotum: ultrasound technique and differential considerations.

Scrotal enlargement in the pediatric population is caused by a variety of pathologic processes including hydroceles, hernias, varicoceles, testicular torsion, testicular or paratesticular infection, trauma, or neoplasm; adrenal rests; or scrotal skin edema. The clinical presentation of scrotal enlargement is often nonspecific, and ultrasound plays a key role in making the correct diagnosis. In this pictorial review, we review the ultrasound protocol for performing scrotal ultrasound in pediatric patients and illustrate the ultrasound appearance of conditions resulting in scrotal enlargement.

Accelerated infliximab infusions for inflammatory bowel disease improve effectiveness.

Aim: To study the safety and effectiveness associated with accelerated infliximab infusion protocols in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods: Original protocols and infusion rates were developed for the administration of infliximab over 90-min and 60-min. Then the IBD patients on stable maintenance infliximab therapy were offered accelerated infusions.

Inhalation aromatherapy in children and adolescents undergoing stem cell infusion: results of a placebo-controlled double-blind trial.

Objective: Though often lifesaving, stem cell transplantation (SCT) is a period of great distress for both child and parent.

Methods: We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized study evaluating the effect of the respiratory administration of bergamot essential oil on the anxiety, nausea, and pain of 37 pediatric patients with malignant and non-malignant disorders undergoing stem cell infusion and their parents. Patients were assessed at the time of recruitment, prior to infusion, upon infusion completion, and one hour post-infusion using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) for parents and the STAIC, Children's Behavioral Style Scale (CBSS), visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and nausea, and the Emotionality Activity Sociability and Impulsivity instrument (EASI) for children.

Effect of air-assisted backwashing on the performance of an anaerobic fixed-bed bioreactor that simultaneously removes nitrate and arsenic from drinking water sources.

Contaminant removal from drinking water sources under reducing conditions conducive for the growth of denitrifying, arsenate reducing, and sulfate reducing microbes using a fixed-bed bioreactor may require oxygen-free gas (e.g., N2 gas) during backwashing.