Retinitis pigmentosa is a hereditary retinal disease that affects rod and cone photoreceptors,leading to progressive photoreceptor loss.Previous research supports the beneficial effect of electrical stimulation on pho...Retinitis pigmentosa is a hereditary retinal disease that affects rod and cone photoreceptors,leading to progressive photoreceptor loss.Previous research supports the beneficial effect of electrical stimulation on photoreceptor survival.This study aims to identify the most effective electrical stimulation parameters and functional advantages of transcorneal electrical stimulation(tcES)in mice affected by inherited retinal degeneration.Additionally,the study seeked to analyze the electric field that reaches the retina in both eyes in mice and post-mortem humans.In this study,we recorded waveforms and voltages directed to the retina during transcorneal electrical stimulation in C57BL/6J mice using an intraocular needle probe with rectangular,sine,and ramp waveforms.To investigate the functional effects of electrical stimulation on photoreceptors,we used human retinal explant cultures and rhodopsin knockout(Rho^(-/-))mice,demonstrating progressive photoreceptor degeneration with age.Human retinal explants isolated from the donors’eyes were then subjected to electrical stimulation and cultured for 48 hours to simulate the neurodegenerative environment in vitro.Photoreceptor density was evaluated by rhodopsin immunolabeling.In vivo Rho^(-/-)mice were subjected to two 5-day series of daily transcorneal electrical stimulation using rectangular and ramp waveforms.Retinal function and visual perception of mice were evaluated by electroretinography and optomotor response(OMR),respectively.Immunolabeling was used to assess the morphological and biochemical changes of the photoreceptor and bipolar cells in mouse retinas.Oscilloscope recordings indicated effective delivery of rectangular,sine,and ramp waveforms to the retina by transcorneal electrical stimulation,of which the ramp waveform required the lowest voltage.Evaluation of the total conductive resistance of the post-mortem human compared to the mouse eyes indicated higher cornea-to-retina resistance in human eyes.The temperature recordings during and after electrical stimulation indicated no significant temperature change in vivo and only a subtle temperature increase in vitro(~0.5-1.5°C).Electrical stimulation increased photoreceptor survival in human retinal explant cultures,particularly at the ramp waveform.Transcorneal electrical stimulation(rectangular+ramp)waveforms significantly improved the survival and function of S and M-cones and enhanced visual acuity based on the optomotor response results.Histology and immunolabeling demonstrated increased photoreceptor survival,improved outer nuclear layer thickness,and increased bipolar cell sprouting in Rho^(-/-)mice.These results indicate that transcorneal electrical stimulation effectively delivers the electrical field to the retina,improves photoreceptor survival in both human and mouse retinas,and increases visual function in Rho^(-/-)mice.Combined rectangular and ramp waveform stimulation can promote photoreceptor survival in a minimally invasive fashion.展开更多
Functional recovery is the final goal in the treatment of spinal cord injury. However, to date, few treatment strategies have demonstrated significant locomotor improvement in animal experiments. By using tail nerve e...Functional recovery is the final goal in the treatment of spinal cord injury. However, to date, few treatment strategies have demonstrated significant locomotor improvement in animal experiments. By using tail nerve electrical stimulation (TANES) as an open-field locomotor training method combined with glial scar ablation and cell transplantation, we have successfully promoted locomotor recovery in rats with chronic spinal cord contusion injury. The purpose of the present study is to further investigate the mechanism of TANES and its effect on electrophysiology. Spinal cord segment T10 of female, adult Long-Evans rats was contused using the NYU impactor device with 25 mm height setting. After injury, rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group I was used as a control without any treatment, group II and group III were subjected to basic treatment including glial scar ablation and transplantation of olfactory lamina propria 6 weeks after injury, and group III received TANES-induced open-field locomotor training weekly after basic treatment. All animals were allowed to survive 22 weeks, except some rats which were transected. Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) open-field locomotor rating scale, horizontal ladder rung walking test, and electrophysiological tests were used to assess the restoration of functional behavior and conduction. Results showed that TANES significantly improves locomotor recovery and spinal cord conduction, reflex, as well as significantly reduces the occurrence of autophagia. Additionally, after transection, trained rats still maintained higher BBB score than that of control rats. This may be related to the activity-dependent plasticity promoted by TANES-induced locomotor training.展开更多
Rebuilding the damaged motor function caused by spinal cord injury is one of the most serious challenges in clinical neuroscience.The function of the neural pathway under the damaged sites can be rebuilt using functio...Rebuilding the damaged motor function caused by spinal cord injury is one of the most serious challenges in clinical neuroscience.The function of the neural pathway under the damaged sites can be rebuilt using functional electrical stimulation technology.In this study,the locations of motor function sites in the lumbosacral spinal cord were determined with functional electrical stimulation technology.A three-dimensional map of the lumbosacral spinal cord comprising the relationship between the motor function sites and the corresponding muscle was drawn.Based on the individual experimental parameters and normalized coordinates of the motor function sites,the motor function sites that control a certain muscle were calculated.Phasing pulse sequences were delivered to the determined motor function sites in the spinal cord and hip extension,hip flexion,ankle plantarflexion,and ankle dorsiflexion movements were successfully achieved.The results show that the map of the spinal cord motor function sites was valid.This map can provide guidance for the selection of electrical stimulation sites during the rebuilding of motor function after spinal cord injury.展开更多
Previous studies have shown that proliferation of endogenous neural precursor cells cannot alone compensate for the damage to neurons and axons. From the perspective of neural plastici- ty, we observed the effects of ...Previous studies have shown that proliferation of endogenous neural precursor cells cannot alone compensate for the damage to neurons and axons. From the perspective of neural plastici- ty, we observed the effects of functional electrical stimulation treatment on endogenous neural precursor cell proliferation and expression of basic fibroblast growth factor and epidermal growth factor in the rat brain on the infarct side. Functional electrical stimulation was performed in rat models of acute middle cerebral artery occlusion. Simultaneously, we set up a placebo stimulation group and a sham-operated group. Immunohistochemical staining showed that, at 7 and 14 days, compared with the placebo group, the numbers of nestin （a neural precursor cell marker）-positive cells in the subgranular zone and subventricular zone were increased in the functional electrical stimulation treatment group. Western blot assays and reverse-transcription PCR showed that total protein levels and gene expression of epidermal growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor were also upregulated on the infarct side. Prehensile traction test results showed that, at 14 days, prehension function of rats in the functional electrical stimulation group was significantly better than in the placebo group. These results suggest that functional electrical stimulation can promote endogenous neural precursor cell proliferation in the brains of acute cerebral infarction rats, enhance expression of basic fibroblast growth factor and epidermal growth factor, and improve the motor function of rats.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the current state-of-the-art of gastric electrical stimulation to treat obesity. METHODS: Systematic reviews of all studies have been conducted to evaluate the effect of different types of gastric ele...AIM: To evaluate the current state-of-the-art of gastric electrical stimulation to treat obesity. METHODS: Systematic reviews of all studies have been conducted to evaluate the effect of different types of gastric electrical stimulation(GES) on obesity.RESULTS: Thirty-one studies consisting of a total of 33 different trials were included in the systematic review for data analysis. Weight loss was achieved in most studies, especially during the first 12 mo, but only very few studies had a follow-up period longer than 1 year. Among those that had a longer follow-up period, many were from the Transcend(Implantable Gastric Stimulation) device group and maintained significant weight loss. Other significant results included changes in appetite/satiety, gastric emptying rate, blood pressure and neurohormone levels or biochemical markers such as ghrelin or HbA1 c respectively. CONCLUSION: GES holds great promises to be an effective obesity treatment. However, stronger evidence is required through more studies with a standardized way of carrying out trials and reporting outcomes, to determine the long-term effect of GES on obesity.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of lower esophageal sphincter(LES)-electrical stimulation therapy(EST) in a subgroup of patients that reported only partial response to proton pump inhibitors(PPIs) therapy, compared to a...AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of lower esophageal sphincter(LES)-electrical stimulation therapy(EST) in a subgroup of patients that reported only partial response to proton pump inhibitors(PPIs) therapy, compared to a group of patient with complete response.METHODS: Bipolar stitch electrodes were laparoscopically placed in the LES and connected to an implantable pulse generator(EndoS tim BV, the Hague, the Netherlands), placed subcutaneously in the anterior abdominal wall. Stimulation at 20 Hz, 215 μsec, 3-8 m Amp in 30 min sessions was delivered starting on day 1 post-implant. Patients were evaluated using gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)-HRQL, symptom diaries; esophageal p H and esophageal manometry before and up to 24 mo after therapy and results were compared between partial and complete responders.RESULTS: Twenty-three patients with GERD on LESEST were enrolled and received continuous per-protocol stimulation through 12 mo and 21 patients completed 24 mo of therapy. Of the 23 patients, 16(8 male, mean age 52.1 ± 12 years) had incomplete response to PPIs prior to LES-EST, while 7 patients(5 male, mean age 52.7 ± 4.7) had complete response to PPIs. In the sub-group with incomplete response to PPIs, median(IQR) composite GERD-HRQL score improved significantly from 9.5(9.0-10.0) at baseline on-PPI and 24.0(20.8-26.3) at baseline off-PPI to 2.5(0.0-4.0) at 12-mo and 0.0(0.0-2.5) at 24-mo follow-up(P < 0.05 compared to on-and off-PPI at baseline). Median(IQR) % 24-h esophageal pH < 4.0 at baseline in this sub-group improved significantly from 9.8%(7.8-11.5) at baseline to 3.0%(1.9-6.3) at 12 mo(P < 0.001) and 4.6%(2.0-5.8) at 24 mo follow-up(P < 0.01). At their 24-mo follow-up, 9/11 patients in this sub-group were completely free of PPI use. These results were comparable to the sub-group that reported complete response to PPI therapy at baseline. No unanticipated implantation or stimulation-related adverse events, or any untoward sensation due to stimulation were reported in either group and LES-EST was safely tolerated by both groups. CONCLUSION: LES-EST is safe and effective in controlling symptoms and esophageal acid exposure in GERD patients with incomplete response to PPIs. These results were comparable to those observed PPI responders.展开更多
BACKGROUND Lack of mobilization and prolonged stay in the intensive care unit(ICU)are major factors resulting in the development of ICU-acquired muscle weakness(ICUAW).ICUAW is a type of skeletal muscle dysfunction an...BACKGROUND Lack of mobilization and prolonged stay in the intensive care unit(ICU)are major factors resulting in the development of ICU-acquired muscle weakness(ICUAW).ICUAW is a type of skeletal muscle dysfunction and a common complication of patients after cardiac surgery,and may be a risk factor for prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation,associated with a higher risk of readmission and higher mortality.Early mobilization in the ICU after cardiac surgery has been found to be low with a significant trend to increase over ICU stay and is also associated with a reduced duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay.Neuromuscular electrical stimulation(NMES)is an alternative modality of exercise in patients with muscle weakness.A major advantage of NMES is that it can be applied even in sedated patients in the ICU,a fact that might enhance early mobilization in these patients.AIM To evaluate safety,feasibility and effectiveness of NMES on functional capacity and muscle strength in patients before and after cardiac surgery.METHODS We performed a search on Pubmed,Physiotherapy Evidence Database(PEDro),Embase and CINAHL databases,selecting papers published between December 2012 and April 2023 and identified published randomized controlled trials(RCTs)that included implementation of NMES in patients before after cardiac surgery.RCTs were assessed for methodological rigor and risk of bias via the PEDro.The primary outcomes were safety and functional capacity and the secondary outcomes were muscle strength and function.RESULTS Ten studies were included in our systematic review,resulting in 703 participants.Almost half of them performed NMES and the other half were included in the control group,treated with usual care.Nine studies investigated patients after cardiac surgery and 1 study before cardiac surgery.Functional capacity was assessed in 8 studies via 6MWT or other indices,and improved only in 1 study before and in 1 after cardiac surgery.Nine studies explored the effects of NMES on muscle strength and function and,most of them,found increase of muscle strength and improvement in muscle function after NMES.NMES was safe in all studies without any significant complication.CONCLUSION NMES is safe,feasible and has beneficial effects on muscle strength and function in patients after cardiac surgery,but has no significant effect on functional capacity.展开更多
The wave/particle duality of particles in Physics is well known. Particles have properties that uniquely characterize them from one another, such as mass, charge and spin. Charged particles have associated Electric an...The wave/particle duality of particles in Physics is well known. Particles have properties that uniquely characterize them from one another, such as mass, charge and spin. Charged particles have associated Electric and Magnetic fields. Also, every moving particle has a De Broglie wavelength determined by its mass and velocity. This paper shows that all of these properties of a particle can be derived from a single wave function equation for that particle. Wave functions for the Electron and the Positron are presented and principles are provided that can be used to calculate the wave functions of all the fundamental particles in Physics. Fundamental particles such as electrons and positrons are considered to be point particles in the Standard Model of Physics and are not considered to have a structure. This paper demonstrates that they do indeed have structure and that this structure extends into the space around the particle’s center (in fact, they have infinite extent), but with rapidly diminishing energy density with the distance from that center. The particles are formed from Electromagnetic standing waves, which are stable solutions to the Schrödinger and Classical wave equations. This stable structure therefore accounts for both the wave and particle nature of these particles. In fact, all of their properties such as mass, spin and electric charge, can be accounted for from this structure. These particle properties appear to originate from a single point at the center of the wave function structure, in the same sort of way that the Shell theorem of gravity causes the gravity of a body to appear to all originate from a central point. This paper represents the first two fully characterized fundamental particles, with a complete description of their structure and properties, built up from the underlying Electromagnetic waves that comprise these and all fundamental particles.展开更多
Previous studies have indicated that electrical stimulation of the cerebellar fastigial nucleus in rats may reduce brain infarct size, increase the expression of Ku70 in cerebral ischemia/ reperfusion area, and decrea...Previous studies have indicated that electrical stimulation of the cerebellar fastigial nucleus in rats may reduce brain infarct size, increase the expression of Ku70 in cerebral ischemia/ reperfusion area, and decrease the number of apoptotic neurons. However, the anti-apoptotic mechanism of Ku70 remains unclear. In this study, fastigial nucleus stimulation was given to rats 24, 48, and 72 hours before cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Results from the electrical stim- ulation group revealed that rats exhibited a reduction in brain infarct size, a significant increase in the expression of KuT0 in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion regions, and a decreased number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling （TUNEL）-positive cells. Double immunofluorescence staining revealed no co-localization of Ku70 with TUNEL-positive cells. However, Ku70 partly co-localized with Bax protein in the cytoplasm of rats with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. These findings suggest an involvement of Ku70 with Bax in the cy- toplasm of rats exposed to electrical stimulation of the cerebellar fastigial nucleus, and may thus provide an understanding into the anti-apoptotic activity of KuT0 in cerebral ischemia/reperfu- sion injury.展开更多
AIM: To study a novel technique to record spinal and cortical evoked potentials (EPs) simultaneously in response to electrical stimulation in the human rectum. METHODS: Eight male and nine female healthy volunteers pa...AIM: To study a novel technique to record spinal and cortical evoked potentials (EPs) simultaneously in response to electrical stimulation in the human rectum. METHODS: Eight male and nine female healthy volunteers participated. Stimulating electrodes were attached to the rectal mucosa at 15 cm and 12 cm above the dentate line. Recording skin electrodes were positioned over vertebrae L4 through S2. The electrical stimulus was a square wave of 0.2 ms duration and the intensity of the stimulus varied between 0 and 100 mA. EP responses were recorded using a Nicolet Viking IV programmable signal conditioner.RESULTS: Simultaneous recording of cortical and spinal EPs was obtained in > 80% of the trials. The EP responses increased with the intensity of the electrical stimulation, were reproducible overtime, and were blocked by application of Lidocaine jelly at the site of stimulation. The morphology (N1/P1), mean ± SD for latency (spinal N1, 4.6 ± 0.4 ms; P1, 6.8 ± 0.5 ms; cortical N1, 136.1 ± 4.2 ms; P1, 233.6 ± 12.8 ms) and amplitude (N1/P1, spinal, 38 ± 7 μV; cortical 19 ± 3 μV) data for the EP responses were consistent with those in the published literature. Reliable and reproducible EP recordings were obtained with the attachment of the electrodes to the rectal mucosa at predetermined locations between 16 and 8 cm above the anal verge, and the distance between the attachment sites of the electrodes (the optimal distance being approximately 3.0 cm between the two electrodes). CONCLUSION: This technique can be used to assess potential abnormalities in primary afferent neural pathways innervating the rectum in several neurodegenerative and functional pain disorders.展开更多
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation(NMES) and testosterone replacement therapy(TRT) are effective rehabilitation strategies to attenuate muscle atrophy and evoke hypertrophy in persons with spinal cord injury(SCI). H...Neuromuscular electrical stimulation(NMES) and testosterone replacement therapy(TRT) are effective rehabilitation strategies to attenuate muscle atrophy and evoke hypertrophy in persons with spinal cord injury(SCI). However both interventions might increase heterotopic ossification(HO) size in SCI patients. We present the results of two men with chronic traumatic motor complete SCI who also had pre-existing HO and participated in a study investigating the effects of TRT or TRT plus NMES resistance training(RT) on body composition. The 49-year-old male, Subject A, has unilateral HO in his right thigh. The 31-year-old male, Subject B, has bilateral HO in both thighs. Both participants wore transdermal testosterone patches(4-6 mg/d) daily for 16 wk. Subject A also underwent progressive NMES-RT twice weekly for 16 wk. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were acquired prior to and post intervention. Cross-sectional areas(CSA) of thewhole thigh and knee extensor skeletal muscles, femoral bone, and HO were measured. In Subject A(NMES-RT + TRT), the whole thigh skeletal muscle CSA increased by 10%, the knee extensor CSA increased by 17%, and the HO + femoral bone CSA did not change. In Subject B(TRT), the whole thigh skeletal muscle CSA increased by 13% in the right thigh and 6% in the left thigh. The knee extensor CSA increased by 7% in the right thigh and did not change in the left thigh. The femoral bone and HO CSAs in both thighs did not change. Both the TRT and NMES-RT + TRT protocols evoked muscle hypertrophy without stimulating the growth of preexisting HO.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the effects of routine rehabilitation therapy combined with low frequency head stimulation on monoamine neurotransmitters, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and cerebral hemod...Objective:To investigate the effects of routine rehabilitation therapy combined with low frequency head stimulation on monoamine neurotransmitters, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and cerebral hemodynamics in children with cerebral palsy.Methods:From January 2017 to June 2018, 110 children with cerebral palsy were randomly divided into observation group (55 cases) and control group (55 cases). The control group received routine rehabilitation treatment, while the observation group received low-frequency head stimulation on the basis of routine rehabilitation treatment. The changes of dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), serotonin (5-HT), NSE, ET-1 levels and mean blood flow velocity of anterior cerebral artery (ACA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), posterior cerebral artery (PCA) were compared in two groups.Results:Before treatment, there was no significant difference in DA, NE and 5-HT levels in two groups. After treatment, DA, NE and 5-HT levels in the observation group were (192.23±22.71) ng/mL, (98.02±11.71) ng/L, (210.07±25.03) ng/L, and in the control group. the DA, NE, 5-HT levels were (147.06±17.02) ng/mL, (83.07±11.15) ng/L, and (171.88±20.45) ng/L, respectively. The DA, NE and 5-HT levels in two groups were higher than those before treatment, and DA, NE and 5-HT levels in the observation group were higher than those in the control group. Before treatment, there was no significant difference in NSE and ET-1 levels between the two groups. After treatment, the NSE and ET-1 levels in the observation group were (7.97±2.07) μg/L and (41.01±10.07) pg/mL, and the NSE and ET-1 levels in the control group were (10.38±3.02) μg/L, (58.46±15.02) pg/mL, respectively. the NSE and ET-1 in two groups were lower than those before treatment, and the NSE and ET-1 of the observation group were lower than the control group. Before treatment, there was no significant difference in mean blood flow velocity between ACA, MCA and PCA. After treatment, the mean blood flow velocities of ACA, MCA, and PCA in the observation group were (46.88±7.72) cm/s, (59.85±10.18) cm/s, and (49.15±7.02) cm/s, respectively, which was significantly higher than before treatment and higher than that of the control group in the same period.Conclusion: Conventional rehabilitation combined with low-frequency electrical stimulation of the head can effectively increase the content of monoamine neurotransmitters in children with cerebral palsy, enhance cerebral blood circulation, and reduce brain damage.展开更多
In this study, rats were put into traumatic brain injury-induced coma and treated with median nerve electrical stimulation. We explored the wake-promoting effect, and possible mechanisms, of median nerve electrical st...In this study, rats were put into traumatic brain injury-induced coma and treated with median nerve electrical stimulation. We explored the wake-promoting effect, and possible mechanisms, of median nerve electrical stimulation. Electrical stimulation upregulated the expression levels of orexin-A and its receptor OX1R in the rat prefrontal cortex. Orexin-A expression gradually in-creased with increasing stimulation, while OX1R expression reached a peak at 12 hours and then decreased. In addition, after the OX1R antagonist, SB334867, was injected into the brain of rats after traumatic brain injury, fewer rats were restored to consciousness, and orexin-A and OXIR expression in the prefrontal cortex was downregulated. Our ifndings indicate that median nerve electrical stimulation induced an up-regulation of orexin-A and OX1R expression in the pre-frontal cortex of traumatic brain injury-induced coma rats, which may be a potential mechanism involved in the wake-promoting effects of median nerve electrical stimulation.展开更多
This study examined the stimulus specificity of external lateral parabrachial (LPBe) rewarding stimulation by using two identical learning procedures that may dissociate conditioned reinforcement to either the place o...This study examined the stimulus specificity of external lateral parabrachial (LPBe) rewarding stimulation by using two identical learning procedures that may dissociate conditioned reinforcement to either the place or the flavor stimulus. Animals were presented with two distinct flavors in two different positions (left and right) that were varied throughout the experimental sessions. In the first experiment, LPBe stimulation was associated with one or other flavor, while in the second it was conditioned to one or other place in which these flavors were offered. The results show that, despite stimulus interferences, the animals develop specific conditioned preferences for the flavor stimuli (experiment 2A), and also for the place of their presentation (experiment 2B). These data are discussed in the context of brain reward systems and the biological constraints that characterize some learning modalities.展开更多
In this study we have developed a biocompatible current-conductive coating based on carbon nanotubes and bovine serum albumin and have shown its efficiency in culturing cells in vitro. We investigate the proliferation...In this study we have developed a biocompatible current-conductive coating based on carbon nanotubes and bovine serum albumin and have shown its efficiency in culturing cells in vitro. We investigate the proliferation of human embryonic fibroblast (HEF) cells, which were subjected to electrical stimulation when cultured on carbon nanotube surface. A weak increase in proliferation is demonstrated at stimulating field pulses up to 100 mV. It is assumed that the transport mechanism accompanied by higher synthesis of proteins and their polymerization may increase proliferative activity at low voltages. At higher voltages the motility and spatial organization of HEF cell is observed. As a result, a novel technique of supplying the cells with electric field through a system of micro- and nanosized electrodes and a biocompatible composite have been developed.展开更多
A long-standing goal of spinal cord injury research is to develop effective repair strategies,which can restore motor and sensory functions to near-normal levels.Recent advances in clinical management of spinal cord i...A long-standing goal of spinal cord injury research is to develop effective repair strategies,which can restore motor and sensory functions to near-normal levels.Recent advances in clinical management of spinal cord injury have significantly improved the prognosis,survival rate and quality of life in patients with spinal cord injury.In addition,a significant progress in basic science research has unraveled the underlying cellular and molecular events of spinal cord injury.Such efforts enabled the development of pharmacologic agents,biomaterials and stem-cell based therapy.Despite these efforts,there is still no standard care to regenerate axons or restore function of silent axons in the injured spinal cord.These challenges led to an increased focus on another therapeutic approach,namely neuromodulation.In multiple animal models of spinal cord injury,epidural electrical stimulation of the spinal cord has demonstrated a recovery of motor function.Emerging evidence regarding the efficacy of epidural electrical stimulation has further expanded the potential of epidural electrical stimulation for treating patients with spinal cord injury.However,most clinical studies were conducted on a very small number of patients with a wide range of spinal cord injury.Thus,subsequent studies are essential to evaluate the therapeutic potential of epidural electrical stimulation for spinal cord injury and to optimize stimulation parameters.Here,we discuss cellular and molecular events that continue to damage the injured spinal cord and impede neurological recovery following spinal cord injury.We also discuss and summarize the animal and human studies that evaluated epidural electrical stimulation in spinal cord injury.展开更多
BACKGROUND Anesthetic drugs used in labor analgesia also paralyze the bladder muscle by blocking the sacral plexus,thereby affecting maternal postpartum spontaneous urination and increasing the risk of postpartum urin...BACKGROUND Anesthetic drugs used in labor analgesia also paralyze the bladder muscle by blocking the sacral plexus,thereby affecting maternal postpartum spontaneous urination and increasing the risk of postpartum urinary retention(PUR).AIM To analyze the effect of percutaneous electrical stimulation at the Baliao point combined with biofeedback therapy for PUR prevention.METHODS We selected 182 pregnant women who received labor analgesia in obstetrics between June 2022 and December 2023.They were divided into the combined therapy group(transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the Baliao point combined with biofeedback therapy)and the control group(biofeedback therapy alone).The first spontaneous urination time,first postpartum urine volume,bladder residual urine volume,postpartum hemorrhage volume,pre-urination waiting time,PUR incidence,adverse reactions,and the intervention’s clinical efficacy were compared between the two groups.RESULTS The first spontaneous urination time after delivery was more delayed(2.92±1.04 h vs 3.61±1.13 h,P<0.001),with fewer initial postpartum urine(163.54±24.67 mL vs 143.72±23.95 mL,P<0.001),more residual bladder urine(54.81±10.78 mL vs 65.25±13.52 mL,P<0.001),more postpartum bleeding(323.15±46.95 mL vs 348.12±45.03 mL,P=0.001),and longer waiting time for urination(0.94±0.31 min vs 1.29±0.42 min,P<0.001),in the control group than in the combined therapy group.The control group also had higher PUR incidence(4.65%vs 15.85%,P=0.016).Both groups had no adverse reactions,but the clinical total efficacy rate of the intervention was significantly higher in the combined therapy group than in the control group(95.35%vs 84.15%,P=0.016).CONCLUSION Percutaneous electrical stimulation of the Baliao point combined with biofeedback can significantly promote postpartum micturition of parturients with labor analgesia,thereby effectively preventing PUR occurrence.展开更多
Intensive care unit-acquired weakness(ICU-AW)is a prevalent issue in critical care,leading to significant muscle atrophy and functional impairment.Aiming to address this,Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation(NMES)has b...Intensive care unit-acquired weakness(ICU-AW)is a prevalent issue in critical care,leading to significant muscle atrophy and functional impairment.Aiming to address this,Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation(NMES)has been explored as a therapy.This systematic review assesses NMES's safety and effectiveness in enhancing functional capacity and mobility in pre-and post-cardiac surgery patients.NMES was generally safe and feasible,with intervention sessions varying in frequency and duration.Improvements in muscle strength and 6-minute walking test distances were observed,particularly in preoperative settings,but postoperative benefits were inconsistent.NMES showed promise in preventing muscle loss and improving strength,although its impact on overall functional capacity remained uncertain.Challenges such as short ICU stays and body composition affecting NMES efficacy were noted.NMES also holds potential for other conditions like cerebral palsy and stroke.Further research is needed to optimize NMES protocols and better understand its full benefits in preventing ICU-AW and improving patient outcomes.展开更多
Although electrical stimulation is therapeutically applied for neural regeneration in patients, it remains unclear how electrical stimulation exerts its effects at the molecular level on spinal cord injury （SCI）. To...Although electrical stimulation is therapeutically applied for neural regeneration in patients, it remains unclear how electrical stimulation exerts its effects at the molecular level on spinal cord injury （SCI）. To identify the signaling pathway involved in electrical stimulation improving the function of injured spinal cord, 21 female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups： control （no surgical intervention, n = 6）, SCI （SCI only, n = 5）, and electrical simulation （ES; SCI induction followed by ES treatment, n = 10）. A complete spinal cord transection was performed at the 10^th thoracic level. Electrical stimulation of the injured spinal cord region was applied for 4 hours per day for 7 days. On days 2 and 7 post SCI, the Touch-Test Sensory Evaluators and the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan locomotor scale were used to evaluate rat sensory and motor function. Somatosensory-evoked potentials of the tibial nerve of a hind paw of the rat were measured to evaluate the electrophysiological function of injured spinal cord. Western blot analysis was performed to measure p38-RhoA and ERK1/2-Bcl-2 pathways related protein levels in the injured spinal cord. Rat sensory and motor functions were similar between SCI and ES groups. Com- pared with the SCI group, in the ES group, the latencies of the somatosensory-evoked potential of the tibial nerve of rats were significantly shortened, the amplitudes were significantly increased, RhoA protein level was significantly decreased, protein gene product 9.5 expression, ERK1/2, p38, and Bcl-2 protein levels in the spinal cord were significantly increased. These data suggest that ES can promote the recovery of electrophysiological function of the injured spinal cord through regulating p38-RhoA and ERK1/2-Bcl-2 pathway-related protein levels in the injured spinal cord.展开更多
Objective: To investigate the effects of low frequency electrical stimulation on monoamine neurotransmitters, cerebral blood flow and hemorheology in children with cerebral palsy. Methods: A total of 83 children with ...Objective: To investigate the effects of low frequency electrical stimulation on monoamine neurotransmitters, cerebral blood flow and hemorheology in children with cerebral palsy. Methods: A total of 83 children with cerebral palsy were divided into the control group (n=42) and the observation group (n=41) according to the random data table, patients in the control group were treated with routine rehabilitation treatment, on this basis;the children in the observation group were treated with low-frequency electric stimulation. Before and after the treatment, the levels of monoamine neurotransmitter [dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxy tryptamine (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE)], cerebral blood flow [the average blood flow velocity of anterior cerebral artery (ACA), middle cerebral artery (MCA) and posterior cerebral artery (PCA)] and blood rheology index [high/low shear whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity and fibrinogen (FIB)] of two groups were compared. Results: Before treatment, there were no significant difference of the levels of DA, 5-HT, NE, the average blood flow velocity of ACA/MCA/PCA, high/low shear whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity and FIB between the two groups. After treatment, two groups of DA, 5-HT and NE levels were significantly higher than those in the same group before treatment, and the observation group of DA, 5-HT and NE levels were significantly higher than those of the control group, the difference was statistically significant;The average blood flow rate of ACA/MCA/PCA in the observation group after treatment was significantly higher than those in the same group before treatment;After treatment, the levels of high shear/low shear blood viscosity, plasma viscosity and FIB of the two groups were significantly lower than those in the same group before treatment, and the levels of observation group after treatment were significantly lower than that in the control group, the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: Low frequency electrical stimulation can effectively increase the level of monoamine neurotransmitter, improve the level of cerebral blood flow and hemorheology, has an important clinical value.展开更多
基金supported by The Norwegian Research CouncilDepartment of Ophthalmology,Oslo University Hospital,Oslo,Norway(to TPU)+10 种基金Department of Medical Biochemistry,Oslo University Hospital,Oslo,Norway(to TPU)The Norwegian Association for the Blind and Partially Sighted(to TPU)The Ministry of Science and Technology of Taiwan,China MOST 105-2917-I-002-031,MOST 109-2917-I-564-032(to KC)The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkiye-TUBITAK(to KG)BrightFocus Foundation(to KSC)the Massachusetts Lions Foundation(to KSC)National Eye Institute Grant EY031696(to DFC)Harvard NeuroDiscovery Center Grant(to DFC)Department of Defense(USA)HT9425-23-1-1045(to DFC and AL)Core Grant for Vision Research from NIH/NEI to the Schepens Eye Research Institute(P30EY003790)South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority and the Norwegian Society of the Blind(to TPU).
文摘Retinitis pigmentosa is a hereditary retinal disease that affects rod and cone photoreceptors,leading to progressive photoreceptor loss.Previous research supports the beneficial effect of electrical stimulation on photoreceptor survival.This study aims to identify the most effective electrical stimulation parameters and functional advantages of transcorneal electrical stimulation(tcES)in mice affected by inherited retinal degeneration.Additionally,the study seeked to analyze the electric field that reaches the retina in both eyes in mice and post-mortem humans.In this study,we recorded waveforms and voltages directed to the retina during transcorneal electrical stimulation in C57BL/6J mice using an intraocular needle probe with rectangular,sine,and ramp waveforms.To investigate the functional effects of electrical stimulation on photoreceptors,we used human retinal explant cultures and rhodopsin knockout(Rho^(-/-))mice,demonstrating progressive photoreceptor degeneration with age.Human retinal explants isolated from the donors’eyes were then subjected to electrical stimulation and cultured for 48 hours to simulate the neurodegenerative environment in vitro.Photoreceptor density was evaluated by rhodopsin immunolabeling.In vivo Rho^(-/-)mice were subjected to two 5-day series of daily transcorneal electrical stimulation using rectangular and ramp waveforms.Retinal function and visual perception of mice were evaluated by electroretinography and optomotor response(OMR),respectively.Immunolabeling was used to assess the morphological and biochemical changes of the photoreceptor and bipolar cells in mouse retinas.Oscilloscope recordings indicated effective delivery of rectangular,sine,and ramp waveforms to the retina by transcorneal electrical stimulation,of which the ramp waveform required the lowest voltage.Evaluation of the total conductive resistance of the post-mortem human compared to the mouse eyes indicated higher cornea-to-retina resistance in human eyes.The temperature recordings during and after electrical stimulation indicated no significant temperature change in vivo and only a subtle temperature increase in vitro(~0.5-1.5°C).Electrical stimulation increased photoreceptor survival in human retinal explant cultures,particularly at the ramp waveform.Transcorneal electrical stimulation(rectangular+ramp)waveforms significantly improved the survival and function of S and M-cones and enhanced visual acuity based on the optomotor response results.Histology and immunolabeling demonstrated increased photoreceptor survival,improved outer nuclear layer thickness,and increased bipolar cell sprouting in Rho^(-/-)mice.These results indicate that transcorneal electrical stimulation effectively delivers the electrical field to the retina,improves photoreceptor survival in both human and mouse retinas,and increases visual function in Rho^(-/-)mice.Combined rectangular and ramp waveform stimulation can promote photoreceptor survival in a minimally invasive fashion.
文摘Functional recovery is the final goal in the treatment of spinal cord injury. However, to date, few treatment strategies have demonstrated significant locomotor improvement in animal experiments. By using tail nerve electrical stimulation (TANES) as an open-field locomotor training method combined with glial scar ablation and cell transplantation, we have successfully promoted locomotor recovery in rats with chronic spinal cord contusion injury. The purpose of the present study is to further investigate the mechanism of TANES and its effect on electrophysiology. Spinal cord segment T10 of female, adult Long-Evans rats was contused using the NYU impactor device with 25 mm height setting. After injury, rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group I was used as a control without any treatment, group II and group III were subjected to basic treatment including glial scar ablation and transplantation of olfactory lamina propria 6 weeks after injury, and group III received TANES-induced open-field locomotor training weekly after basic treatment. All animals were allowed to survive 22 weeks, except some rats which were transected. Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) open-field locomotor rating scale, horizontal ladder rung walking test, and electrophysiological tests were used to assess the restoration of functional behavior and conduction. Results showed that TANES significantly improves locomotor recovery and spinal cord conduction, reflex, as well as significantly reduces the occurrence of autophagia. Additionally, after transection, trained rats still maintained higher BBB score than that of control rats. This may be related to the activity-dependent plasticity promoted by TANES-induced locomotor training.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81371663,61534003the Top-notch Academic Programs Project of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions of China,No.PPZY2015B135
文摘Rebuilding the damaged motor function caused by spinal cord injury is one of the most serious challenges in clinical neuroscience.The function of the neural pathway under the damaged sites can be rebuilt using functional electrical stimulation technology.In this study,the locations of motor function sites in the lumbosacral spinal cord were determined with functional electrical stimulation technology.A three-dimensional map of the lumbosacral spinal cord comprising the relationship between the motor function sites and the corresponding muscle was drawn.Based on the individual experimental parameters and normalized coordinates of the motor function sites,the motor function sites that control a certain muscle were calculated.Phasing pulse sequences were delivered to the determined motor function sites in the spinal cord and hip extension,hip flexion,ankle plantarflexion,and ankle dorsiflexion movements were successfully achieved.The results show that the map of the spinal cord motor function sites was valid.This map can provide guidance for the selection of electrical stimulation sites during the rebuilding of motor function after spinal cord injury.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China,grants No.30772304,30973166,and 81171863
文摘Previous studies have shown that proliferation of endogenous neural precursor cells cannot alone compensate for the damage to neurons and axons. From the perspective of neural plastici- ty, we observed the effects of functional electrical stimulation treatment on endogenous neural precursor cell proliferation and expression of basic fibroblast growth factor and epidermal growth factor in the rat brain on the infarct side. Functional electrical stimulation was performed in rat models of acute middle cerebral artery occlusion. Simultaneously, we set up a placebo stimulation group and a sham-operated group. Immunohistochemical staining showed that, at 7 and 14 days, compared with the placebo group, the numbers of nestin （a neural precursor cell marker）-positive cells in the subgranular zone and subventricular zone were increased in the functional electrical stimulation treatment group. Western blot assays and reverse-transcription PCR showed that total protein levels and gene expression of epidermal growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor were also upregulated on the infarct side. Prehensile traction test results showed that, at 14 days, prehension function of rats in the functional electrical stimulation group was significantly better than in the placebo group. These results suggest that functional electrical stimulation can promote endogenous neural precursor cell proliferation in the brains of acute cerebral infarction rats, enhance expression of basic fibroblast growth factor and epidermal growth factor, and improve the motor function of rats.
文摘AIM: To evaluate the current state-of-the-art of gastric electrical stimulation to treat obesity. METHODS: Systematic reviews of all studies have been conducted to evaluate the effect of different types of gastric electrical stimulation(GES) on obesity.RESULTS: Thirty-one studies consisting of a total of 33 different trials were included in the systematic review for data analysis. Weight loss was achieved in most studies, especially during the first 12 mo, but only very few studies had a follow-up period longer than 1 year. Among those that had a longer follow-up period, many were from the Transcend(Implantable Gastric Stimulation) device group and maintained significant weight loss. Other significant results included changes in appetite/satiety, gastric emptying rate, blood pressure and neurohormone levels or biochemical markers such as ghrelin or HbA1 c respectively. CONCLUSION: GES holds great promises to be an effective obesity treatment. However, stronger evidence is required through more studies with a standardized way of carrying out trials and reporting outcomes, to determine the long-term effect of GES on obesity.
文摘AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of lower esophageal sphincter(LES)-electrical stimulation therapy(EST) in a subgroup of patients that reported only partial response to proton pump inhibitors(PPIs) therapy, compared to a group of patient with complete response.METHODS: Bipolar stitch electrodes were laparoscopically placed in the LES and connected to an implantable pulse generator(EndoS tim BV, the Hague, the Netherlands), placed subcutaneously in the anterior abdominal wall. Stimulation at 20 Hz, 215 μsec, 3-8 m Amp in 30 min sessions was delivered starting on day 1 post-implant. Patients were evaluated using gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)-HRQL, symptom diaries; esophageal p H and esophageal manometry before and up to 24 mo after therapy and results were compared between partial and complete responders.RESULTS: Twenty-three patients with GERD on LESEST were enrolled and received continuous per-protocol stimulation through 12 mo and 21 patients completed 24 mo of therapy. Of the 23 patients, 16(8 male, mean age 52.1 ± 12 years) had incomplete response to PPIs prior to LES-EST, while 7 patients(5 male, mean age 52.7 ± 4.7) had complete response to PPIs. In the sub-group with incomplete response to PPIs, median(IQR) composite GERD-HRQL score improved significantly from 9.5(9.0-10.0) at baseline on-PPI and 24.0(20.8-26.3) at baseline off-PPI to 2.5(0.0-4.0) at 12-mo and 0.0(0.0-2.5) at 24-mo follow-up(P < 0.05 compared to on-and off-PPI at baseline). Median(IQR) % 24-h esophageal pH < 4.0 at baseline in this sub-group improved significantly from 9.8%(7.8-11.5) at baseline to 3.0%(1.9-6.3) at 12 mo(P < 0.001) and 4.6%(2.0-5.8) at 24 mo follow-up(P < 0.01). At their 24-mo follow-up, 9/11 patients in this sub-group were completely free of PPI use. These results were comparable to the sub-group that reported complete response to PPI therapy at baseline. No unanticipated implantation or stimulation-related adverse events, or any untoward sensation due to stimulation were reported in either group and LES-EST was safely tolerated by both groups. CONCLUSION: LES-EST is safe and effective in controlling symptoms and esophageal acid exposure in GERD patients with incomplete response to PPIs. These results were comparable to those observed PPI responders.
文摘BACKGROUND Lack of mobilization and prolonged stay in the intensive care unit(ICU)are major factors resulting in the development of ICU-acquired muscle weakness(ICUAW).ICUAW is a type of skeletal muscle dysfunction and a common complication of patients after cardiac surgery,and may be a risk factor for prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation,associated with a higher risk of readmission and higher mortality.Early mobilization in the ICU after cardiac surgery has been found to be low with a significant trend to increase over ICU stay and is also associated with a reduced duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay.Neuromuscular electrical stimulation(NMES)is an alternative modality of exercise in patients with muscle weakness.A major advantage of NMES is that it can be applied even in sedated patients in the ICU,a fact that might enhance early mobilization in these patients.AIM To evaluate safety,feasibility and effectiveness of NMES on functional capacity and muscle strength in patients before and after cardiac surgery.METHODS We performed a search on Pubmed,Physiotherapy Evidence Database(PEDro),Embase and CINAHL databases,selecting papers published between December 2012 and April 2023 and identified published randomized controlled trials(RCTs)that included implementation of NMES in patients before after cardiac surgery.RCTs were assessed for methodological rigor and risk of bias via the PEDro.The primary outcomes were safety and functional capacity and the secondary outcomes were muscle strength and function.RESULTS Ten studies were included in our systematic review,resulting in 703 participants.Almost half of them performed NMES and the other half were included in the control group,treated with usual care.Nine studies investigated patients after cardiac surgery and 1 study before cardiac surgery.Functional capacity was assessed in 8 studies via 6MWT or other indices,and improved only in 1 study before and in 1 after cardiac surgery.Nine studies explored the effects of NMES on muscle strength and function and,most of them,found increase of muscle strength and improvement in muscle function after NMES.NMES was safe in all studies without any significant complication.CONCLUSION NMES is safe,feasible and has beneficial effects on muscle strength and function in patients after cardiac surgery,but has no significant effect on functional capacity.
文摘The wave/particle duality of particles in Physics is well known. Particles have properties that uniquely characterize them from one another, such as mass, charge and spin. Charged particles have associated Electric and Magnetic fields. Also, every moving particle has a De Broglie wavelength determined by its mass and velocity. This paper shows that all of these properties of a particle can be derived from a single wave function equation for that particle. Wave functions for the Electron and the Positron are presented and principles are provided that can be used to calculate the wave functions of all the fundamental particles in Physics. Fundamental particles such as electrons and positrons are considered to be point particles in the Standard Model of Physics and are not considered to have a structure. This paper demonstrates that they do indeed have structure and that this structure extends into the space around the particle’s center (in fact, they have infinite extent), but with rapidly diminishing energy density with the distance from that center. The particles are formed from Electromagnetic standing waves, which are stable solutions to the Schrödinger and Classical wave equations. This stable structure therefore accounts for both the wave and particle nature of these particles. In fact, all of their properties such as mass, spin and electric charge, can be accounted for from this structure. These particle properties appear to originate from a single point at the center of the wave function structure, in the same sort of way that the Shell theorem of gravity causes the gravity of a body to appear to all originate from a central point. This paper represents the first two fully characterized fundamental particles, with a complete description of their structure and properties, built up from the underlying Electromagnetic waves that comprise these and all fundamental particles.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30860291
文摘Previous studies have indicated that electrical stimulation of the cerebellar fastigial nucleus in rats may reduce brain infarct size, increase the expression of Ku70 in cerebral ischemia/ reperfusion area, and decrease the number of apoptotic neurons. However, the anti-apoptotic mechanism of Ku70 remains unclear. In this study, fastigial nucleus stimulation was given to rats 24, 48, and 72 hours before cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Results from the electrical stim- ulation group revealed that rats exhibited a reduction in brain infarct size, a significant increase in the expression of KuT0 in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion regions, and a decreased number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling （TUNEL）-positive cells. Double immunofluorescence staining revealed no co-localization of Ku70 with TUNEL-positive cells. However, Ku70 partly co-localized with Bax protein in the cytoplasm of rats with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. These findings suggest an involvement of Ku70 with Bax in the cy- toplasm of rats exposed to electrical stimulation of the cerebellar fastigial nucleus, and may thus provide an understanding into the anti-apoptotic activity of KuT0 in cerebral ischemia/reperfu- sion injury.
基金Supported by Grants from the National Institutes of Health M01-RR-00042UL1RR024986 (to Wiley JW)
文摘AIM: To study a novel technique to record spinal and cortical evoked potentials (EPs) simultaneously in response to electrical stimulation in the human rectum. METHODS: Eight male and nine female healthy volunteers participated. Stimulating electrodes were attached to the rectal mucosa at 15 cm and 12 cm above the dentate line. Recording skin electrodes were positioned over vertebrae L4 through S2. The electrical stimulus was a square wave of 0.2 ms duration and the intensity of the stimulus varied between 0 and 100 mA. EP responses were recorded using a Nicolet Viking IV programmable signal conditioner.RESULTS: Simultaneous recording of cortical and spinal EPs was obtained in > 80% of the trials. The EP responses increased with the intensity of the electrical stimulation, were reproducible overtime, and were blocked by application of Lidocaine jelly at the site of stimulation. The morphology (N1/P1), mean ± SD for latency (spinal N1, 4.6 ± 0.4 ms; P1, 6.8 ± 0.5 ms; cortical N1, 136.1 ± 4.2 ms; P1, 233.6 ± 12.8 ms) and amplitude (N1/P1, spinal, 38 ± 7 μV; cortical 19 ± 3 μV) data for the EP responses were consistent with those in the published literature. Reliable and reproducible EP recordings were obtained with the attachment of the electrodes to the rectal mucosa at predetermined locations between 16 and 8 cm above the anal verge, and the distance between the attachment sites of the electrodes (the optimal distance being approximately 3.0 cm between the two electrodes). CONCLUSION: This technique can be used to assess potential abnormalities in primary afferent neural pathways innervating the rectum in several neurodegenerative and functional pain disorders.
文摘Neuromuscular electrical stimulation(NMES) and testosterone replacement therapy(TRT) are effective rehabilitation strategies to attenuate muscle atrophy and evoke hypertrophy in persons with spinal cord injury(SCI). However both interventions might increase heterotopic ossification(HO) size in SCI patients. We present the results of two men with chronic traumatic motor complete SCI who also had pre-existing HO and participated in a study investigating the effects of TRT or TRT plus NMES resistance training(RT) on body composition. The 49-year-old male, Subject A, has unilateral HO in his right thigh. The 31-year-old male, Subject B, has bilateral HO in both thighs. Both participants wore transdermal testosterone patches(4-6 mg/d) daily for 16 wk. Subject A also underwent progressive NMES-RT twice weekly for 16 wk. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were acquired prior to and post intervention. Cross-sectional areas(CSA) of thewhole thigh and knee extensor skeletal muscles, femoral bone, and HO were measured. In Subject A(NMES-RT + TRT), the whole thigh skeletal muscle CSA increased by 10%, the knee extensor CSA increased by 17%, and the HO + femoral bone CSA did not change. In Subject B(TRT), the whole thigh skeletal muscle CSA increased by 13% in the right thigh and 6% in the left thigh. The knee extensor CSA increased by 7% in the right thigh and did not change in the left thigh. The femoral bone and HO CSAs in both thighs did not change. Both the TRT and NMES-RT + TRT protocols evoked muscle hypertrophy without stimulating the growth of preexisting HO.
文摘Objective:To investigate the effects of routine rehabilitation therapy combined with low frequency head stimulation on monoamine neurotransmitters, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and cerebral hemodynamics in children with cerebral palsy.Methods:From January 2017 to June 2018, 110 children with cerebral palsy were randomly divided into observation group (55 cases) and control group (55 cases). The control group received routine rehabilitation treatment, while the observation group received low-frequency head stimulation on the basis of routine rehabilitation treatment. The changes of dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), serotonin (5-HT), NSE, ET-1 levels and mean blood flow velocity of anterior cerebral artery (ACA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), posterior cerebral artery (PCA) were compared in two groups.Results:Before treatment, there was no significant difference in DA, NE and 5-HT levels in two groups. After treatment, DA, NE and 5-HT levels in the observation group were (192.23±22.71) ng/mL, (98.02±11.71) ng/L, (210.07±25.03) ng/L, and in the control group. the DA, NE, 5-HT levels were (147.06±17.02) ng/mL, (83.07±11.15) ng/L, and (171.88±20.45) ng/L, respectively. The DA, NE and 5-HT levels in two groups were higher than those before treatment, and DA, NE and 5-HT levels in the observation group were higher than those in the control group. Before treatment, there was no significant difference in NSE and ET-1 levels between the two groups. After treatment, the NSE and ET-1 levels in the observation group were (7.97±2.07) μg/L and (41.01±10.07) pg/mL, and the NSE and ET-1 levels in the control group were (10.38±3.02) μg/L, (58.46±15.02) pg/mL, respectively. the NSE and ET-1 in two groups were lower than those before treatment, and the NSE and ET-1 of the observation group were lower than the control group. Before treatment, there was no significant difference in mean blood flow velocity between ACA, MCA and PCA. After treatment, the mean blood flow velocities of ACA, MCA, and PCA in the observation group were (46.88±7.72) cm/s, (59.85±10.18) cm/s, and (49.15±7.02) cm/s, respectively, which was significantly higher than before treatment and higher than that of the control group in the same period.Conclusion: Conventional rehabilitation combined with low-frequency electrical stimulation of the head can effectively increase the content of monoamine neurotransmitters in children with cerebral palsy, enhance cerebral blood circulation, and reduce brain damage.
基金funded by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81260295the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangxi Province of China,No.20132BAB205063
文摘In this study, rats were put into traumatic brain injury-induced coma and treated with median nerve electrical stimulation. We explored the wake-promoting effect, and possible mechanisms, of median nerve electrical stimulation. Electrical stimulation upregulated the expression levels of orexin-A and its receptor OX1R in the rat prefrontal cortex. Orexin-A expression gradually in-creased with increasing stimulation, while OX1R expression reached a peak at 12 hours and then decreased. In addition, after the OX1R antagonist, SB334867, was injected into the brain of rats after traumatic brain injury, fewer rats were restored to consciousness, and orexin-A and OXIR expression in the prefrontal cortex was downregulated. Our ifndings indicate that median nerve electrical stimulation induced an up-regulation of orexin-A and OX1R expression in the pre-frontal cortex of traumatic brain injury-induced coma rats, which may be a potential mechanism involved in the wake-promoting effects of median nerve electrical stimulation.
文摘This study examined the stimulus specificity of external lateral parabrachial (LPBe) rewarding stimulation by using two identical learning procedures that may dissociate conditioned reinforcement to either the place or the flavor stimulus. Animals were presented with two distinct flavors in two different positions (left and right) that were varied throughout the experimental sessions. In the first experiment, LPBe stimulation was associated with one or other flavor, while in the second it was conditioned to one or other place in which these flavors were offered. The results show that, despite stimulus interferences, the animals develop specific conditioned preferences for the flavor stimuli (experiment 2A), and also for the place of their presentation (experiment 2B). These data are discussed in the context of brain reward systems and the biological constraints that characterize some learning modalities.
文摘In this study we have developed a biocompatible current-conductive coating based on carbon nanotubes and bovine serum albumin and have shown its efficiency in culturing cells in vitro. We investigate the proliferation of human embryonic fibroblast (HEF) cells, which were subjected to electrical stimulation when cultured on carbon nanotube surface. A weak increase in proliferation is demonstrated at stimulating field pulses up to 100 mV. It is assumed that the transport mechanism accompanied by higher synthesis of proteins and their polymerization may increase proliferative activity at low voltages. At higher voltages the motility and spatial organization of HEF cell is observed. As a result, a novel technique of supplying the cells with electric field through a system of micro- and nanosized electrodes and a biocompatible composite have been developed.
基金This work was supported by the Medical Scientist Training Program T32GM007250Predoctoral Training in Molecular Therapeutics Program T32GM008803(to EHC).
文摘A long-standing goal of spinal cord injury research is to develop effective repair strategies,which can restore motor and sensory functions to near-normal levels.Recent advances in clinical management of spinal cord injury have significantly improved the prognosis,survival rate and quality of life in patients with spinal cord injury.In addition,a significant progress in basic science research has unraveled the underlying cellular and molecular events of spinal cord injury.Such efforts enabled the development of pharmacologic agents,biomaterials and stem-cell based therapy.Despite these efforts,there is still no standard care to regenerate axons or restore function of silent axons in the injured spinal cord.These challenges led to an increased focus on another therapeutic approach,namely neuromodulation.In multiple animal models of spinal cord injury,epidural electrical stimulation of the spinal cord has demonstrated a recovery of motor function.Emerging evidence regarding the efficacy of epidural electrical stimulation has further expanded the potential of epidural electrical stimulation for treating patients with spinal cord injury.However,most clinical studies were conducted on a very small number of patients with a wide range of spinal cord injury.Thus,subsequent studies are essential to evaluate the therapeutic potential of epidural electrical stimulation for spinal cord injury and to optimize stimulation parameters.Here,we discuss cellular and molecular events that continue to damage the injured spinal cord and impede neurological recovery following spinal cord injury.We also discuss and summarize the animal and human studies that evaluated epidural electrical stimulation in spinal cord injury.
文摘BACKGROUND Anesthetic drugs used in labor analgesia also paralyze the bladder muscle by blocking the sacral plexus,thereby affecting maternal postpartum spontaneous urination and increasing the risk of postpartum urinary retention(PUR).AIM To analyze the effect of percutaneous electrical stimulation at the Baliao point combined with biofeedback therapy for PUR prevention.METHODS We selected 182 pregnant women who received labor analgesia in obstetrics between June 2022 and December 2023.They were divided into the combined therapy group(transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the Baliao point combined with biofeedback therapy)and the control group(biofeedback therapy alone).The first spontaneous urination time,first postpartum urine volume,bladder residual urine volume,postpartum hemorrhage volume,pre-urination waiting time,PUR incidence,adverse reactions,and the intervention’s clinical efficacy were compared between the two groups.RESULTS The first spontaneous urination time after delivery was more delayed(2.92±1.04 h vs 3.61±1.13 h,P<0.001),with fewer initial postpartum urine(163.54±24.67 mL vs 143.72±23.95 mL,P<0.001),more residual bladder urine(54.81±10.78 mL vs 65.25±13.52 mL,P<0.001),more postpartum bleeding(323.15±46.95 mL vs 348.12±45.03 mL,P=0.001),and longer waiting time for urination(0.94±0.31 min vs 1.29±0.42 min,P<0.001),in the control group than in the combined therapy group.The control group also had higher PUR incidence(4.65%vs 15.85%,P=0.016).Both groups had no adverse reactions,but the clinical total efficacy rate of the intervention was significantly higher in the combined therapy group than in the control group(95.35%vs 84.15%,P=0.016).CONCLUSION Percutaneous electrical stimulation of the Baliao point combined with biofeedback can significantly promote postpartum micturition of parturients with labor analgesia,thereby effectively preventing PUR occurrence.
文摘Intensive care unit-acquired weakness(ICU-AW)is a prevalent issue in critical care,leading to significant muscle atrophy and functional impairment.Aiming to address this,Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation(NMES)has been explored as a therapy.This systematic review assesses NMES's safety and effectiveness in enhancing functional capacity and mobility in pre-and post-cardiac surgery patients.NMES was generally safe and feasible,with intervention sessions varying in frequency and duration.Improvements in muscle strength and 6-minute walking test distances were observed,particularly in preoperative settings,but postoperative benefits were inconsistent.NMES showed promise in preventing muscle loss and improving strength,although its impact on overall functional capacity remained uncertain.Challenges such as short ICU stays and body composition affecting NMES efficacy were noted.NMES also holds potential for other conditions like cerebral palsy and stroke.Further research is needed to optimize NMES protocols and better understand its full benefits in preventing ICU-AW and improving patient outcomes.
基金supported by a grant from Wonkwang Institute of Clinical Medicine in 2011
文摘Although electrical stimulation is therapeutically applied for neural regeneration in patients, it remains unclear how electrical stimulation exerts its effects at the molecular level on spinal cord injury （SCI）. To identify the signaling pathway involved in electrical stimulation improving the function of injured spinal cord, 21 female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups： control （no surgical intervention, n = 6）, SCI （SCI only, n = 5）, and electrical simulation （ES; SCI induction followed by ES treatment, n = 10）. A complete spinal cord transection was performed at the 10^th thoracic level. Electrical stimulation of the injured spinal cord region was applied for 4 hours per day for 7 days. On days 2 and 7 post SCI, the Touch-Test Sensory Evaluators and the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan locomotor scale were used to evaluate rat sensory and motor function. Somatosensory-evoked potentials of the tibial nerve of a hind paw of the rat were measured to evaluate the electrophysiological function of injured spinal cord. Western blot analysis was performed to measure p38-RhoA and ERK1/2-Bcl-2 pathways related protein levels in the injured spinal cord. Rat sensory and motor functions were similar between SCI and ES groups. Com- pared with the SCI group, in the ES group, the latencies of the somatosensory-evoked potential of the tibial nerve of rats were significantly shortened, the amplitudes were significantly increased, RhoA protein level was significantly decreased, protein gene product 9.5 expression, ERK1/2, p38, and Bcl-2 protein levels in the spinal cord were significantly increased. These data suggest that ES can promote the recovery of electrophysiological function of the injured spinal cord through regulating p38-RhoA and ERK1/2-Bcl-2 pathway-related protein levels in the injured spinal cord.
文摘Objective: To investigate the effects of low frequency electrical stimulation on monoamine neurotransmitters, cerebral blood flow and hemorheology in children with cerebral palsy. Methods: A total of 83 children with cerebral palsy were divided into the control group (n=42) and the observation group (n=41) according to the random data table, patients in the control group were treated with routine rehabilitation treatment, on this basis;the children in the observation group were treated with low-frequency electric stimulation. Before and after the treatment, the levels of monoamine neurotransmitter [dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxy tryptamine (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE)], cerebral blood flow [the average blood flow velocity of anterior cerebral artery (ACA), middle cerebral artery (MCA) and posterior cerebral artery (PCA)] and blood rheology index [high/low shear whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity and fibrinogen (FIB)] of two groups were compared. Results: Before treatment, there were no significant difference of the levels of DA, 5-HT, NE, the average blood flow velocity of ACA/MCA/PCA, high/low shear whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity and FIB between the two groups. After treatment, two groups of DA, 5-HT and NE levels were significantly higher than those in the same group before treatment, and the observation group of DA, 5-HT and NE levels were significantly higher than those of the control group, the difference was statistically significant;The average blood flow rate of ACA/MCA/PCA in the observation group after treatment was significantly higher than those in the same group before treatment;After treatment, the levels of high shear/low shear blood viscosity, plasma viscosity and FIB of the two groups were significantly lower than those in the same group before treatment, and the levels of observation group after treatment were significantly lower than that in the control group, the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: Low frequency electrical stimulation can effectively increase the level of monoamine neurotransmitter, improve the level of cerebral blood flow and hemorheology, has an important clinical value.
