Brain Vital Signs Detect Information Processing Differences When Neuromodulation Is Used During Cognitive Skills Training.

: Neuromodulation through translingual neurostimulation (TLNS) has been shown to initiate long-lasting processes of neuronal reorganization with a variety of outcomes (i.e., neuroplasticity).

The Role of the Private Sector in Advancing Antimicrobial Stewardship: Recommendations from the Global Chief Medical Officers' Network.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when microorganisms develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. If allowed to increase at the current rate, AMR could kill an estimated 10 million people per year and cost society approximately 100-200 trillion USD globally by 2050. The slow development of novel antimicrobials further exacerbates the problem.

Human translingual neurostimulation alters resting brain activity in high-density EEG.

Background: Despite growing evidence of a critical link between neuromodulation technologies and neuroplastic recovery, the underlying mechanisms of these technologies remain elusive.

Objective: To investigate physiological evidence of central nervous system (CNS) changes in humans during translingual neurostimulation (TLNS).

Methods: We used high-density electroencephalography (EEG) to measure changes in resting brain activity before, during, and after high frequency (HF) and low frequency (LF) TLNS.

Incontinence rates after cutting seton treatment for anal fistula.

Objective: To determine the incidence of anal incontinence after the use of cutting seton treatment for anal fistula.

Method: Literature searches were performed on PubMed, MEDLINE and Google Scholar using the words 'cutting seton(s)', 'seton(s)' and 'anal fistula'. An analysis of the data in the collected references was performed.

Decreased cerebrospinal fluid absorption during abdominal insufflation.

Background: Intracranial pressure (ICP) is known to rise during induced CO(2) pneumoperitoneum. This rise correlates with an increase in inferior vena caval pressure; therefore, it is probably associated with increased pressure in the lumbar venous plexus. Branches of this plexus communicate with arachnoid villi in the lumbar cistern and the dural sleeves of spinal nerve roots-areas where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) absorption to normally takes place.

Endoscopic axillary exploration and sentinel lymphadenectomy.

Background: Minimally invasive approaches have changed the practice of surgery in several specialties. The purpose of this study was to develop a reproducible endoscopic technique for the evaluation of the axilla in breast cancer patients.

Methods: A total of 23 patients with biopsy-proven breast carcinoma were enrolled.

Intraabdominal adhesion formation after preperitoneal dissection in the murine model.

Background: The laparoscopic approach to hernia repair has been advocated by many as a potentially superior method of herniorraphy. Several techniques have been described, each with its own proposed advantages. These techniques involve different anatomic approaches, the most recent of which is the totally extraperitoneal approach (TEPA).

Gastric adenocarcinoma associated with isolated granulomatous gastritis.

Background: Granulomatous gastritis is a rarely observed pathological diagnosis. This condition often mimics gastric adenocarcinoma clinically, resulting in gastric resection. However, granulomatous gastritis has long been viewed as a benign process not observed in association with adenocarcinoma of the stomach.

Utility of insufflation filters in laparoscopic surgery.

Objectives: To determine whether filters, regularly used as part of the insufflator tubing during laparoscopic surgery, trap microbial and particulate matter from CO2 tanks, thus preventing passage from one patient to another.

Methods: A total of 67 used filters were collected from 17 CO2 tanks and six insufflation machines at three local hospitals, and sterile unused filters were used as controls. The used filters were distributed equally and sequentially into three groups: Group I-viewed under a dissecting microscope for particulate matter; group II-examined by mass spectrometry for contamination with oils and other impurities; group III-incubated on sheep blood agar plates and evaluated for growth of microorganisms.

A method of objectively evaluating improvements in laparoscopic skills.

Background: In this paper, we explored a quick and inexpensive method to evaluate the improvement in laparoscopic skills gained by residents after attending a formal training course in laparoscopy.

Methods: Surgical residents attending an endoscopic workshop were randomly selected to perform tasks in a training simulator. Each was evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively before and after the workshop.

Transthoracic induction of a hiatal hernia in domestic swine.

Background: With the common performance of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease, there is renewed interest in the pathophysiology and potential histologic consequences of hiatal hernias. However, in vivo model exists that both reliably reproduces the hiatal hernia and is amenable to subsequent laparoscopic repair.

Methods: A transthoracic approach was used to induce a hiatal hernia surgically in female James pig (50-160 kg; n = 5).

Splenosis of the mesoappendix: case report and review of the literature.

The development of splenosis is a known consequence of splenic rupture. A case is presented of acute appendicitis in a patient with a past history of abdominal trauma who required laparotomy for unknown reasons. During appendicectomy a mass was found in the mesoappendix which proved to be evidence of splenosis.

Evaluation of mechanism of increased intracranial pressure with insufflation.

Background: Previous studies have documented an increase in intracranial pressure with abdominal insufflation, but the mechanism has not been explained.

Methods: Nine 30-35-kg domestic pigs underwent carbon dioxide insufflation at 1.5 l/min.

Laparoscopic versus open Nissen fundoplication: outcome of surgery in monozygotic twins.

Differences in outcome and cost of laparoscopic and open surgery are continuously being evaluated. Two-year-old monozygotic twin boys with a previous history of prematurity, severe gastroesophageal reflux disease, and intractable reactive airway disease were each scheduled to undergo a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) on the same day. Current medications for both patients included albuterol, cromolyn sodium, dexamethasone, ranitidine, and metoclopramide.

Common bile duct T-tubes. A caveat and recommendations for management.

Operations on the common bile duct can result in severe long-term consequences. To prevent some of these complications, it is common practice to drain the biliary tree with a T-tube. The T-tube is usually removed 2 weeks after it was placed.