Electro-stimulated biodegradation of dimethyl disulfide: Insights from biofilm spatial structure and key functional genes.

As a typical sulfur-containing volatile organic compound, dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) is known for its high toxicity and resistance to degradation, necessitating efficient control in environmental media. To address the limitations of biological treatment in degradation capacity, this study employs electro-stimulation to promote DMDS elimination by a porous polyaniline@carbon nanotube bioanode developed on graphite sheet (PANI@CNT/GS). Compared with the unmodified GS bioanode, the PANI@CNT/GS bioanode demonstrates significant advantages in biofilm activity, redox property, and DMDS degradation efficiency. Kinetics analysis shows that the maximum degradation rate of the PANI@CNT/GS bioanode was 0.60 mM h-1, which is 1.36 times higher than that of the control. Characterization results reveal that the highly active biofilms in PANI@CNT/GS bioanode possess 1.40 times the amount of living cells and a 12.5% increase in thickness, contributing to the notable enhancement in DMDS degradation capacity. Additionally, functional gene annotation indicates that the PANI@CNT/GS electrode facilitates the motility and activity of microbial cells and enriches the genes encoding key enzymes involved in DMDS metabolism. This work validates the feasibility of electro-stimulation for enhancing DMDS degradation and further provides in-depth insights into the process intensification mechanism from the perspectives of biofilm spatial structure and key functional genes.

Electro-stimulation modulates syntrophic interactions in methanogenic toluene-degrading microbiota for enhanced functionality.

Syntrophy achieved via microbial cooperation is vital for anaerobic hydrocarbon degradation and methanogenesis. However, limited understanding of the metabolic division of labor and electronic interactions in electro-stimulated microbiota has impeded the development of enhanced biotechnologies for degrading hydrocarbons to methane. Here, compared to the non-electro-stimulated methanogenic toluene-degrading microbiota, electro-stimulation at 800 mV promoted toluene degradation and methane production efficiencies by 11.49 %-14.76 % and 75.58 %-290.11 %, respectively. Hydrocarbon-degrading gene bamA amplification and metagenomic sequencing analyses revealed that f_Syntrophobacteraceae MAG116 may act as a toluene degrader in the non-electro-stimulated microbiota, which was proposed to establish electron syntrophy with the acetoclastic methanogen Methanosarcina spp. (or Methanothrix sp.) through e-pili or shared acetate. In the electro-stimulated microbiota, 37.22 ± 4.33 % of Desulfoprunum sp. (affiliated f_Desulfurivibrionaceae MAG10) and 58.82 ± 3.74 % of the hydrogenotrophic methanogen Methanobacterium sp. MAG74 were specifically recruited to the anode and cathode, respectively. The potential electrogen f_Desulfurivibrionaceae MAG10 engaged in interspecies electron transfer with both syntroph f_Syntrophobacteraceae MAG116 and the anode, which might be facilitated by c-type cytochromes (e.g., ImcH, OmcT, and PilZ). Moreover, upon capturing electrons from the external circuit, the hydrogen-producing electrotroph Aminidesulfovibrio sp. MAG60 could share electrons and hydrogen with the methanogen Methanobacterium sp. MAG74, which uniquely harbored hydrogenase genes ehaA-R and ehbA-P. This study elucidates the microbial interaction mechanisms underlying the enhanced metabolic efficiency of the electro-stimulated methanogenic toluene-degrading microbiota, and emphasizes the significance of metabolic and electron syntrophic interactions in maintaining the stability of microbial community functionality.

In situ self-induced electrical stimulation to plants: Modulates morphogenesis, photosynthesis and gene expression in Vigna radiata and Cicer arietinum.

Specific stimuli to plants influence intracellular and intercellular communications, activation of ion channels, gene expression, growth and development. The functional role of self-induced in situ electrical stimuli at the rhizosphere of the plant by placing electrode assembly in a defined circuit mode was studied on the growth and development of Vigna radiata and Cicer arietinum plants. Experiments were designed with three-circuit mode configurational variations (CC-P, OC-P and SC-P) and compared with the relative performance of control system (non-potential). The plants cultivated under the in situ electrical stimuli (low-current) showed a marked influence on growth and photosynthetic performance of the plants. CC-P operation showed improved vegetative growth, characterized by increased roots, shoots and biomass along with accelerated plant growth from seed germination to vegetation, flowering and pod formation leading towards earlier and more robust flowering compared to control system. Plants also showed higher aquaporin gene expression levels in CC-P operation. The control operation showed 10 days additional maturation time compared to CC-P operation. The strategy can be beneficially applied to augment the bioremediation capacity of complex pollutants with reference to phytoremediation or constructed wetland systems where the plant and its roots are the main enabler apart from agriculture applications specific to nursery-raised or transplanted plants.

Electro-stimulation of tofu wastewater for the production of single cell protein from various microorganisms.

Tofu wastewater can be utilized as a substrate for microorganisms that produce single-cell proteins (SCPs). Because different microorganisms have different cellular components, the composition of SCPs varies. Electro-stimulation has the potential to speed up fermentation and increase product yield. The goal of this study was to find the best way to produce SCPs from Aspergillus awamori, Rhizopus oryzae, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the tofu wastewater substrate using electro-stimulation. The experimental method was used in the study, the data were analyzed using independent t-test statistical analysis, and the best treatment was identified using the effective index method. This treatment consisted of producing SCP with electro-stimulation of -1.5 V and without electro-stimulation for 72 h for the yeast and 96 h for the mold at 25 °C in tofu wastewater that had already been conditioned to a pH of 5. The parameters measured included measurement of population of microorganism, change in pH, dry biomass weight, carbohydrate content, and protein content. Electro-stimulation reduced the optimum fermentation time of A. awamori SCP from 56 to 32 h, resulting in 0.0406 g/50 mL of dry biomass, 30.09% carbohydrate content, and 6.86% protein content. Meanwhile, the optimal fermentation time on R. oryzae and S. cerevisiae were not accelerated by electro-stimulation. The best treatment was A. awamori without electro-stimulation, which produced 0.0931 g/50 mL of dry biomass, 20.29% carbohydrate, and 7.55% protein.

A Comparative Analysis Between Ultrasound and Electromyographic and Nerve Conduction Studies in Diagnosing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common upper extremity neuropathy. The disease initially manifests as a sensory disorder in the form of paresthesia, numbness, or tingling of the fingers. The diagnosis is usually made based on history and clinical symptoms, which are confirmed using nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography. More recently, ultrasound has gained more use in CTS diagnosis due to its advantages, which include patients' comfort during diagnosis, better visualization of anatomy and nerve forms directly, and cost-effectiveness. However, a literature review shows that the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound over NCS is still in question; therefore, the present systematic review was carried out to compare the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound to NCS and electromyography. A systematic literature search was performed on five electronic databases: PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar. The search strategy limited the retrieval of literature published between 2000 and 2022. Of the 1098 articles retrieved from the electronic databases, only 12 met the inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis of outcomes from the included studies showed that the pooled sensitivity and specificity of the ultrasound were 0.80 (95% CI: 0.73, 0.88) and 0.90 (0.83, 0.96), respectively. On the other hand, combing the outcomes of electromyography and NCS resulted in sensitivity and specificity values of 0.89 (95% CI: 0.84, 0.95) and 0.77 (95% CI; 0.64, 0.90), respectively. The results show that ultrasound has comparable sensitivity and slightly higher specificity than NCS and electromyography; therefore, ultrasound can be used as an alternative diagnostic test for CTS. However, it cannot replace NCS and electromyography since more research needs to be done on doubtful and secondary cases of CTS.

Cerebellar fastigial nucleus electrostimulation attenuates inflammation in a Post-Infarction rat model by activating cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway.

There are negative correlations between indices of heart rate variability (HRV) and markers of inflammation. The inflammation plays an important role in myocardial damages after myocardial infarction (MI). Our previous study found that fastigial nucleus electrostimulation (FNS) improved abnormal HRV in a rat model of MI. Whether it can reduce inflammation and improve cardiac function after MI and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. 66 Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups as follows: i) Sham group (sham operation); ii) MI group (left anterior descending coronary artery ligation); iii) FNS + MI group (left fastigial nucleus electrostimulation plus MI); iv) FNL + FNS + MI group (left fastigial nucleus lesion plus FNS plus MI). The serum expressions of acetylcholine (ACh), pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 were measured by ELISA. Subsequently, the infarct size, the infiltration of inflammatory cells, the fibrotic area, and cardiac function were also evaluated. Additionally, the expressions of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP)-related proteins in infarct tissue, such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and singal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3), were determined by Western blot. We found that FNS significantly increased ACh and IL-10 levels in serum, and decreased TNF-α and IL-6 levels. FNS significantly attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration, reduced infarct size, decreased fibrosis, increased left ventricular ejection fraction, and reduced mortality. Besides, the ratios of phosphorylated-STAT3/STAT3 and phosphorylated-NF-κB/NF-κB in infarct tissue significantly elevated after MI. FNS reduced the ratios of p-STAT3/STAT3 and p-NF-κB/NF-κB in infarct tissue. The protective effects of FNS were partially reversed by the fastigial nucleus lesion. Our data suggested that FNS can alleviate the inflammation after MI, and its cardiac neuroprotective mechanism may be achieved by increasing vagal tone, releasing ACh, and further activating the CAP via α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. The precise mechanism remains to be elucidated.

Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) in Diabetes Mellitus: A Diagnostic Dilemma.

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a neurological disorder of the peripheral nerves which can lead to gradually increasing motor and sensory loss. It can be a difficult entity to diagnose, particularly in elderly patients with a history of Diabetes Mellitus due to their overlapping neuropathic syndromes. Reported is a case of CIDP in an elderly female who manifested multiple sensory, motor, and autonomic complaints. A compilation of clinical features, neuroimaging, lumbar puncture, electromyography, nerve conduction studies, and nerve biopsy were used to reach the diagnosis. Highlighted is a clinical approach to identifying CIDP that can cause neuropathy in the setting of other potential confounding disorders namely Diabetes Mellitus.

COVID-19-Induced Guillain-Barré Syndrome.

This case report involves a 47-year-old male who presented to the emergency department (ED) with a positive coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) test and symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Electrodiagnostic (EDX) studies reported an acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP). The patient underwent intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) treatment and four weeks of acute inpatient rehabilitation with some functional improvement but remained unable to ambulate independently at discharge.

The wireless pacemaker is on again; from electro-stimulation to synchronization.

Leadless stimulation of the right ventricle is now a reality, especially in patients with very specific indications and clinical characteristics, even in the absence of randomized studies to support its use. The reduction of device costs and the refinement of atrioventricular synchronization algorithms will sanction its greater diffusion in the future. The possibility of using leadless technology also for resynchronization therapy, on the other hand, is currently a promising option but, pending randomized studies with robust case histories and adequate follow-ups, it should still be considered as a niche therapy, to be limited to centres highly specialized and in patients in whom conventional resynchronization has been impossible or ineffective.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome: Inverted Paralysis Post-Operatively in a Patient With Ulcerative Colitis.

Rapidly progressive and life-threatening, the pharyngeal-cervical-brachial (PCB) variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) poses a unique perspective on the complications that may arise post-operatively, especially in patients with an underlying autoimmune disease like ulcerative colitis. GBS is an immune-mediated polyneuropathy typically consisting of ascending flaccid muscle paralysis and areflexia. There are several variants of GBS, which can present atypically and be misdiagnosed. We intend to focus on PCB, a rare, localized variant of GBS. Herein, we report an uncommon case of a recent post-surgical patient, with underlying ulcerative colitis, who developed the PCB variant of GBS.

Treatment of headache disorders with acupuncture: a 6-year retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses indicate that acupuncture has similar clinical effectiveness in the prevention of headache disorders (HDs) as drug therapy, but with fewer side effects. As such, examining acupuncture's use in a pragmatic, real-world setting would be valuable. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of acupuncture and prophylactic drug treatment (PDT) on headache frequency in patients with HDs, under real-world clinical conditions. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of patients with HDs referred to a pain clinic, using electronic health record data. Patients continued with tertiary care (treatment of acute headache attacks and lifestyle, meditation, exercise and dietary instructions) with PDT, or received 12 sessions of acupuncture over 3 months, instead of PDT under conditions of tertiary care. The primary outcome data were the number of days with headache per month, and groups were compared at baseline and at the end of the third month of treatment. RESULTS: Data were analysed for 482 patients with HDs. The number of headache days per month decreased by 3.7 (standard deviation (SD) = 2.9) days in the acupuncture group versus 2.9 (SD = 2.3) in the PDT group (p = 0.007). The proportion of responders was 39.5% versus 16.3% (p < 0.001). The number needed to treat was 4 (95% confidence interval = 3-7). CONCLUSION: Our study has shown that patients with HDs in tertiary care who opted for treatment with acupuncture appeared to receive similar clinical benefits to those that chose PDT, suggesting these treatments may be similarly effective of the prevention of headache in a real-world clinical setting.

A Rare Case of Disseminated Coccidioidomycosis Presenting as Brachial Plexopathy.

Coccidioidomycosis, a fungal infection caused by inhaling spores of Coccidioides immitis/posadasii, is endemic to the southwestern states of the United States, Northern Mexico and some parts of Central and South America. It is primarily a pulmonary infection with less than 0.5% of symptomatic cases showing dissemination. Skin, lymph nodes and bone are the commonest sites. Neurological involvement is rare and commonly presents as strokes, abscesses or meningoencephalitis. We present the case of a previously healthy 23-year-old African American male, presented with a four-month history of progressive right upper extremity weakness that initially started with right shoulder pain followed by worsening weakness and loss of muscle mass. Electromyography (EMG) demonstrated right brachial plexopathy with moderate-to-severe active denervation changes. MRI cervical spine revealed a 9-cm contrast enhancing extradural mass extending through the neural foramen from C4-T1 roots and forming a 4-cm right apical lung mass subsequently seen on MRI of the brachial plexus. All trunks, divisions and cords were thickened, hyperintense and showed contrast enhancement on MRI. Neuromuscular ultrasound (NUS) demonstrated enlargement of peripheral nerves. Differentials prior to biopsy of the mass ranged from neurofibromas to pancoast lung tumors. Coccidioidomycosis did not figure on the initial list of differentials. Patient underwent subsequent biopsy of the extradural and lung masses that showed coccidiodes. Serum coccidioides antibody titers were elevated. The patient was treated with high-dose intravenous fluconazole and aggressive mass debridement. His weakness improved on four months follow-up evaluation with significant resolution of EMG abnormalities and decreased swelling on NUS.

Efeito agudo das correntes Russa e Aussie na força muscular de flexores de punho e dedos / Acute effect of the use of Russian and Aussie currents on the muscular strength of fist and finger flexors

Introdução: As alterações motoras e sensoriais da mão diminuem a força dos músculos que compõe esse segmento e pode repercutir na qualidade de vida do indivíduo. No campo da Fisioterapia, a diminuição da força muscular é frequentemente tratada com o emprego de correntes excitomotoras, dentre aquelas comumente empregadas, as correntes russas e Aussie destacam-se por serem de média frequência e promoverem estimulação sensorial confortável. Objetivo: Identificar os efeitos agudos do uso das correntes Aussie e russa sobre a força muscular de flexores de punho e dedos. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo de caráter experimental, no qual se avaliou a força de preensão palmar antes e após a aplicação de correntes excitomotoras (Aussie e russa). Os voluntários foram divididos em dois grupos, GR, os quais foram submetidos a terapia com corrente russa, e GA, que recebeu a terapia usando a corrente Aussie. A estimulação utilizando a corrente russa foi efetuada com frequência portadora de 2500 Hz com burst de 10 ms, frequência de estimulação de 50 Hz, tempo On 5 segundos e tempo Off 15 segundos e modulação de 20%. Já a estimulação com a corrente Aussie foi realizada com frequência portadora de 1000 Hz com burst de 2 ms, frequência de modulação a 50 Hz, tempo On em 5 segundos, tempo Off 15 segundos, Rampas de subida e descidas fixadas em 2 segundos. Em ambas as estimulações, a intensidade da corrente foi ajustada de acordo com a tolerância do participante, buscando desencadear contração muscular visível, e o tempo total de aplicação foi de 10 minutos. Resultados: As alterações na goniometria e dinamometria foram analisadas por meio de uma ANOVA de dois fatores. Ao analisar os efeitos principais dos dados da goniometria, não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos [F(2,114) = 2,662; p=0,074] e entre os momentos [F(1,114)= 2,893; p=0,092]. Os dados da dinamometria também não apresentaram efeito principal para os momentos [F(1,114) = 0,392; p=0,533]. No entanto, observou-se efeito principal para grupos com [F(2,114) = 3,119; p=0,048]. Assim, o presente estudo não encontrou diferenças estatísticas significativas no ganho de força de preensão palmar como resultado de uma única aplicação das correntes estudadas. Conclusão: Sugere-se a realização de estudos adicionais utilizando eletroestimulação, buscando estabelecer parâmetros mais indicados para promover maiores ganhos de força muscular e benefícios terapêuticos. (AU)

Introduction: The motor and sensorial changes of the strength decrease of the muscles hand can affect the quality of life. In the field of Physical Therapy, the decrease of muscle strength is often treated with the use of excitomotor currents. Among those commonly used, the Russian and Aussie currents stand out because they are of medium frequency and promote comfortable sensory stimulation. Objective: To identify the acute effects of the use of Aussie and Russian currents on the muscular strength of wrist and finger flexors. Methods: An experimental study was carried out, in which the palmar grip strength was evaluated before and after the application of excitomotor currents (Aussie and Russian). The volunteers were divided into two groups, GR, using the Russian current therapy, and GA, who received the Aussie current. The stimulation using the Russian current was performed with carrier frequency of 2500 Hz with burst of 10 ms, stimulation frequency of 50 Hz, time On 5 seconds, time Off 15 seconds and modulation of 20%. The Aussie current stimulation was performed with a frequency of 1000 Hz with a burst of 2 ms, modulation frequency at 50 Hz, time On in 5 seconds, time Off 15 seconds, ramps up and down fixed in 2 seconds. In both stimulations, the intensity of the current was adjusted according to the tolerance of the participant, seeking to trigger visible muscle contraction, and the total time of application was 10 minutes. Results: Changes in goniometry and dynamometry were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA. When analyzing the main effects of the goniometry data, no statistically significant differences were observed between the groups [F (2,114) = 2,662; p = 0.074] and between the moments [F (1.114) = 2.893; p = 0.092]. The dynamometry data also did not present main effect for the moments [F (1,114) = 0.392; p = 0.533]. However, a major effect was observed for groups with [F (2,114) = 3.119; p = 0.048]. Thus, the present study did not find statistically significant differences in palmar grip strength gain as a result of a single application of the currents studied. Conclusion: We suggested to perform additional studies using electrical stimulation, seeking to establish parameters more indicated to promote greater muscle strength gains and therapeutic benefits. (AU)

Efficient treatment of alizarin yellow R contained wastewater in an electrostimulated anaerobic-oxic integrated system.

An electrostimulated anaerobic-oxic integrated system was constructed for treating alizarin yellow R (AYR) containing wastewater. In electro-stimulated anaerobic unit, AYR decolorization efficiency improved from 51.2% to 96.6%. Two amination metabolites, p-phenylenediamine and 5-aminosalicylic acid, went through oxidation, ammonification and mineralization in oxic unit. Electro-stimulation promoted denitrification and COD removal efficiencies by 15.5% and 8.6%, respectively. A 20% improved nitrification efficiency was observed in oxic unit, due to elimination of AYR toxicity inhibition. No corrosion of heat-treated stainless steel occurred during the 60 days of continuous operation. Electrons sunk in denitrification and decolorization accounted for 34.4-36.8% of those released from COD removal, and 7.3% increase of removed nitrogen in nitrogenous compounds (AYR, nitrate and ammonia) was found. Electro-stimulated anaerobic unit predominated with fermentation and denitrification genera (Propionispira, Rhodocyclus, etc.) and aboundance of electro-active decolorization genus (Desulfovibrio, etc.) increased. Ammonia-oxidizing genus, Comamonas, was the most abundant in aerobic unit. Compared to the suspension, the electrostimulation could increased the abundance of electro-active genera in cathodic biofilm. This study revealed the feasibility of applying electro-stimulation and the conversion laws of nitrogenous organics in secondary bio-treatment system for treating toxic nitrogenous organics-contained wastewater.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with exercise decreases duration of mechanical ventilation in ICU patients: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Early mobilization can be employed to minimize the duration of intensive care. However, a protocol combining neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) with early mobilization has not yet been tested in ICU patients. Our aim was to assess the efficacy of NMES, exercise (EX), and combined therapy (NMES + EX) on duration of mechanical ventilation (MV) in critically ill patients. METHODS: The participants in this randomized double-blind trial were prospectively recruited within 24 hours following admission to the intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital. Eligible patients had 18 years of age or older; MV for less than 72 hours; and no known neuromuscular disease. Computer-generated permuted block randomization was used to assign patients to NMES, EX, NMES + EX, or standard care (control group). The main endpoint was duration of MV. Clinical characteristics were also evaluated and intention to treat analysis was employed. RESULTS: One hundred forty-four patients were assessed for eligibility to participate in the trial, 51 of whom were enrolled and randomly allocated into four groups: 11 patients in the NMES group, 13 in the EX group, 12 in the NMES + EX group, and 15 in the control group (CG). Duration of MV (days) was significantly shorter in the combined therapy (5.7 ± 1.1) and NMEN (9.0 ± 7.0) groups in comparison to CG (14.8 ± 5.4). CONCLUSIONS: NMES + EX consisting of NMES and active EXs was well tolerated and resulted in shorter duration of MV in comparison to standard care or isolated therapy (NMES or EX alone).

Electroestimulación del músculo diafragma para el retiro temprano de la ventilación mecánica y seguimiento de los cambios en el grosor con ultrasonido / Electroestimulation of the diaphragm muscle for the early withdrawal of mechanical ventilation and monitoring changes in thickness with ultrasound / Eletroestimulação diafragmática para a retirada precoce da ventilação mecânica e seguimento das mudanças no espessor com ultra-som

Resumen: El diafragma es una estructura músculo-aponeurótica que separa las cavidades pleural y peritoneal y provee la principal fuerza mecánica a la ventilación. Del grupo de músculos respiratorios, este es el que mayor participación tiene en lograr el retiro de la ventilación mecánica; sin embargo, también la falta de integridad del mismo en cuanto a su trofismo, nutrición y conducción puede convertirse en el mayor de los problemas para el destete. En este estudio llevamos a cabo la electroestimulación no invasiva del músculo diafragma para mejorar la conducción, así como atender su atrofia o hipotrofia, la cual es condicionada por múltiples factores, entre los que destacan fármacos, sepsis y ventilación mecánica per se. En la unidad de terapia intensiva de la nueva torre quirúrgica del Hospital General de México, se realizó el estudio de tipo experimental, prospectivo, transversal y analítico, en una población de 23 pacientes (n = 23), correspondientes a un grupo etario entre 19 y 75 años de edad, con una media de 40 años, divididos en tres grupos: A, B, C, donde a los del grupo «A¼ se les aplicó terapia de electroestimulación del músculo diafragma, dos sesiones al día de 15 minutos cada una; en el grupo «B¼, tres sesiones al día de 15 minutos cada una, y en el grupo «C¼, cuatro sesiones al día de 15 minutos cada una. Cada impulso del electroestimulador fue de una intensidad de 10 hasta 300 mA, lo que se determinó con base en el grado de tolerancia del paciente, el cual se encontraba despierto, con RASS de 0 a -1 y cooperador, aun con tubo endotraqueal, pero que cumplió con todas las condiciones previamente para iniciar el retiro de la ventilación mecánica. Para la ubicación de los electrodos, nos basamos en los puntos de inserción anteriores y laterales para músculo diafragma, número de electrodos empleados (cuatro); previo a la electroestimulación, se tomó en cuenta la presión soporte inicial, así como el volumen corriente inspirado y el grosor del músculo diafragma, el cual se verificó con visión directa en apoyo con ultrasonido. Al final de la terapia, se tomaron en cuenta las mismas variables para observar diferencias. Se obtuvieron resultados con una p significativa de 0.048 para el aumento del grosor del músculo diafragma a tres días en el grupo C (cuatro sesiones al día), con un intervalo de confianza de 95% en su límite inferior de 0.01 y límite superior de 1.65. Pero los resultados al observar la diferencia entre grupos en cuanto a la disminución de la presión soporte fueron aún más significativos (p < 0.05) para este mismo grupo a tres días de la terapia.

Abstract: The diaphragm is a muscle-aponeurotic structure, which separates the pleural and peritoneal cavities and provides the main force of mechanical ventilation. Among the group of respiratory muscles, this has the greater participation in achieving the withdrawal of mechanical ventilation; however, the lack of integrity in its trophism, nutrition and driving, can also become the greatest problems for weaning. In this study we conducted the non-invasive electro-stimulation of the diaphragm muscle to improve conduction, as well as to treat its atrophy or hypotrophy, which is conditioned by various factors, including drugs, sepsis, and mechanical ventilation per se. In the intensive therapy unit of the new surgical tower of the Hospital General de Mexico, we carried out this experimental, prospective, and cross-analytical study in a population of 23 patients (n = 23) aged between 19 and 75 years, with an average of 40 years, divided into three groups: A, B, and C; group «A¼ received electro-muscle stimulation of the diaphragm two 15-minute sessions per day; group «B¼, three 15- minute sessions per day, and group «C¼, four 15-minute sessions per day. Each impulse of the electro-stimulator had an intensity of 10 to 300 mA that was determined based on the grade of tolerance of the patient, who was awake, with RASS of 0 to-1 and cooperative, even with the endotracheal tube, but that had previously met all the conditions to start the removal of the mechanical ventilation. We based the location of the electrodes on the anterior and lateral points of inclusion for diaphragm muscle, number of electrodes used (four): prior to the electro-stimulation, we considered the initial pressure support, as well as the inspired tidal volume and the thickness of the diaphragm muscle, which was verified with direct vision supported by ultrasound. At the end of the therapy, the same variables were taken into account for observed differences. We obtained results with a p significant of 0.048 for the increase of the thickness of the diaphragm muscle in three days in group C (four sessions per day), with a range of confidence of 95% in its lower limit of 0.01 and upper limit of 1.65. However, the results when observing the difference between groups with regard to the decrease of the pressure support were even more significant (p < 0.05) for this same group after three days of therapy.

Resumo: O diafragma é uma estrutura músculo-aponeurótica que separa as cavidades pleural e peritoneal e fornece a principal força mecânica para a ventilação. Entre o grupo de músculos respiratórios, este é o que tem maior participação na retirada da ventilação mecânica; no entanto, a falta de integridade do mesmo em quanto ao seu trofismo, nutrição e condução, podem se tornar os maiores problemas para o desmame. Neste estudo realizamos a eletroestimulação não-invasiva do músculo diafragma para melhorar a condução, bem como para tratar sua atrofia ou hipotrofia, que é condicionada por vários fatores, incluindo medicamentos, sepsis e ventilação mecânica per se. Na unidade de terapia intensiva da nova torre cirúrgica do Hospital General de México, realizamos este estudo experimental, prospectivo, transversal e analítico, em uma população de 23 pacientes (n = 23) com idade entre 19 e 75 anos, com uma média de 40 anos, divididos em três grupos: A, B e C; grupo «A¼ recebeu terapia de eletroestimulação do músculo diafragma, duas sessões por dia de 15 minutos cada uma; grupo «B¼, três sessões por dia de 15 minutos cada uma e grupo «C¼, quatro sessões por dia de 15 minutos cada uma. Cada impulso do eletroestimulador teve uma intensidade de 10 à 300 mA, que foi determinado com base no grau de tolerância do paciente, quem estava acordado, com RASS de 0 a -1 e cooperativo, mesmo com o tubo endotraqueal, mas que preenchia todas as condições prévias para iniciar a remoção da ventilação mecânica. Para a localização dos eletrodos determinamos os pontos de inserção anteriores e laterais do músculo diafragma, número de eletrodos usados (quatro); antes da eletroestimulação, consideramos a pressão suporte inicial, o volume corrente inspirado e a espessura do músculo, que foi verificado com visão direta por ultra-som. No final da terapia, as mesmas variáveis foram consideradas para observar as diferenças. Obtivemos resultados com uma p significativa de 0.048 para o aumento da espessura do músculo diafragma em três dias no grupo C (quatro sessões por dia), com um intervalo de confiança de 95% no seu limite inferior de 0.01 e limite superior de 1.65. No entanto, os resultados ao observar a diferença entre os grupos em relação à a diminuição da pressão suporte foram ainda mais significativas (p <0.05) para este mesmo grupo após três dias de terapia.

Impact of electro-stimulation on denitrifying bacterial growth and analysis of bacterial growth kinetics using a modified Gompertz model in a bio-electrochemical denitrification reactor.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of electro-stimulation on denitrifying bacterial growth in a bio-electrochemical reactor, and the growth were modeled using modified Gompertz model under different current densities at three C/Ns. It was found that the similar optimum current density of 250mA/m2 was obtained at C/N=0.75, 1.00 and 1.25, correspondingly the maximum nitrate removal efficiencies were 98.0%, 99.2% and 99.9%. Moreover, ATP content and cell membrane permeability of denitrifying bacteria were significantly increased at optimum current density. Furthermore, modified Gompertz model fitted well with the microbial growth curves, and the highest maximum growth rates (µmax) and shorter lag time were obtained at the optimum current density for all C/Ns. This study demonstrated that the modified Gompertz model could be used for describing microbial growth under different current densities and C/Ns in a bio-electrochemical denitrification reactor, and it provided an alternative for improving the performance of denitrification process.

[Interosseous electrostimulation in a model of lengthening with external fixation]. / Electroestimulación interósea en un modelo de elongación con fijación externa.

BACKGROUND: A fracture repair involves complex cellular processes. However, despite optimal treatment, some fractures heal slowly or do not repair. These complications support the need for innovative therapies. Electromagnetic stimulation is a non-invasive technology that could have a direct impact on many cellular pathways. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the effectiveness of electro-stimulation by alternating current applied during bone elongation to accelerate the consolidation process for 30 days in an animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A device with closed circuit and graduated voltage was designed and kept in contact with the external fixator. Group A was elongated without electro-stimulation and group B was electro-stimulated since the beginning of the distraction. Radiographs were taken at 15 and 30 days post-surgical. Haematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson's trichrome stain were performed. RESULTS: No significant difference were observed in bone density of group A (4.05±3.24, P=0.163). In group B there was a significant difference (61.06±20.17, P=0.03) in bone density. Group A maintained a fibrous tissue repair, with areas of cartilage and bone matrix. Group B had more organised tissue in the stages of bone repair. CONCLUSION: Because there is a significant difference in the growth and callus formation at 15 and 30 days between groups, electro-stimulation could be considered as an adjuvant during bone elongation.

[The experience with the application of the selective electro-stimulation impacts in the children presenting with the disturbances of the locomotor function].

AIM: The objective of the present study was the improvement of the effectiveness of medical rehabilitation of the children presenting with the disturbances of the locomotor function using a «LymphaVision¼ apparatus for the selective electrical stimulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 42 patients with movement disorders divided into two groups depending on the method of non-drug therapy. The main group was comprised of the patients receiving the treatment by electrical stimulation with the use of the «LymphaVision¼ apparatus while the remaining patients made up the group of comparison (they were treated with by means of Vermel electrophoresis with the use of a 1% sodium bromide solution). The increase of the muscular strength evaluated based on the scoring system and the number of motor skills were used as the criteria of the effectiveness of the treatment. The applied Statistica for Windows package, version 6.0 («StatSoft¼, USA). Was employed for the statistical analysis of the data obtained. The significance and number of differences between two independent samples of the quantitative features were assessed using the Mann-Whitney U test. The Wilcoxon matched pairs test was used to compare the two matched groups. RESULTS: The children comprising the group treated by means of selective exposure to electrical stimulation with the use of the «LymphaVision¼ apparatus in the course of the rehabilitation process exhibited a significant increase in the strength of the muscles of the lower extremities and the trunk over the baseline values (p=0.003 and p=0.04 respectively) and acquired a significantly greater number of the new motor skills (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: The application of the proposed method is characterized by the highly pronounced clinical efficiency. This approach is pathogenetically well-substantiated for the treatment of the children presenting with the locomotor disorders developing as the consequences of perinatal lesions in the central nervous system and promotes the restoration of the capabilities of the child's body, such as normalization of the muscle tone, increase of the motor activity and muscle strength.

RheoStim: Development of an Adaptive Multi-Sensor to Prevent Venous Stasis.

Chronic venous insufficiency of the lower limbs is often underestimated and, in the absence of therapy, results in increasingly severe complications, including therapy-resistant tissue defects. Therefore, early diagnosis and adequate therapy is of particular importance. External counter pulsation (ECP) therapy is a method used to assist the venous system. The main principle of ECP is to squeeze the inner leg vessels by muscle contractions, which are evoked by functional electrical stimulation. A new adaptive trigger method is proposed, which improves and supplements the current therapeutic options by means of pulse synchronous electro-stimulation of the muscle pump. For this purpose, blood flow is determined by multi-sensor plethysmography. The hardware design and signal processing of this novel multi-sensor plethysmography device are introduced. The merged signal is used to determine the phase of the cardiac cycle, to ensure stimulation of the muscle pump during the filling phase of the heart. The pulse detection of the system is validated against a gold standard and provides a sensitivity of 98% and a false-negative rate of 2% after physical exertion. Furthermore, flow enhancement of the system has been validated by duplex ultrasonography. The results show a highly increased blood flow in the popliteal vein at the knee.