Research into the design and utilization of brain-implanted microdevices, such as microelectrode arrays, aims to produce clinically relevant devices that interface chronically with surrounding brain tissue. Tissue surrounding these implants is thought to react to the presence of the devices over time, which includes the formation of an insulating "glial scar" around the devices. However, histol...

We report a case of a patient who had persistent local pain after explanting a subcutaneous Holter system. After surgical intervention, macroscopically, we found several nodular calcified formations. Microscopically, there was a dense fibromuscular tissue, encapsulating degenerated material. To our knowledge, this severe local reaction after implantation of subcutaneous cardiac devices has not ...

BACKGROUND Patient support is frequently required during just one part of a procedure (eg the pelvis for the perineal portion of an abdominoperineal resection of the rectum). This is commonly achieved by placing a gel patient positioner underneath the pelvis. However, this positioner can remain in place for a long time and we had noticed that patients complained occasionally of back pain after ...

There are only a few cases of prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) reported in the literature. Though not very frequent, this is a serious concern because patients are high risk for surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) by definition, and explanting the endocarditic prosthetic valve followed by SAVR increases risk even higher.

OBJECTIVE To assess the 30-day mortality, long-term survival and freedom from reoperation following surgery for prosthetic endocarditis (PVE). METHOD A retrospective analysis of data from the UK Heart Valve Registry of 322 patients who had undergone single mechanical/bioprosthetic valve replacement for PVE between 1 January 1986 and 31 December 1996. The mean age was 54.9 +/- 12.8 years and 2...

This article illuminates the transmedia storytelling techniques in The Walking Dead comic book and video game. Telltale Games’ The Walking Dead localizes itself within the comic book world of The Walking Dead by acting as a transmedia storytelling device and using intertextuality comics to assist game players with meaning-making. By participating in the game, Telltale rewards players with addit...

Representations of femininity in video games and other media are often discussed with reference to the most popular games, their protagonists and their sexist predicament. This framing leaves in shadow other dimensions. We aim to identify some of them and to open a broader horizon for examining and designing femininity and gender in games. To this end we look into games with creative portrayals...