Thermal, mechanical and electrical stimuli in antinociceptive studies in standing horses: an update

OBJECTIVE

To perform a literature review of the thermal and mechanical antinociceptive devices used in pharmacological studies in standing horses published after 2011 (2012-2019). To complete a full literature review about electrical stimulation used for evaluation in similar studies.

DATABASES USED

PubMed, Google Scholar and Web of Science.

CONCLUSIONS

A high level of standardization has been reached in antinociceptive studies in standing horses using thermal and mechanical stimuli in most recent years. Commercially available testing devices to deliver thermal, mechanical and electrical stimuli, with observation of aversive responses to these stimuli, are reliable, sensitive and specific. For electrical stimulus testing, there is evidence that the resistance between the electrodes should be measured and should not exceed 3 kΩ to guarantee consistent and reproducible stimuli. The specific analysis of electromyographic activity after an electrical stimulus provides more detailed information about the neurons stimulated.

Addition of Graphite Filler to Enhance Electrical, Morphological, Thermal, and Mechanical Properties in Poly (Ethylene Terephthalate): Experimental Characterization and Material Modeling

Poly(ethylene terephthalate)/graphite (PET/G) micro-composites were fabricated by the melt compounding method using a minilab extruder. The carbon fillers were found to act as nucleating agents for the PET matrix and hence accelerated crystallization and increased the degree of crystallinity. TGA showed that carbon fillers improved the resistance to thermal and thermo-oxidative degradation under both air and nitrogen atmospheres. However, a poor agreement was observed at higher loadings of the filler where the composites displayed reduced reinforcement efficiency. The results demonstrate that the addition of graphite at loading >14.5 wt.% made electrically conductive composites. It was calculated that the electric conductivities of PET/graphite micro-composites were enhanced, above the percolation threshold values by two orders of magnitudes compared to the PET matrix. The minimum value of conductivity required to avoid electrostatic charge application of an insulating polymer was achieved, just above the threshold values. The addition of graphite also improved thermal stability of PET, accelerated its crystallization process and increased the degree of crystallinity. Microscopic results exhibit no indication of aggregations at 2 wt.% graphite, whereas more agglomeration and rolling up could be seen as the graphite content was increased in the PET matrix (in particular, above the percolation threshold value). Furthermore, based on the mechanical experimental characterization of the PET/graphite micro-composites, a large deformation-based mathematical model is proposed for material behavior predictions. The model fits well the experimental data and predicts other mechanical data that are not included in the parameter identification.

Parametric Analysis of Electrical Conductivity of Polymer-Composites

The problem associated with mixtures of fillers and polymers is that they result in mechanical degradation of the material (polymer) as the filler content increases. This problem will increase the weight of the material and manufacturing cost. For this reason, experimentation on the electrical conductivities of the polymer-composites (PCs) is not enough to research their electrical properties; models have to be adopted to solve the encountered challenges. Hitherto, several models by previous researchers have been developed and proposed, with each utilizing different design parameters. It is imperative to carry out analysis on these models so that the suitable one is identified. This paper indeed carried out a comprehensive parametric analysis on the existing electrical conductivity models for polymer composites. The analysis involves identification of the parameters that best predict the electrical conductivity of polymer composites for energy storage, viz: (batteries and capacitor), sensors, electronic device components, fuel cell electrodes, automotive, medical instrumentation, cathode scanners, solar cell, and military surveillance gadgets applications. The analysis showed that the existing models lack sufficient parametric ability to determine accurately the electrical conductivity of polymer-composites.

Quality characteristics of pomegranate juice concentrates produced by ohmic heating assisted vacuum evaporation

BACKGROUND

Vacuum evaporation (VE) process is widely utilized in fruit juice evaporation to preserve quality attributes of final product. However, it has some disadvantages such as possible degradation of aroma components or volatile fatty acids due to long process time, and low energy efficiency of process. Pomegranate juice having 17.5% total soluble solid (TSS) content was evaporated to 40% TSS by ohmic heating assisted vacuum evaporation (OVE; 7.5, 10 and 12.5 V cm^-1 ) and VE in the present study. The effects of the evaporation methods on pH, titratable acidity and colour values, antioxidant activity (AA), total monomeric anthocyanin (TMA), total phenolic content (TPC), hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and invert sugar content of pomegranate juice concentrates were compared.

RESULTS

The colour properties, TMA, TPC and AA values of pomegranate juice concentrates evaporated by OVE were more influenced than those evaporated by VE. The degradation of sugars was minimized for OVE processes at high voltage gradients (10 and 12.5 V cm^-1 ), and HMF content of pomegranate juice concentrated by OVE was lower than VE.

CONCLUSION

It is thought that electrochemical reactions occurred because of the use of titanium electrodes during the OVE process caused these quality changes in pomegranate juice concentrates having high acidity. Hence, it was concluded that the utilization of relatively more electrochemically inert electrodes should be investigated in further studies to better evaluate the of influence of OVE method on quality attributes of different fruit juices. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

The Thermal, Electrical and ThermoelectricProperties of Graphene Nanomaterials

Graphene, as a typical two-dimensional nanometer material, has shown its unique application potential in electrical characteristics, thermal properties, and thermoelectric properties by virtue of its novel electronic structure. The field of traditional material modification mainly changes or enhances certain properties of materials by mixing a variety of materials (to form a heterostructure) and doping. For graphene as well, this paper specifically discusses the use of traditional modification methods to improve graphene’s electrical and thermoelectrical properties. More deeply, since graphene is an atomic-level thin film material, its shape and edge conformation (zigzag boundary and armchair boundary) have a great impact on performance. Therefore, this paper reviews the graphene modification field in recent years. Through the change in the shape of graphene, the change in the boundary structure configuration, the doping of other atoms, and the formation of a heterostructure, the electrical, thermal, and thermoelectric properties of graphene change, resulting in broader applications in more fields. Through studies of graphene’s electrical, thermal, and thermoelectric properties in recent years, progress has been made not only in experimental testing, but also in theoretical calculation. These aspects of graphene are reviewed in this paper.

Paediatric electrical burn injuries: experience from a tertiary care burns unit in North India

Electrical burn injuries in the paediatric age group constitute a small proportion of all burn cases and cause significant morbidity and long-term psychosocial impact. The objective of this study was to evaluate various aspects of electrical burn injuries in the paediatric age group in our region. A retrospective review was done of all paediatric electrical burns admitted to a tertiary care burns unit over a period of 12 months (January 2016 to December 2016). There were 77 cases of electrical burns under the age of 16 years. High voltage burns predominated and older age groups were more frequently affected. Male:female ratio was 4.1:1. Amputations were required in 18 (23%), skin grafting in 52 (67%) and flap cover in 29 (37%) patients. There were unfavourable outcomes in 32% patients with a mortality rate of 7.8%. Significant association was found between unfavourable outcomes and high voltage burn injuries and length of hospital stay. The impact of electrical burn injuries is substantial and can be reduced by simple preventive measures such as educating parents, improving health infrastructure and adherence to safety regulations.

Effect of Graphite Nanoplate Morphology on the Dispersion and Physical Properties of Polycarbonate Based Composites

The influence of the morphology of industrial graphite nanoplate (GNP) materials on their dispersion in polycarbonate (PC) is studied. Three GNP morphology types were identified, namely lamellar, fragmented or compact structure. The dispersion evolution of all GNP types in PC is similar with varying melt temperature, screw speed, or mixing time during melt mixing. Increased shear stress reduces the size of GNP primary structures, whereby the GNP aspect ratio decreases. A significant GNP exfoliation to individual or few graphene layers could not be achieved under the selected melt mixing conditions. The resulting GNP macrodispersion depends on the individual GNP morphology, particle sizes and bulk density and is clearly reflected in the composite’s electrical, thermal, mechanical, and gas barrier properties. Based on a comparison with carbon nanotubes (CNT) and carbon black (CB), CNT are recommended in regard to electrical conductivity, whereas, for thermal conductive or gas barrier application, GNP is preferred.

Influence of sodium chloride content in electrolyte solution on electrochemical impedance measurements of human dentin

Background:

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of sodium chloride (NaCl) content in electrolyte solution on electrochemical impedance measurements of human dentin by employing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

Materials and Methods:

Dentin samples were prepared from extracted molars. Electrochemical impedance measurements were carried out over a wide frequency range (0.01Hz-10MHz). After measurements, samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy.

Results:

Electrochemical impedance measurements showed that the mean values of dentin electrical resistance were 4284, 2062, 1336, 53 and 48kΩ at different NaCl contents in electrolyte solution. One-way ANOVA test of mean values of dentin electrical resistance revealed a significant difference (P < 0.0001) as a function of NaCl content in electrolyte solution. Comparing electrical resistance values of dentin samples at 0.05% w/v and 0.9% w/v concentrations were found to be significantly different (P < 0.05 at 95% confidence level). Scanning electron microscopy revealed structure of dentin sample with intertubular dentin matrix and distribution of patent dentinal tubules.

Conclusion:

This in vitro study indicated, through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements, that electrical resistance of dentin was affected by the concentration of NaCl in electrolyte solution. It is clear from the current study that NaCl concentration in electrolyte solution has a marked influence on dentin electrical resistance. Therefore, this baseline data need to be considered in any future study on dental samples.

Brain hemorrhage after electrical burn injury: Case report and probable mechanism

Background:

High-voltage electric injury may induce lesion in different organs. In addition to the local tissue damage, electrical injuries may lead to neurological deficits, musculoskeletal damage, and cardiovascular injury. Severe vascular damage may occur making the blood vessels involved prone to thrombosis and spontaneous rupture.

Case Description:

Here, we present the case of a 39-year-old male who suffered an electrical burn with high tension wire causing intracranial bleeding. He presented with an electrical burn in the parietal area (entry zone) and the left forearm (exit zone). The head tomography scan revealed an intraparenchimatous bleeding in the left parietal area. In this case, the electric way was the scalp, cranial bone, blood vessels and brain, upper limb muscle, and skin. The damage was different according to the dielectric property in each tissue. The injury was in the scalp, cerebral blood vessel, skeletal muscle, and upper limb skin. The main damage was in brain’s blood vessels because of the dielectric and geometric features that lead to bleeding, high temperature, and gas delivering.

Conclusion:

This is a report of a patient with an electric brain injury that can be useful to elucidate the behavior of the high voltage electrical current flow into the nervous system.

Spatial Mapping in the Rat Olfactory Bulb by Odor and Direct Electrical Stimulation

OBJECTIVES

To directly measure the spatial mapping in the olfactory bulb by odor presentation and by direct electrical stimulation.

STUDY DESIGN

Experimental (animal).

SETTING

University research laboratory.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Odor (n = 8) and electrical stimulation (n = 4) of the olfactory bulb in rats were used to demonstrate the spatial mapping of neural responses in the olfactory bulb. Both multiunit responses to odor stimulation and evoked potential responses to localized electrical stimulation were measured in different regions of the olfactory bulb.

RESULTS

Responses that were recorded simultaneously from an array of 32 electrodes positioned at different locations within the olfactory bulb were mapped. Results show different spatial patterns of neural activity for different odors (odor maps). Direct stimulation of the olfactory bulb with electrical current pulses from electrodes positioned at different locations was also effective in generating spatial patterns of neural activity.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that by programming an array of stimulating electrodes, it should be possible to selectively activate different regions of the olfactory bulb, generating unique patterns of neural activity as seen in normal smell.

Guidelines for the Management of a Pregnant Trauma Patient

OBJECTIVE

Physical trauma affects 1 in 12 pregnant women and has a major impact on maternal mortality and morbidity and on pregnancy outcome. A multidisciplinary approach is warranted to optimize outcome for both the mother and her fetus. The aim of this document is to provide the obstetric care provider with an evidence-based systematic approach to the pregnant trauma patient.

OUTCOMES

Significant health and economic outcomes considered in comparing alternative practices.

EVIDENCE

Published literature was retrieved through searches of Medline, CINAHL, and The Cochrane Library from October 2007 to September 2013 using appropriate controlled vocabulary (e.g., pregnancy, Cesarean section, hypotension, domestic violence, shock) and key words (e.g., trauma, perimortem Cesarean, Kleihauer-Betke, supine hypotension, electrical shock). Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized control trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies published in English between January 1968 and September 2013. Searches were updated on a regular basis and incorporated in the guideline to February 2014. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology-related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies.

VALUES

The quality of evidence in this document was rated using the criteria described in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (Table 1).

BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS

This guideline is expected to facilitate optimal and uniform care for pregnancies complicated by trauma. Summary Statement Specific traumatic injuries At this time, there is insufficient evidence to support the practice of disabling air bags for pregnant women. (III) Recommendations Primary survey 1. Every female of reproductive age with significant injuries should be considered pregnant until proven otherwise by a definitive pregnancy test or ultrasound scan. (III-C) 2. A nasogastric tube should be inserted in a semiconscious or unconscious injured pregnant woman to prevent aspiration of acidic gastric content. (III-C) 3. Oxygen supplementation should be given to maintain maternal oxygen saturation > 95% to ensure adequate fetal oxygenation. (II-1B) 4. If needed, a thoracostomy tube should be inserted in an injured pregnant woman 1 or 2 intercostal spaces higher than usual. (III-C) 5. Two large bore (14 to 16 gauge) intravenous lines should be placed in a seriously injured pregnant woman. (III-C) 6. Because of their adverse effect on uteroplacental perfusion, vasopressors in pregnant women should be used only for intractable hypotension that is unresponsive to fluid resuscitation. (II-3B) 7. After mid-pregnancy, the gravid uterus should be moved off the inferior vena cava to increase venous return and cardiac output in the acutely injured pregnant woman. This may be achieved by manual displacement of the uterus or left lateral tilt. Care should be taken to secure the spinal cord when using left lateral tilt. (II-1B) 8. To avoid rhesus D (Rh) alloimmunization in Rh-negative mothers, O-negative blood should be transfused when needed until cross-matched blood becomes available. (I-A) 9. The abdominal portion of military anti-shock trousers should not be inflated on a pregnant woman because this may reduce placental perfusion. (II-3B) Transfer to health care facility 10. Transfer or transport to a maternity facility (triage of a labour and delivery unit) is advocated when injuries are neither life- nor limb-threatening and the fetus is viable (≥ 23 weeks), and to the emergency room when the fetus is under 23 weeks' gestational age or considered to be non-viable. When the injury is major, the patient should be transferred or transported to the trauma unit or emergency room, regardless of gestational age. (III-B) 11. When the severity of injury is undetermined or when the gestational age is uncertain, the patient should be evaluated in the trauma unit or emergency room to rule out major injuries. (III-C) Evaluation of a pregnant trauma patient in the emergency room 12. In cases of major trauma, the assessment, stabilization, and care of the pregnant women is the first priority; then, if the fetus is viable (≥ 23 weeks), fetal heart rate auscultation and fetal monitoring can be initiated and an obstetrical consultation obtained as soon as feasible. (II-3B) 13. In pregnant women with a viable fetus (≥ 23 weeks) and suspected uterine contractions, placental abruption, or traumatic uterine rupture, urgent obstetrical consultation is recommended. (II-3B) 14. In cases of vaginal bleeding at or after 23 weeks, speculum or digital vaginal examination should be deferred until placenta previa is excluded by a prior or current ultrasound scan. (III-C) Adjunctive tests for maternal assessment 15. Radiographic studies indicated for maternal evaluation including abdominal computed tomography should not be deferred or delayed due to concerns regarding fetal exposure to radiation. (II-2B) 16. Use of gadolinium-based contrast agents can be considered when maternal benefit outweighs potential fetal risks. (III-C) 17. In addition to the routine blood tests, a pregnant trauma patient should have a coagulation panel including fibrinogen. (III-C) 18. Focused abdominal sonography for trauma should be considered for detection of intraperitoneal bleeding in pregnant trauma patients. (II-3B) 19. Abdominal computed tomography may be considered as an alternative to diagnostic peritoneal lavage or open lavage when intra-abdominal bleeding is suspected. (III-C) Fetal assessment 20. All pregnant trauma patients with a viable pregnancy (≥ 23 weeks) should undergo electronic fetal monitoring for at least 4 hours. (II-3B) 21. Pregnant trauma patients (≥ 23 weeks) with adverse factors including uterine tenderness, significant abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, sustained contractions (> 1/10 min), rupture of the membranes, atypical or abnormal fetal heart rate pattern, high risk mechanism of injury, or serum fibrinogen < 200 mg/dL should be admitted for observation for 24 hours. (III-B) 22. Anti-D immunoglobulin should be given to all rhesus D-negative pregnant trauma patients. (III-B) 23. In Rh-negative pregnant trauma patients, quantification of maternal-fetal hemorrhage by tests such as Kleihauer-Betke should be done to determine the need for additional doses of anti-D immunoglobulin. (III-B) 24. An urgent obstetrical ultrasound scan should be undertaken when the gestational age is undetermined and need for delivery is anticipated. (III-C) 25. All pregnant trauma patients with a viable pregnancy who are admitted for fetal monitoring for greater than 4 hours should have an obstetrical ultrasound prior to discharge from hospital. (III-C) 26. Fetal well-being should be carefully documented in cases involving violence, especially for legal purposes. (III-C) Obstetrical complications of trauma 27. Management of suspected placental abruption should not be delayed pending confirmation by ultrasonography as ultrasound is not a sensitive tool for its diagnosis. (II-3D) Specific traumatic injuries 28. Tetanus vaccination is safe in pregnancy and should be given when indicated. (II-3B) 29. Every woman who sustains trauma should be questioned specifically about domestic or intimate partner violence. (II-3B) 30. During prenatal visits, the caregiver should emphasize the importance of wearing seatbelts properly at all times. (II-2B) Perimortem Caesarean section 31. A Caesarean section should be performed for viable pregnancies (≥ 23 weeks) no later than 4 minutes (when possible) following maternal cardiac arrest to aid with maternal resuscitation and fetal salvage. (III-B).

Imaging of prolonged BOLD response in the somatosensory cortex of the rat

Blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) functional MRI is a widely employed methodology in experimental and clinical neuroscience, although its nature is not fully understood. To gain insights into BOLD mechanisms and take advantage of the new functional methods, it is of interest to investigate prolonged paradigms of activation suitable for long experimental protocols and to observe any long-term modifications induced by these functional challenges. While different types of sustained stimulation paradigm have been explored in human studies, the BOLD response is typically limited to a few minutes in animal models, due to fatigue, anesthesia effects and physiological instability. In the present study, the rat forepaw was electrically stimulated for 2 h, which resulted in a prolonged and localized cortical BOLD response over that period. The stimulation paradigm, including an inter-stimulus interval (ISI) of 10 s, that is 25% of the total time, was applied at constant or variable frequency over 2 h. The steady-state level of the BOLD response was reached after 15-20 min of stimulation and was maintained until the end of the stimulation. On average, no substantial loss in activated volume was observed at the end of the stimulation, but less variability in the fraction of remaining activated volume and higher steady-state BOLD amplitude were observed when stimulation frequency was varied between 2 and 3 Hz every 5 min. We conclude that the combination of ISI and variable stimulus frequency reproducibly results in robust, prolonged and localized BOLD activation.

Controlling the dopant dose in silicon by mixed-monolayer doping

Molecular monolayer doping (MLD) presents an alternative to achieve doping of silicon in a nondestructive way and holds potential for realizing ultrashallow junctions and doping of nonplanar surfaces. Here, we report the mixing of dopant-containing alkenes with alkenes that lack this functionality at various ratios to control the dopant concentration in the resulting monolayer and concomitantly the dopant dose in the silicon substrate. The mixed monolayers were grafted onto hydrogen-terminated silicon using well-established hydrosilylation chemistry. Contact angle measurements, X-ray photon spectroscopy (XPS) on the boron-containing monolayers, and Auger electron spectroscopy on the phosphorus-containing monolayers show clear trends as a function of the dopant-containing alkene concentration. Dynamic secondary-ion mass spectroscopy (D-SIMS) and Van der Pauw resistance measurements on the in-diffused samples show an effective tuning of the doping concentration in silicon.

Working in hot conditions--a study of electrical utility workers in the northern territory of Australia

Environmental conditions of Australia's Northern Territory are seasonally conducive to excessive body heat storage by outdoor workers. For electrical utility workers who periodically work at height, in confined space, and in proximity to live power sources, the impact of the climate may be considered a hazardous condition. Therefore, this study examined the physiological and fluid balance responses of 20 power network workers (31.5 years; 86.0 kg; 1.71 m; BMI 29.5) throughout work shifts in the Northern and Southern regions of the Northern Territory, Australia. Twenty male heat-acclimatized power network workers provided written informed consent to be monitored during maintenance of electrical infrastructure that included replacing power pole components and transformer and substation repairs in the Northern (n = 13) and Southern regions (n = 7) of the Northern Territory (mean wet-bulb globe temperatures of 32.0°C and 28.7°C, respectively). An ingestible telemetry pill provided measurement of gastrointestinal temperature (Tgi), that when combined with heart rate values, provided physiological strain index (PSI). Urine specific gravity, sweat rate, and level of dehydration were also determined. The Tgi values of this study were within the ISO9886 limit for monitored, heat-acclimatized workers, with a peak of 38.4°C. Mean PSI was 2.6, which represents overall low strain, with periods of moderate strain. Urinary analysis indicated that workers were dehydrated prior to and following the work shift, however the mean sweat rate of 0.44 L.h(-1) was matched by fluid consumption of 0.42 L.h(-1) to limit body mass loss to 0.1% during the shift. This study demonstrates that heat acclimatized electrical utility workers adhere to ISO9886 requirements when undertaking self-paced activity in hot conditions.

Copper wire theft and high voltage electrical burns

High voltage electrical burns are uncommon. However in the midst of our economic recession we are noticing an increasing number of these injuries. Copper wire is a valuable commodity with physical properties as an excellent conductor of electricity making it both ubiquitous in society and prized on the black market. We present two consecutive cases referred to the National Burns Unit who sustained life threatening injuries from the alleged theft of high voltage copper wire and its omnipresence on an international scale.

Effect of frequency on entrance and propagation pattern of high-frequency (radiofrequency) electrical currents in biologic tissues

BACKGROUND

Radiofrequency electrical currents have a tendency to move toward the center of the bulk of biologic tissues.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of the frequency of currents on their entrance and propagation pattern in biologic tissues.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three electrosurgical generators with 0.4, 1.5, and 3 MHz frequency outputs were studied. Current was applied using a metallic needle introduced into a piece of cow liver, with different amounts of energy delivered at multiple points. Cross-sections of the liver were then studied for tissue effect. The diameters of the coagulated areas at the deepest and most superficial parts were measured. The tendency of the currents for penetration in the deeper layers of tissue rather than in the superficial layers was assessed using the superficial diameter/deep diameter ratio.

RESULTS

Diameter of coagulated area was larger around deeper parts than around superficial parts of the electrode. No correlation between frequency of current and the superficial/deep diameter ratio of the coagulation zone was found.

CONCLUSION

Radiofrequency currents have a tendency to move toward the center of the tissue. Frequency of current over the range of 0.4-3 MHz did not show any effect on this tendency.

Haemodynamic changes with the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation compared to intermittent pneumatic compression

INTRODUCTION

Enhancement of peripheral circulation has been shown to be of benefit in many vascular disorders, and the clinical effectiveness of intermittent pneumatic compression is well established in peripheral vascular disease. This study compares the haemodynamic efficacy of a novel neuromuscular electrical stimulation device with intermittent pneumatic compression in healthy subjects.

METHODS

Ten healthy volunteers (mean age 27.1 ± 3.8 years, body mass index 24.8 ± 3.6 kg/m(2)) were randomised into two groups, in an interventional crossover trial. Devices used were the SCD Express™ Compression System, (Covidien, Ireland) and the geko™, (Firstkind Ltd, UK). Devices were applied bilaterally, and haemodynamic measurements taken from the left leg. Changes to haemodynamic parameters (superficial femory artery and femoral vein) and laser Doppler measurements from the hand and foot were compared.

RESULTS

Intermittent pneumatic compression caused 51% (p = 0.002), 5% (ns) and 3% (ns) median increases in venous peak velocity, time-averaged maximum velocity and volume flow, respectively; neuromuscular electrical stimulator stimulation caused a 103%, 101% and 101% median increases in the same parameters (all p = 0.002). The benefit was lost upon deactivation. Intermittent pneumatic compression did not improve arterial haemodynamics. Neuromuscular electrical stimulator caused 11%, 84% and 75% increase in arterial parameters (p < 0.01). Laser Doppler readings taken from the leg were increased by neuromuscular electrical stimulator (p < 0.001), dropping after deactivation. For intermittent pneumatic compression, the readings decreased during use but increased after cessation. Hand flux signal dropped during activation of both devices, rising after cessation.

DISCUSSION

The neuromuscular electrical stimulator device used in this study enhances venous flow and peak velocity in the legs of healthy subjects and is equal or superior to intermittent pneumatic compression. This warrants further clinical and economic evaluation for deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis and exploration of the haemodynamic effect in venous pathology. It also enhances arterial time-averaged maximum velocity and flow rate, which may prove to be of clinical use in the management of peripheral arterial disease. The effect on the microcirculation as evidenced by laser Doppler fluximetry may reflect a clinically beneficial target in microvascular disease, such as in the diabetic foot.

Structure deformation of indium oxide from nanoparticles into nanostructured polycrystalline films by in situ thermal radiation treatment

A microstructure deformation of indium oxide (In2O3) nanoparticles by an in situ thermal radiation treatment in nitrous oxide plasma was investigated. The In2O3 nanoparticles were completely transformed into nanostructured In2O3 films upon 10 min of treatment time. The treated In2O3 nanoparticle sample showed improvement in crystallinity while maintaining a large surface area of nanostructure morphology. The direct transition optical absorption at higher photon energy and the electrical conductivity of the In2O3 nanoparticles were significantly enhanced by the treatment.

Gamma oscillatory amplitude encodes stimulus intensity in primary somatosensory cortex

Gamma oscillations have previously been linked to pain perception and it has been hypothesized that they may have a potential role in encoding pain intensity. Stimulus response experiments have reported an increase in activity in the primary somatosensory cortex (SI) with increasing stimulus intensity, but the specific role of oscillatory dynamics in this change in activation remains unclear. In this study, Magnetoencephalography (MEG) was used to investigate the changes in cortical oscillations during four different intensities of a train of electrical stimuli to the right index finger, ranging from low sensation to strong pain. In those participants showing changes in evoked oscillatory gamma in SI during stimulation, the strength of the gamma power was found to increase with increasing stimulus intensity at both pain and sub-pain thresholds. These results suggest that evoked gamma oscillations in SI are not specific to pain but may have a role in encoding somatosensory stimulus intensity.

Imaging-guided hyperstimulation analgesia in low back pain

Low back pain in patients with myofascial pain syndrome is characterized by painful active myofascial trigger points (ATPs) in muscles. This article reviews a novel, noninvasive modality that combines simultaneous imaging and treatment, thus taking advantage of the electrodermal information available from imaged ATPs to deliver localized neurostimulation, to stimulate peripheral nerve endings (Aδ fibers) and in turn, to release endogenous endorphins. "Hyperstimulation analgesia" with localized, intense, low-rate electrical pulses applied to painful ATPs was found to be effective in 95% patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain, in a clinical validation study.

Neuromodulation and palliative medicine

The palliative care population is generally vulnerable to experiencing medication-induced adverse effects and drug-drug interactions. Neuromodulation may offer particular advantages over systemic medications in this population. Although brain electrical stimulation has not been adequately trialed or in some cases even tried at all for management of a variety of symptoms, it is conceivable that in the future that it may be a potential therapeutic option in efforts to palliate various severe refractory symptoms.

Films, Buckypapers and Fibers from Clay, Chitosan and Carbon Nanotubes

The mechanical and electrical characteristics of films, buckypapers and fiber materials from combinations of clay, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and chitosan are described. The rheological time-dependent characteristics of clay are maintained in clay-carbon nanotube-chitosan composite dispersions. It is demonstrated that the addition of chitosan improves their mechanical characteristics, but decreases electrical conductivity by three-orders of magnitude compared to clay-CNT materials. We show that the electrical response upon exposure to humid atmosphere is influenced by clay-chitosan interactions, i.e., the resistance of clay-CNT materials decreases, whereas that of clay-CNT-chitosan increases.

Development of electrically conductive oligo(polyethylene glycol) fumarate-polypyrrole hydrogels for nerve regeneration

Electrically conductive hydrogel composites consisting of oligo(polyethylene glycol) fumarate (OPF) and polypyrrole (PPy) were developed for applications in nerve regeneration. OPF-PPy scaffolds were synthesized using three different anions: naphthalene-2-sulfonic acid sodium salt (NSA), dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid sodium salt (DBSA), and dioctyl sulfosuccinate sodium salt (DOSS). Scaffolds were characterized by ATR-FTIR, XPS, AFM, dynamic mechanical analysis, electrical resistivity measurements, and swelling experiments. OPF-PPy scaffolds were shown to consist of up to 25 mol % polypyrrole with a compressive modulus ranging from 265 to 323 kPa and a sheet resistance ranging from 6 to 30 × 10(3) Ohms/square. In vitro studies using PC12 cells showed OPF-PPy materials had no cytotoxicity and PC12 cells showed distinctly better cell attachment and an increase in the percent of neurite bearing cells on OPF-PPy materials compared to OPF. The neurite lengths of PC12 cells were significantly higher on OPF-PPyNSA and OPF-PPyDBSA. These results show that electrically conductive OPF-PPy hydrogels are promising candidates for future applications in nerve regeneration.

Vestibulo-ocular reflex responses to a multichannel vestibular prosthesis incorporating a 3D coordinate transformation for correction of misalignment

There is no effective treatment available for individuals unable to compensate for bilateral profound loss of vestibular sensation, which causes chronic disequilibrium and blurs vision by disrupting vestibulo-ocular reflexes that normally stabilize the eyes during head movement. Previous work suggests that a multichannel vestibular prosthesis can emulate normal semicircular canals by electrically stimulating vestibular nerve branches to encode head movements detected by mutually orthogonal gyroscopes affixed to the skull. Until now, that approach has been limited by current spread resulting in distortion of the vestibular nerve activation pattern and consequent inability to accurately encode head movements throughout the full 3-dimensional (3D) range normally transduced by the labyrinths. We report that the electrically evoked 3D angular vestibulo-ocular reflex exhibits vector superposition and linearity to a sufficient degree that a multichannel vestibular prosthesis incorporating a precompensatory 3D coordinate transformation to correct misalignment can accurately emulate semicircular canals for head rotations throughout the range of 3D axes normally transduced by a healthy labyrinth.