Unbalanced Peptidergic Inhibition in Superficial Neocortex Underlies Spike and Wave Seizure Activity.

Slow spike and wave discharges (0.5-4 Hz) are a feature of many epilepsies. They are linked to pathology of the thalamocortical axis and a thalamic mechanism has been elegantly described.

A neocortical delta rhythm facilitates reciprocal interlaminar interactions via nested theta rhythms.

Delta oscillations (1-4 Hz) associate with deep sleep and are implicated in memory consolidation and replay of cortical responses elicited during wake states. A potent local generator has been characterized in thalamus, and local generators in neocortex have been suggested. Here we demonstrate that isolated rat neocortex generates delta rhythms in conditions mimicking the neuromodulatory state during deep sleep (low cholinergic and dopaminergic tone).

Setting up a deep vein thrombosis clinic.

The author describes the establishment of an outpatient service for patients with a suspected deep vein thrombosis. The outpatient service is on a medical admission unit at Glenfield Hospital, one of three sites of the University Hospitals of Leicester. The author considers that the service has been as effective as the inpatient service previously provided and in its first year of operation, 400 potential bed days were saved on positive to DVT patients.