Mechanisms of Action of Noninvasive Brain Stimulation with Weak Non-Constant Current Stimulation Approaches.

Objective: Non-constant current stimulation (NCCS) is a neuromodulatory method in which weak alternating, pulsed or random currents are delivered to the human head via scalp or earlobe electrodes. This approach is widely used in basic and translational studies. However, the underlying mechanisms of NCCS, which lead to biological and behavioral effects in the brain, remain largely unknown. In this review, we characterize NCCS techniques currently being utilized in neuroscience investigations, including transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), transcranial pulsed current stimulation (tPCS), transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS), and cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES). Method: We unsystematically searched all relevant conference papers, journal articles, chapters, and textbooks on the biological mechanisms of NCCS techniques. Results: The fundamental idea of NCCS is that these low-level currents can interact with neuronal activity, modulate neuroplasticity and entrain cortical networks, thus, modifying cognition and behavior. We elucidate the mechanisms of action for each NCCS technique. These techniques may cause microscopic effects (such as affecting ion channels and neurotransmission systems) and macroscopic effects (such as affecting brain oscillations and functional connectivity) on the brain through different mechanisms of action (such as neural entrainment and stochastic resonance). Conclusion: The appeal of NCCS is its potential to modulate neuroplasticity noninvasively, along with the ease of use and good tolerability. Promising and interesting evidence has been reported for the capacity of NCCS to affect neural circuits and the behaviors under their control. Today, the challenge is to utilize this advancement optimally. Continuing methodological advancements with NCCS approaches will enable researchers to better understand how NCCS can be utilized for the modulation of nervous system activity and subsequent behaviors, with possible applications to non-clinical and clinical practices.

Pancreatic insulinoma misdiagnosed as atrial fibrillation: A case report from Iraq.

RATIONALE: Pancreatic insulinomas are the most frequent pancreatic endocrine neoplasms. They are insulin-secreting pancreatic tumors that induce extreme, recurrent, and near-fatal hypoglycemia. Insulinomas affect 1 to 4 individuals in a million of the general population and account for about 1% to 2% of all pancreatic tumors. PATIENT CONCERNS: Recurrent episodes of sweating, tremor, weakness, confusion, palpitation, blurred vision, and fainting for 2 months and was misdiagnosed as having atrial fibrillation. DIAGNOSIS: He was misdiagnosed as having atrial fibrillation to highlight the importance of atrial fibrillation as unusual mimicker of insulinoma and to encourage clinicians about the importance of early and appropriate management in such cases. INTERVENTIONS: Endoscopic ultrasound for the pancreatic parenchyma was done, and it showed a hypoechoic homogenous mass located at the pancreatic head measuring 12 mm × 15 mm with no local vascular involvement, blue in elastography, hypervascular with Doppler study, and a normal pancreatic duct diameter. OUTCOMES: His condition was stable, and he was discharged home 2 days later. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of insulinoma is usually difficult and late due to the extremely low incidence of the disease and the similarity of its clinical presentation to numerous other conditions, the most reported is epilepsy.

Transfer learning with different modified convolutional neural network models for classifying digital mammograms utilizing Local Dataset.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. The incidence and mortality increased globally since starting registration in 1990. Artificial intelligence is being widely experimented in aiding in breast cancer detection, radiologically or cytologically. It has a beneficial role in classification when used alone or combined with radiologist evaluation. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the performance and accuracy of different machine learning algorithms in diagnostic mammograms using a local four-field digital mammogram dataset. METHODOLOGY: The dataset of the mammograms was fullfield digital mammography collected from the oncology teaching hospital in Baghdad. All the mammograms of the patients were studied and labeled by an experienced radiologist. Dataset was composed of two views CranioCaudal (CC) and Mediolateral-oblique (MLO) of one or two breasts. The dataset included 383 cases that were classified based on their BIRADS grade. Image processing included filtering, contrast enhancement using contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE), then removal of labels and pectoral muscle for improving performance. Data augmentation was also applied including horizontal and vertical flipping and rotation within 90 degrees. The data set was divided into a training set and a testing set with a ratio 9:1. Transfer learning of many models trained on the Imagenet dataset was used with fine-tuning. The performance of various models was evaluated using metrics including Loss, Accuracy, and Area under the curve (AUC). Python v3.2 was used for analysis with the Keras library. Ethical approval was obtained by the ethical committee from the College of Medicine University of Baghdad Results: NASNetLarge model achieved the highest accuracy and area under curve 0.8475 and 0.8956 respectively. The least performance was achieved using DenseNet169 and InceptionResNetV2. With accuracy 0.72. The longest time spent for analyzing one hundred image was seven seconds. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study presents a newly emerging strategy in diagnostic and screening mammography by using AI with the help of transferred learning and fine-tuning. Using these models can achieve acceptable performance in a very fast way which may reduce the workload burden among diagnostic and screening units.

One- or two-stage reimplantation for infected total knee prosthesis?

A prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is possibly the most significant potential complication of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and is associated with substantial morbidity and socioeconomic burden. It is a devastating complication for both the patient and the surgeon alike. A two-stage revision approach for infected TKA has been the standard for surgical management; however, there is growing interest in single-stage revision surgery due to fewer procedures, reduced inpatient hospital stay and reduced costs to healthcare systems. A one-stage exchange is indicated when there is no sign of systemic sepsis and in cases where a microorganism has been isolated. It involves removal of the old prosthesis, debridement of all infected tissue, a copious washout and re-draping, and finally, re-implantation of a new prosthesis. The two-stage approach involves the use of an antibiotic spacer before the second stage is carried out. The length of time between the stages is discussed. Patients with a PJI should be managed by a multidisciplinary team. We recommend these patients are managed in specialist arthroplasty centres by high volume revision arthroplasty specialists.

The introduction of day-case total knee arthroplasty in a national healthcare system: A review of the literature and development of a hospital pathway.

INTRODUCTION: As we now drive to reinitiate our full capacity elective services in an attempt to tackle an ever-growing demand for lower limb arthroplasty, this pandemic has presented rare opportunities to revise and re-engage elective arthroplasty pathways aimed at improving patient care and healthcare efficiency. AIMS: We present the development of an evidence-based multidisciplinary perioperative care pathway for day-case total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in a United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS) institution, in conjunction with a review of the literature upon which the protocol is founded. METHODOLOGY: We performed a review of the literature reporting complication or readmission rates at ≥30 day postoperative following day-case TKA. Electronic searches were performed using four databases from the date of inception to November 2020. Relevant studies were identified, data extracted, and qualitative synthesis performed. RESULTS: 13 manuscripts with a total of 3370 day-case TKAs, defined as discharged on the same-calendar-day of surgery, were included in analysis. Mean 90-day complication rates (8.31% [range, 0-16.3%] vs 9.49% [range, 0-13.1%], respectively) and readmission rates (2.71% [range, 0-10.0%] vs 3.41% [range, 0-9.9%], respectively) were equivocal between day-case and inpatient TKA. The overall rate of successful same-calendar-day discharge was 95.8%. Our evaluation and critique of the evidence-based literature identifies day-case TKA to be safe, effective and economical, benefitting both patients and healthcare systems alike. CONCLUSION: We further validate the introduction of our institutional Elective Day Surgery Arthroplasty Pathway (EDSAP) based on the evidence presented. Careful patient selection paralleled with well-defined care pathways are essential for successful introduction of day-case TKA into the NHS.

Shoulder examination: a systematic approach.

The shoulder is a complex joint with static and dynamic stabilising structures working synchronously. These allow a full range of movement while preserving stability of the joint. Patients may present with pain, stiffness, weakness, deformity or instability. The authors suggest a systematic examination sequence to ensure that important pathology is not overlooked. Adopting this approach allows common pathologies, including tears of the rotator cuff, impingement and tendinopathy, to be easily identified. This shoulder examination sequence may be used by all healthcare professionals and can also act as a revision aid for those undergoing exams in this field, at different levels of training.

Anuric Acute Kidney Injury Requiring Dialysis Following Acetazolamide Use for Cataract Surgery.

BACKGROUND Acetazolamide (ACTZ) is commonly used in the prevention and treatment of various clinical conditions, and anuric acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of its known life-threatening complications. CASE REPORT We hereby report the case of a middle-aged man known to have compensated heart failure and hypertension with previously normal kidney function, who received a total dose of 2250mg of ACTZ over 3 days after cataract surgery. One week after the operation, he presented with anuria and severe bilateral renal colic, as well as progressively worsening kidney function and metabolic profile, which eventually required hemodialysis prior to recovery. CONCLUSIONS The cause of the AKI was attributed to intra-tubular obstruction by ACTZ-induced crystalluria, which required discontinuing the offending agent and dialysis to correct the kidney functions.

Day-case total hip arthroplasty: a literature review and development of a hospital pathway.

AIMS: We present the development of a day-case total hip arthroplasty (THA) pathway in a UK National Health Service institution in conjunction with an extensive evidence-based summary of the interventions used to achieve successful day-case THA to which the protocol is founded upon. METHODS: We performed a prospective audit of day-case THA in our institution as we reinitiate our full capacity elective services. In parallel, we performed a review of the literature reporting complication or readmission rates at ≥ 30-day postoperative following day-case THA. Electronic searches were performed using four databases from the date of inception to November 2020. Relevant studies were identified, data extracted, and qualitative synthesis performed. RESULTS: Our evaluation and critique of the evidence-based literature identifies day-case THA to be safe, effective, and economical, benefiting both patients and healthcare systems alike. We further validate this with our institutional elective day surgery arthroplasty pathway (EDSAP) and report a small cohort of successful day-case THA cases as an example in the early stages of this practice in our unit. CONCLUSION: Careful patient selection and education, adequate perioperative considerations, including multimodal analgesia, surgical technique and blood loss management protocols and appropriate postoperative pathways comprising reliable discharge criteria are essential for successful day-case THA. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(2):93-102.

The learning curve of robotic-arm assisted acetabular cup positioning during total hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Robotic-arm assisted surgery aims to reduce manual errors and improve the accuracy of implant positioning and orientation during total hip arthroplasty (THA). The objective of this study was to assess the surgical team's learning curve for robotic-arm assisted acetabular cup positioning during THA. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 100 patients with symptomatic hip osteoarthritis undergoing primary total THA performed by a single surgeon. This included 50 patients receiving conventional manual THA and 50 patients undergoing robotic-arm assisted acetabular cup positioning during THA. Independent observers recorded surrogate markers of the learning curve including operative times, confidence levels amongst the surgical team using the state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) questionnaire, accuracy in restoring native hip biomechanics, acetabular cup positioning, leg-length discrepancy, and complications within 90 days of surgery. RESULTS: Cumulative summation (CUSUM) analysis revealed robotic-arm assisted acetabular cup positioning during THA was associated with a learning curve of 12 cases for achieving operative times (p < 0.001) and surgical team confidence levels (p < 0.001) comparable to conventional manual THA. There was no learning curve of robotic-arm assisted THA for accuracy of achieving the planned horizontal (p = 0.83) and vertical (p = 0.71) centres of rotation, combined offset (p = 0.67), cup inclination (p = 0.68), cup anteversion (p = 0.72), and correction of leg-length discrepancy (p = 0.61). There was no difference in postoperative complications between the two treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Integration of robotic-arm assisted acetabular cup positioning during THA was associated with a learning curve of 12 cases for operative times and surgical team confidence levels but there was no learning curve effect for accuracy in restoring native hip biomechanics or achieving planned acetabular cup positioning and orientation.

Minimum ten-year follow-up of a randomized trial comparing acetabular component fixation of two porous in-growth surfaces using radiosteriometric analysis.

AIMS: To compare the in vivo long-term fixation achieved by two acetabular components with different porous ingrowth surfaces using radiostereometric analysis (RSA). METHODS: This was a minimum ten-year follow-up of a prospective randomized trial of 62 hips with two different porous ingrowth acetabular components. RSA exams had previously been acquired through two years of follow-up. Patients returned for RSA examination at a minimum of ten years. In addition, radiological appearance of these acetabular components was analyzed, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) obtained. RESULTS: In all, 15 hips were available at ten years. There was no statistically significant difference in PROMS between the two groups; PROMs were improved at ten years compared to preoperative scores. Conventional radiological assessment revealed well-fixed components. There was minimal movement for both porous surfaces in translation (X, Y, Z, 3D translation in mm (median and interquartile range (IQR)), StikTite (Smith and Nephew, Memphis, Tennessee, USA): 0.03 (1.08), 0.12 (0.7), 0.003 (2.3), 0.37 (0.30), and Roughcoat (Smith and Nephew): -0.6 (0.59),-0.1 (0.49), 0.1 (1.12), 0.48 (0.38)), and rotation (X, Y, Z rotation in degrees (median and IQR), (Stiktite: -0.4 (3), 0.28 (2), -0.2 (1), and Roughcoat: - 0.4 (1),-0.1 (1), 0.2 (2)). There was no statistically significant difference between the two cohorts (p-value for X, Y, Z, 3D translation - 0.54, 0.46, 0.87, 0.55 and for X, Y, Z rotation - 0.41, 0.23, 0.23 respectively) at ten years. There was significant correlation between two years and ten years 3D translation for all components (r = 0.81(p =< 0.001)). CONCLUSION: Both porous ingrowth surfaces demonstrated excellent fixation on plain radiographs and with RSA at ten years. Short-term RSA data are good predictors for long-term migration data.

Iraqi regulatory authority current system and experience with biosimilars.

Biological medicines have significantly altered treatment for many patients with chronic diseases such as cancers, autoimmune diseases, and diabetes. However, the high cost of biological medicines has limited patients' access to them. Iraq is one of the countries that have decided to increase access to these medicines through biosimilars, which are copies of originator biological medicines. Prior to 2019, the Iraqi National Regulatory Authority (NRA) had no clear guidelines in place for biosimilars uptake. Therefore, approvals of many biosimilars were delayed. As a response to that, a new pivotal committee was found within this authority, and the first version of Iraqi basis and guidelines for the approval of biosimilars was enacted. With the implementation of the Iraqi biosimilars guidelines and escalating the cooperation within the Iraqi NRA, many benefits have been attained in a short time including the approval of many essential biosimilar products which has resulted in a total cost savings estimated to exceed 50 million USD in just the year 2020. However, there are still some barriers towards making the utmost benefit from biosimilars in Iraq, such as lack of familiarity of these products among the Iraqi health care providers which requires appropriate biosimilars-awareness enhancement strategies.

Infection in Arthroplasty: The Basic Science of Bacterial Biofilms in Its Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention.

In the past, the diagnosis and treatment of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in joint arthroplasty has often been frustrating for orthopaedic surgeons. The application of certain diagnostic criteria and different treatment strategies can be better directed if these infections are placed in the context of microbial biofilms. An understanding of this biofilm mode of microbial infection can help to explain the phenomenon of culture-negative infection as well as provide an understanding of why certain treatment modalities often fail. Continued basic research into the role of biofilms in infection will likely provide improved strategies for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of PJI. This is a review of the current preclinical knowledge of biofilm in relation to PJI with an overview of current practices applied in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of biofilm formation in this setting.

Posterior cruciate ligament resection in total knee arthroplasty: the effect on flexion-extension gaps, mediolateral laxity, and fixed flexion deformity.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) resection on flexion-extension gaps, mediolateral soft-tissue laxity, fixed flexion deformity (FFD), and limb alignment during posterior-stabilized (PS) total knee arthroplasty (TKA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study included 110 patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee undergoing primary robot-assisted PS TKA. All operations were performed by a single surgeon using a standard medial parapatellar approach. Optical motion capture technology with fixed femoral and tibial registration pins was used to assess gaps before and after PCL resection in extension and 90° knee flexion. Measurements were made after excision of the anterior cruciate ligament and prior to bone resection. There were 54 men (49.1%) and 56 women (50.9%) with a mean age of 68 years (sd 6.2) at the time of surgery. The mean preoperative hip-knee-ankle deformity was 4.1° varus (sd 3.4). RESULTS: PCL resection increased the mean flexion gap significantly more than the extension gap in the medial (2.4 mm (sd 1.5) vs 1.3 mm (sd 1.0); p < 0.001) and lateral (3.3 mm (sd 1.6) vs 1.2 mm (sd 0.9); p < 0.01) compartments. The mean gap differences after PCL resection created significant mediolateral laxity in flexion (gap difference: 1.1 mm (sd 2.5); p < 0.001) but not in extension (gap difference: 0.1 mm (sd 2.1); p = 0.51). PCL resection significantly improved the mean FFD (6.3° (sd 4.4) preoperatively vs 3.1° (sd 1.5) postoperatively; p < 0.001). There was a strong positive correlation between the preoperative FFD and change in FFD following PCL resection (Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.81; p < 0.001). PCL resection did not significantly affect limb alignment (mean change in alignment: 0.2° valgus (sd 1.2); p = 0.60). CONCLUSION: PCL resection creates flexion-extension mismatch by increasing the flexion gap more than the extension gap. The increase in the lateral flexion gap is greater than the increase in the medial flexion gap, which creates mediolateral laxity in flexion. Improvements in FFD following PCL resection are dependent on the degree of deformity before PCL resection. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1230-1237.

Cementless hip implants: an expanding choice.

INTRODUCTION: Total hip replacement is a successful procedure with long survival records compared to other joint arthroplasties. Cemented implants have been available for many years, however the complications associated with loosening and, ultimately, failure over time has led to the development of cementless stems and implants.The ideal prosthesis should recreate a biomechanically normal hip joint, allow pain-free function and last the patient's life span without requiring revision. Optimal results with uncemented femoral stems rely on obtaining initial stability, osseointegration, biological fixation, and uniform stress transfer to the proximal bone.There are a multitude of factors that can affect the integration, stability and fixation of these stems into bone, and understanding these factors is the key to choosing the appropriate implant for a specific femur. METHODS: This article aims to discuss cementless prostheses based on evidence-based practice. Geometry, roughness, stem coating, technique and bone quality are among the factors discussed. This was achieved through a review of the current literature. CONCLUSIONS: Uncemented femoral stems have shown good, long-term survivorship and functional outcome, with promising results in younger patients.Limitations in the current literature make it difficult to assess and compare different designs to determine optimal indications for each type.Biological fixation, in which the prosthesis is directly fixed to the bone, is the preferred fixation method.Future studies of cementless implants should consistently address patient age, activity level, bone type, and deformities so that more definitive conclusions can be drawn about when to use each design.

Management of anterior cruciate ligament injury: pathophysiology and treatment.

Anterior cruciate ligament injury, a common soft tissue injury of the knee joint, is increasing in incidence particularly in young active people. It causes instability of the knee that leads to meniscal tears, cartilage defects and early osteoarthritis. This review summarizes aspects of anterior cruciate ligament injury management.

Surgical treatment of anterior cruciate ligament injury in adults.

Anterior cruciate ligament injury is among the most common soft tissue injuries of the knee joint and reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament is the gold standard treatment for young active symptomatic patients. This review summarizes the surgical treatment of anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Corrigendum to "An Insight into Methods and Practices in Hip Arthroplasty in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2015/140143.].

Association of Higher Defensin ß-4 Genomic Copy Numbers with Behçet's Disease in Iraqi Patients.

OBJECTIVES: Behçet's disease (BD) is an immune-mediated small vessel systemic vasculitis. Human ß-defensins are antimicrobial peptides associated with many inflammatory diseases and are encoded by the ß-defensin family of multiple-copy genes. However, their role in BD necessitates further investigation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible association of BD in its various clinical forms with defensin ß-4 (DEFB4) genomic copy numbers. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted from January to September 2011 and included 50 control subjects and 27 unrelated Iraqi BD patients registered at Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Bagdad, Iraq. Copy numbers of the DEFB4 gene were determined using the comparative cycle threshold method by duplex real-time polymerase chain reaction technology at the Department of Dermatology of Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany. RESULTS: DEFB4 genomic copy numbers were significantly higher in the BD group compared to the control group (P = 0.010). However, no statistically significant association was found between copy numbers and clinical variables within the BD group. CONCLUSION: The DEFB4 copy number polymorphism may be associated with BD; however, it is not associated with different clinical manifestations of the disease.

Talar head fracture: A case report, systematic review and suggested algorithm of treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Talar head fractures are uncommon. This rarity contributes to the lack of structure and clarity in its management. The purpose of this systematic review is to analyse the published literature on management of these injuries and suggest a treatment plan that was followed in our case. METHODS: A search of Medline, EMBASE, AMED and Google Scholar was performed on 1st September 2014. Any article reporting case(s) of talar head fractures were included and studies of other anatomical types of talar fractures, stress fractures or paediatric cases were excluded. The paucity of data precluded data synthesis and instead a narrative synthesis was performed. RESULTS: Of 45 studies identified, five publications with seven case reports met the inclusion criteria. One occurred secondary to snowboarding, one wakeboarding, one inversion injury whilst walking and one gymnastic injury. Two patients were managed operatively and two non-surgically with one requiring surgery for a symptomatic mal-union. CONCLUSION: Talar head fractures are rare and high quality literature regarding management of these injuries is lacking. A suggested algorithm for treatment is proposed, but further robust studies are required to substantiate this approach.

An Insight into Methods and Practices in Hip Arthroplasty in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has improved the quality of life of patients with hip arthritis. Orthopedic community is striving for excellence to improve surgical techniques and postoperative care. Despite these efforts, patients continue facing postoperative complications. In particular, patients with rheumatoid arthritis display a higher risk of certain complications such as dislocation, periprosthetic infection, and shorter prosthesis durability. In this review we present the current knowledge of hip arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis with more insight into common practices and interventions directed at enhancing recovery of these patients and current shortfalls.