Localising the auditory N1m with event-related beamformers:localisation accuracy following bilateral and unilateral stimulation

The auditory evoked N1m-P2m response complex presents a challenging case for MEG source-modelling, because symmetrical, phase-locked activity occurs in the hemispheres both contralateral and ipsilateral to stimulation. Beamformer methods, in particular, can be susceptible to localisation bias and spurious sources under these conditions. This study explored the accuracy and efficiency of event-related beamformer source models for auditory MEG data under typical experimental conditions: monaural and diotic stimulation; and whole-head beamformer analysis compared to a half-head analysis using only sensors from the hemisphere contralateral to stimulation. Event-related beamformer localisations were also compared with more traditional single-dipole models. At the group level, the event-related beamformer performed equally well as the single-dipole models in terms of accuracy for both the N1m and the P2m, and in terms of efficiency (number of successful source models) for the N1m. The results yielded by the half-head analysis did not differ significantly from those produced by the traditional whole-head analysis. Any localisation bias caused by the presence of correlated sources is minimal in the context of the inter-individual variability in source localisations. In conclusion, event-related beamformers provide a useful alternative to equivalent-current dipole models in localisation of auditory evoked responses.

Learning from Incredible Commitments: Evolution and Impact of Bilateral Investment Treaties

Ostensibly, BITs are the ideal international treaty. First, until just recently, they almost uniformly came with explicit dispute resolution mechanisms through which countries could face real costs for violation (Montt 2009). Second, the signing, ratification, and violation of them are easily accessible public knowledge. Thus countries presumably would face reputational costs for violating these agreements. Yet, these compliance devices have not dissuaded states from violating these agreements. Even more interestingly, in recent years, both developed and developing countries have moved towards modifying the investor-friendly provisions of these agreements. These deviations from the expectations of the credible commitment argument raise important questions about the field's assumptions regarding the ability of international treaties with commitment devices to effectively constrain state behavior.

O papel da cooperação bilateral Cabo Verde/Luxemburgo em Santo Antão, nos anos 90 do século XX

A Cooperação para o Desenvolvimento tem sido objeto de debate desde o fim da II Guerra Mundial e só a sua aplicação prática, sobretudo com a implementação do Plano Marshall, foi possível recuperar a Europa da destruição provocada pelo conflito. País pequeno e desprovido de recursos naturais, Cabo Verde teve de apostar nas Relações Internacionais para garantir a sua sobrevivência e sonho de desenvolvimento, embora não dispusesse, no momento da independência, de um quadro estável a nível da diplomacia. Ainda assim, o país optou por uma aposta forte numa diplomacia que “forçasse" a abertura dos caminhos da cooperação para o desenvolvimento. Efetivamente, com a independência nacional, a cooperação desempenhou um papel fundamental na viabilização do jovem país que era, a priori, considerado inviável. Por isso, o recurso à cooperação como forma de potenciar o desenvolvimento de Cabo Verde foi prática dos diferentes governos da república desde a independência nacional. A localização da cooperação bilateral nalgumas ilhas foi, igualmente, uma prática seguida pelos governos, até ao ano 2000, e, no esforço de infraestruturação da ilha de Santo Antão, são de destacar os casos da cooperação holandesa, com investimentos nas áreas da agricultura e na infraestruturação hidráulica, da cooperação italiana na infraestruturação rodoviária da ilha e, mais recentemente, nos anos 1990, da cooperação luxemburguesa, objeto de estudo neste trabalho. Com efeito, a cooperação luxemburguesa fez diferença no desenvolvimento da ilha de Santo Antão, uma ilha em que “estava (quase) tudo por fazer” tendo em conta que os investimentos feitos até por volta de 1990 não tinham tido a capacidade de alavancar o desenvolvimento da ilha, funcionando, sobretudo, como instrumentos de garantia de sobrevivência das populações locais, com a abertura de frentes de alta intensidade de mão-de-obra (FAIMO). Com a localização da cooperação luxemburguesa em Santo Antão, a partir de 1990, e com a realização de investimentos mediante a identificação de necessidades e planificação de metas por parte da Associação dos Municípios de Santo Antão (AMSA) a ilha entrou, de facto, nos trilhos do desenvolvimento que os dados, utilizados na realização deste trabalho, indicam.

Quantitative evaluation of visual function 12 months after bilateral implantation of a diffractive trifocal IOL

PURPOSE: To quantitatively evaluate visual function 12 months after bilateral implantation of the Physiol FineVision® trifocal intraocular lens (IOL) and to compare these results with those obtained in the first postoperative month. METHODS: In this prospective case series, 20 eyes of 10 consecutive patients were included. Monocular and binocular, uncorrected and corrected visual acuities (distance, near, and intermediate) were measured. Metrovision® was used to test contrast sensitivity under static and dynamic conditions, both in photopic and low-mesopic settings. The same software was used for pupillometry and glare evaluation. Motion, achromatic, and chromatic contrast discrimination were tested using 2 innovative psychophysical tests. A complete ophthalmologic examination was performed preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Psychophysical tests were performed 1 month after surgery and repeated 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Final distance uncorrected visual acuity (VA) was 0.00 ± 0.08 and distance corrected VA was 0.00 ± 0.05 logMAR. Distance corrected near VA was 0.00 ± 0.09 and distance corrected intermediate VA was 0.00 ± 0.06 logMAR. Glare testing, pupillometry, contrast sensitivity, motion, and chromatic and achromatic contrast discrimination did not differ significantly between the first and last visit (p>0.05) or when compared to an age-matched control group (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The Physiol FineVision® trifocal IOL provided satisfactory full range of vision and quality of vision parameters 12 months after surgery. Visual acuity and psychophysical tests did not vary significantly between the first and last visit.

Calcaneus-navicular coalition associated to flatfoot in a child. A case report

Tarsal coalition (a congenital fibrous, cartilaginous or bony connection between two bones) often leads to a flatfoot deformity in children. Usually it presents with recurrent ankle sprains or insidious onset of a painful rigid flatfoot and movement limitation of midtarsal and subtalar joints. Clinical diagnosis is confirmed by X-rays, computed axial tomography and nuclear magnetic resonance. The anteater nose sign is caused by a tubular elongation of the anterior process of the calcaneus that approaches or overlaps the tarsal scaphoid (navicular) and resembles the nose of an anteater on a lateral foot or ankle radiograph. The treatment of this union is primarily symptomatic but if the pain persists must be surgical .

Bilateral lung and liver hydatid cysts. Case report

Introduction. Synchronous occurrence of pulmonary and hepatic hydatid cysts is an uncommon manifestation of hydatid disease that is observed in less than 10% of cases. We report a rare case of bilateral lung (with bronchial fistula) and liver cyst, surgically treated after medical therapy. Case report. A 44-year-old housewife reporting fever, anorexia and fatigue that had been present for the previous 20 days received diagnosis of bilateral lung and liver hydatid cyst. Because of the dimensions of right lung cyst and the successive bronchial fistolization, we proceeded to three-stage operation of two thoracotomies and a laparotomy to control the risk of further rupture. After surgery, all post-operatives were uneventful. Complete resolution of the therapy with no evidence of recurrence at 2 years follow-up. Conclusion. We emphasize the need to search for additional hydatids in patients who present with either pulmonary or liver hydatids. The simultaneous treatment of liver and lung should be reserved to patients in good conditions; in all other cases, especially when one cyst is more symptomatic than the others or has more risk of rupture, we prefer to treat single cyst.

Successful management of evisceration occurred after exploratory laparotomy for bilateral ovarian micropapillary serous borderline tumors

Micropapillary serous borderline tumor of the ovary is characterized by a more frequent association with extraovarian, especially invasive, implants. The aim of this study was to report the clinicopathological findings of a rare case of micropapillary serous borderline tumor of the ovary since there are less than 100 similar cases in the published literature. Additionally, the successful management of evisceration that complicated the postoperative stay of the patient is analyzed. The incidence of this severe complication is estimated between 0.29-2.3%. There are four main causes: suture tearing through the fascia, knot failure, suture failure, and extrusion of abdominal contents between sutures placed too far apart. At least 50% of the cases are due to technical error with a potentially lethal result.

One-stage laparoscopic procedure for a patient with bilateral colorectal tumours and renal carcinoma

We describe a case of a patient with synchronous bilateral colorectal tumours and renal carcinoma who underwent one-stage laparoscopic surgery procedure with right transperitoneal nefrectomy, right hemicolectomy and sigmoidectomy. One-stage laparoscopic procedure can be used safely and successfully for a patient with multiple primary tumours.

Quantitative evaluation of visual function 12 months after bilateral implantation of a diffractive trifocal IOL

PURPOSE: To quantitatively evaluate visual function 12 months after bilateral implantation of the Physiol FineVision® trifocal intraocular lens (IOL) and to compare these results with those obtained in the first postoperative month. METHODS: In this prospective case series, 20 eyes of 10 consecutive patients were included. Monocular and binocular, uncorrected and corrected visual acuities (distance, near, and intermediate) were measured. Metrovision® was used to test contrast sensitivity under static and dynamic conditions, both in photopic and low-mesopic settings. The same software was used for pupillometry and glare evaluation. Motion, achromatic, and chromatic contrast discrimination were tested using 2 innovative psychophysical tests. A complete ophthalmologic examination was performed preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Psychophysical tests were performed 1 month after surgery and repeated 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Final distance uncorrected visual acuity (VA) was 0.00 ± 0.08 and distance corrected VA was 0.00 ± 0.05 logMAR. Distance corrected near VA was 0.00 ± 0.09 and distance corrected intermediate VA was 0.00 ± 0.06 logMAR. Glare testing, pupillometry, contrast sensitivity, motion, and chromatic and achromatic contrast discrimination did not differ significantly between the first and last visit (p>0.05) or when compared to an age-matched control group (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The Physiol FineVision® trifocal IOL provided satisfactory full range of vision and quality of vision parameters 12 months after surgery. Visual acuity and psychophysical tests did not vary significantly between the first and last visit.

Bilateral Panuveitis at Etanercept Initiation for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Introduction: Uveitis is a well-known extra-rheumatological manifestation of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Tumor necrosis factor has been used to treat uveitis associated with inflammatory diseases. A new onset uveitis under anti-TNF therapy is uncommon. Case presentation: A 12-years-old male, affected since the age of six years, by a severe form of polyarticular JIA. When etanercept was started, he presented panuveitis bilaterally, so we switched to infliximab with good response. Conclusions: The TNF soluble receptor could be considered as a possible promoter in inducing endogenous new onset uveitis in JIA.

Computed Tomography Perfusion Can Guide Endovascular Therapy in Bilateral Carotid Artery Dissection

Carotid artery dissection (CAD) is a major cause of stroke in those under age 45, accounting for around 20% of ischaemic events[1,2]. In the absence of known connective tissue disorders, most dissections are traumatic[2]. First-line management is comprised of antiplatelet or anticoagulation therapy, but many traumatic dissections progress despite this and carry the risk of long-term complications from embolism or stenosis[3]. We report a case of traumatic bilateral carotid dissection leading to progressive neurological symptoms and hypoperfusion on computed tomography perfusion (CTP), despite escalation in anticoagulation, which led to emergency carotid stenting.

Bilateral Chylothorax Secondary to Retrosternal Goitre: a Case Report and Review of the Literature

Chylothorax is characterized by an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the pleural cavity due to damage to the thoracic duct. The aetiology can be traumatic or non-traumatic. Goitre is a rare cause of chylothorax with only eight cases previously described in the literature including only one case causing a bilateral chylothorax. This report describes a patient with bilateral chylothorax secondary to substernal goitre, which was successfully treated, and discusses this very rare case in light of the available literature.

Giant Cell Arteritis Presenting with Bilateral Subdural Haematomas of Arterial Origin

Giant cell arteritis or temporal arteritis is an inflammatory condition affecting medium to large sized vessels, particularly the cranial arteries. A 76-year-old man with no significant past medical history presented to the emergency department with a 3-week history of diffuse headaches associated with fever, loss of appetite, weight loss and general malaise. A CT scan of the brain showed bilateral shallow chronic low density subdural haematomas. A complete laboratory panel was unremarkable except for a raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate and elevated C-reactive protein. A transthoracic echocardiogram and CT scan of the body were unremarkable. MRI of the brain confirmed bilateral old subdural collections and showed marked vessel wall enhancement in the frontal branches of the left superficial temporal artery. A left temporal artery biopsy confirmed giant cell temporal arteritis. We speculate that a vasculitic process in the small subdural arteries may have contributed to our patient’s spontaneous subdural haematomas.

Efeito de um programa de exercícios para prevenção da dor lombar ao nível do endurance e co-ativação bilateral do músculo médio glúteo, sway postural e intensidade da dor

INTRODUÇÃO E OBJETIVOS: A dor lombar (DL) é considerada um dos maiores problemas socioeconómicos dos países industrializados e está associada à manutenção da posição de ereta em atividades ocupacionais e laborais. O objetivo do presente estudo é descrever e analisar o efeito de um programa de exercícios para prevenção da DL ao nível do endurance e co-ativação bilateral do músculo médio glúteo (MG), sway postural e a intensidade da DL em indivíduos que desenvolvem dor (DD) numa tarefa prolongala em pé. É expetável que os indivíduos DD, após o programa de exercícios, reduzam a intensidade subjetiva da dor, o nível de co-ativação bilateral e o sway postural e que aumentem o endurance do músculo MG. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Os participantes (19 homens, 31 mulheres), sem história prévia de DL, foram sujeitos ao teste de indução de DL transitória. Antes do teste foi avaliado o endurance da musculatura lombo-pélvica pelo side-bridge teste (SBT); e durante o teste foram recolhidos dados da atividade do músculo MG através de eletromiografia (EMG) de superfície, avaliado o sway postural com recurso a um acelerómetro 3D e intensidade subjetiva da dor, pela EVA. Um aumento>10mm na EVA durante o teste categorizou os indivíduos como DD. Os participantes foram aleatoriamente distribuídos por sexo e por desenvolver ou não dor (DD/NDD) em grupo experimental (Exp) e controlo (Cont). O grupo Exp realizou um programa e exercícios no domicílio e o grupo Cont manteve as suas atividades. Após 4 semanas procedeu-se à reavaliação. RESULTADOS: Os individuos que constituem a amostra deste estudo foram agrupados de acordo com diversos critérios e avaliados vários aspectos relacionados com a DL. Os resultados revelaram que 48% dos participantes foram classificados como DD. Em muitos aspectos analisados, o comportamento dos indivíduos foi semelhante não existindo diferenças significativas (p≥0,05). No entanto, os resultados mostram que existem diferenças quanto à intensidade subjetiva da dor onde se obteve uma variação significativa entre os dois dias de teste (p<0,05) em indivíduos DDExp. Também se observou um efeito clinicamente relevante na interação da intervenção e sexo enquanto medidas repetidas ao nível do endurance. CONCLUSÕES: O programa de exercícios provou ser benéfico na redução da intensidade da dor durante uma tarefa prolongada em pé. O endurance muscular revelou uma variação positiva ao exercício. Nos participantes em estudo não houve alteração relevante nas medidas de co-ativação muscular e sway postural.