Enhanced setup for wired continuous long-term EEG monitoring in juvenile and adult rats: application for epilepsy and other disorders.

BACKGROUND: The electroencephalogram (EEG) is a widely used laboratory technique in rodent models of epilepsy, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and other neurological diseases accompanied by seizures. Obtaining prolonged continuous EEG tracings over weeks to months is essential to adequately answer research questions related to the chronobiology of seizure emergence, and to the effect of potential novel treatment strategies. Current EEG recording methods include wired and the more recent but very costly wireless technologies. Wired continuous long-term EEG in rodents remains the mainstay approach but is often technically challenging due to the notorious frequent EEG cable disconnections from the rodent's head, and to poor signal-to-noise ratio especially when simultaneously monitoring multiple animals. Premature EEG cable disconnections and cable movement-related artifacts result from the animal's natural mobility, and subsequent tension on the EEG wires, as well as from potential vigorous and frequent seizures. These challenges are often accompanied by injuries to the scalp, and result in early terminations of costly experiments. RESULTS: Here we describe an enhanced customized swivel-balance EEG-cage system that allows tension-free rat mobility. The cage setup markedly improves the safety and longevity of current existing wired continuous long-term EEG. Prevention of EEG cable detachments is further enhanced by a special attention to surgical electrode anchoring to the skull. In addition to mechanically preventing premature disconnections, the detailed stepwise approach to the electrical shielding, wiring and grounding required for artifact-free high signal-to-noise ratio recordings is also included. The successful application of our EEG cage system in various rat models of brain insults and epilepsy is described with illustrative high quality tracings of seizures and electrographic patterns obtained during continuous and simultaneous monitoring of multiple rats early and up to 3 months post-brain insult. CONCLUSION: Our simple-to-implement key modifications to the EEG cage setup allow the safe acquisition of substantial high quality wired EEG data without resorting to the still costly wireless technologies.

Interplay between the overlapping ends of tropomyosin and the N terminus of cardiac troponin T affects tropomyosin states on actin.

The functional significance of the molecular swivel at the head-to-tail overlapping ends of contiguous tropomyosin (Tm) dimers in striated muscle is unknown. Contractile measurements were made in muscle fibers from transgenic (TG) mouse hearts that expressed a mutant α-Tm (Tm(H276N)). We also reconstituted mouse cardiac troponin T (McTnT) N-terminal deletion mutants, McTnT(1-44Δ) and McTnT(45-74Δ), into muscle fibers from Tm(H276N). For controls, we used the wild-type (WT) McTnT because altered effects could be correlated with the mutant forms of McTnT. Tm(H276N) slowed crossbridge (XB) detachment rate (g) by 19%. McTnT(1-44Δ) attenuated Ca(2+)-activated maximal tension against Tm(WT) (36%) and Tm(H276N) (38%), but sped g only against Tm(H276N) by 35%. The rate of tension redevelopment decreased (17%) only in McTnT(1-44Δ) + Tm(H276N) fibers. McTnT(45-74Δ) attenuated tension (19%) and myofilament Ca(2+) sensitivity (pCa50=5.93 vs. 6.00 in the control fibers) against Tm(H276N), but not against Tm(WT) background. Thus, altered XB cycling kinetics decreased the fraction of strongly bound XBs in McTnT(1-44Δ) + Tm(H276N) fibers, whereas diminished thin-filament cooperativity attenuated tension in McTnT(45-74Δ) + Tm(H276N) fibers. In summary, our study is the first to show that the interplay between the N terminus of cTnT and the overlapping ends of contiguous Tm effectuates different states of Tm on the actin filament.

A newly designed total implantable venous access device in rats for research with high efficiency and low cost.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we introduced a newly designed totally implantable device for long-term vascular access in rats and compared its efficacy, related complications, and cost-effectiveness with conventional exteriorized jugular vein catheters. METHODS: Forty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 250-300 g, were equally divided into two groups (I and II) and all underwent jugular vein catheterization surgery. The totally implanted device was used in group I and conventional exteriorized catheters were used in group II. The functionality of each catheter was checked every 3 d and evaluation included vascular accessibility, patency, and infection. The weight of the animal and microbial culture from the wound and tube were also monitored. We analyzed the cause of vascular access failure and complications, both mechanical and infectious, and compared related variables. RESULTS: The proportions of 9-d patency and 30-d patency in group I were 90% (18/20) and 75% (15/20), respectively, and in group II 80% (16/20) and 35% (7/20), respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in 30-d patency. The rats in group II were more liable to involve vascular access failure because of catheter dislodgment and had a higher infection rate (P = 0.001). Daily body weight gain was also greater in group I than in group II (2.46 ± 0.59 g/d versus 1.84 ± 0.96 g/d; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: This newly designed and totally implanted device substantially increases the success rate of long-term venous access compared with conventional methods. It reinforces the merits of the subcutaneous port and a tethered swivel system and overall has better performance and reliability. Furthermore, given its low cost and the high level of effectiveness offered, this technology could be a powerful tool to be used in future translational medicine research, especially in cases of long-term intravascular administration.

Medial pivot dislocation of talonavicular joint- A rare injury with literature review.

Medial pivot dislocations are dislocation of talonavicular joint (TNJ) medially with calcaneum subluxate beneath the talus with intact calcaneocuboid joint and interosseous ligament. These dislocations have subtle incidence and are mostly related to high energy injuries. These dislocations are easy to reduce having good functional outcome if diagnosed early. We presented two cases of young active patients who sustained injury to their foot after fall from height and road traffic accident. There were diffuse swelling and tenderness over the foot. X-ray showed medial dislocation of TNJ. Closed reduction was done in both patients. One patient needs percutaneous K-wire fixation. At one year follow-up, foot was painless, stable with normal ankle and subtalar motion.

Medial swivel dislocation with impacted navicular bone into the talar head: A case report.

Medial swivel dislocation is a rare subtype of midtarsal bone dislocation, mostly associated with fracture rather than isolated dislocation. It is caused by medially or laterally direct forces to the midfoot. In case of failed closed reduction of the deformity, the patient should undergo open reduction and stabilization of the injury as soon as possible. We are presenting a 17-year-old, male, who sustained a left ankle injury and presented with a deformity, closed reduction of the deformity failed multiple times, and the patient was taken for open reduction and stabilization of the deformity in the operating theater. Intra-operatively, the dislocation was locked with the lateral process of the navicular being impacted into the taller head. Six months following the injury the patient was back to his pre-injury status and did not have any recurrent dislocation of the midfoot.

A Critical Appraisal of the Whack-a-Mole and Swivel Chair Signs in the Diagnosis of Functional Movement Disorders.

BACKGROUND: The demonstration of positive signs during neurological examination is a cornerstone of the diagnosis of functional movement disorders, however, the available data supporting the diagnostic value of some of these signs is limited. OBJECTIVES: To determine the diagnostic value (sensitivity and specificity) of the "whack-a-mole" (WAM) and "swivel chair" (SC) tests in patients with functional movement disorders (FMD). METHODS: We enrolled patients with functional and organic movements in the WAM test if they exhibited tremor, dystonia, myoclonus, chorea, or tics. For the SC test, patients with a gait disorder as their primary impairment were recruited. Two blinded movement disorder specialists rated the presence of these signs in edited videos. RESULTS: Inclusion criteria were met by 42 patients with FMD and 65 patients with organic movement disorders. Both tests demonstrated high specificity (means, 78% and 96%), but their sensitivity was low (means, 52% and 37%). Interobserver agreement for the WAM sign was 0.77 in the FMD group, against 0.28 in patients with organic movement disorders, whereas Movement Disorders Clinical Practice for Review Only for the SC sign was 0.69 in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates that physicians must be cautious in the application and interpretation of these clinical signs in the diagnosis of functional movement disorders, and they should be carefully considered and used as necessary.

Medial Swivel Dislocation of the Talonavicular Joint Due to High- Energy Trauma: A Case Report.

Introduction: Medial swivel type of talonavicular dislocation is a very rare injury; caused by high high-velocity trauma. This injury occurs due to forceful adduction of the forefoot without inversion of the foot; causing talonavicular joint to dislocate medially while calcaneum swivels under the talus with intact talocalcaeneal interosseous ligament and calcaneocuboid joint. Case Report: We report a case of 38-years-old male who had medial swivel injury to his right foot, sustaining a high- velocity road traffic accident with no other injuries. Conclusion: The occurrences, features, reduction maneuver, and follow follow-up protocol of medial swivel dislocation rare injury has have been presented. Even though it's it is a rare injury, good outcomes are still achievable with proper evaluation and treatment.

Medial swivel dislocation of talonavicular joint: a case report and literature review.

Midtarsal dislocations of the foot are rare injuries. Most descriptions of these injuries state that they develop due to high-energy trauma. We present a case of low-energy trauma leading to a medial swivel dislocation of the talonavicular joint, which was reduced by a closed method and immobilized in a cast. A 48-year-old non-diabetic male with no rheumatoid symptoms or any steroid injection suffered low-energy trauma to his right foot and presented to the emergency department with pain, tenderness and with his foot adducted. On X-rays and NCCT, it was found to be medial type swivel dislocation of the Talonavicular joint with a fractured base of the fifth metatarsal and talar head impaction fracture with talocalcaneal joint subluxation. Closed reduction under sedation was done successfully, which was stable on stressing under fluoroscopy, so the foot was immobilized in a cast without internal fixation. Talonavicular dislocations are rare injuries, with most of them requiring open reduction and internal fixation. Low-energy trauma can also lead to talonavicular dislocations, which, if stable after reduction, can be immobilized in a cast without internal fixation.

Effects of an integrated safety system for swivel seat arrangements in frontal crash.

Objective: Autonomous vehicles (Avs) have paved the way for the arrangement of swivel seats in vehicles, which could pose a challenge to traditional safety systems. The integration of automated emergency braking (AEB) and pre-pretension (PPT) seatbelts improves protection for a vehicle's occupant. The objective of this study is to explore the control strategies of an integrated safety system for swiveled seating orientations. Methods: Occupant restraints were examined in various seating configurations using a single-seat model with a seat-mounted seatbelt. Seat orientation was set at different angles, from -45° to 45° with 15° increments. A pretension was used on the shoulder belt to represent an active belt force cooperating with AEB. A generic full frontal vehicle pulse of 20 mph was applied to the sled. The occupant's kinematics response under various integrated safety system control strategies was analyzed by extracting a head pre-crash kinematics envelope. The injury values were calculated for various seating directions with or without an integrated safety system at the collision speed of 20 mph. Results: In a lateral movement, the excursions of the dummy head were 100 mm and 70 mm in the global coordinate system for negative and positive seat orientations, respectively. In the axial movement, the head traveled 150 mm and 180 mm in the global coordinate system for positive and negative seating directions, respectively. The 3-point seatbelt did not restrain the occupant symmetrically. The occupant experienced greater y-axis excursion and smaller x-axis excursion in the negative seat position. Various integrated safety system control strategies led to significant differences in head movement in the y direction. The integrated safety system reduced the occupant's potential injury risks in different seating positions. When the AEB and PPT were activated, the absolute HIC15, brain injury criteria (BrIC), neck injury (Nij), and chest deflection were reduced in most seating directions. However, the pre-crash increased the injury risks at some seating positions. Conclusion: The pre-pretension seatbelt could reduce the occupant's forward movement in the rotating seat positions in a pre-crash period. The occupant's pre-crash motion envelope was generated, which could be beneficial to future restraint systems and vehicle interior design. The integrated safety system could reduce injuries in different seating orientations.

Open-MAC: A low-cost open-source motorized commutator for electro- and opto-physiological recordings in freely moving rodents.

In vivo electro- and optophysiology experiments in rodents reveal the neural mechanisms underlying behavior and brain disorders but mostly involve a cable connection between an implant in the animal and an external recording device. Standard tethers with thin cables or non-motorized commutators require constant monitoring and often manual interference to untwist the cable. Motorized commutators offer a solution, but those few that are commercially available are expensive and often not adapted to widely used connector standards of the open-source community like 12-channel SPI. Here we introduce an open-source motorized all-in-one commutator (Open-MAC): a low-cost (240-390 EUR), low-torque motorized commutator that can operate with minimal audible noise in a torque-based mode relying on dual magnetic Hall sensors. It further includes electronics to operate in a torque-free, online pose-estimation-based mode, with future developments. Operation is controlled by an onboard microcontroller (XIAO SAMD21) powered by a USB-C cable or DC power supply. The body and movable parts are 3D-printed. Different Open-MAC versions can support electrophysiology with up to 64 recording channels using the Open-Ephys / IntanTM recording systems as well as miniature endoscope (miniscope) recordings using the UCLA Miniscope v3/4, and can host a fibre for optogenetic modulation.

Detection and Analysis of Bionic Motion Pose of Single Leg and Hip Joint Based on Random Process.

Based on the spectral representation method of random function and combined with memoryless nonlinear translation theory, this paper analyzes the transformation relationship between potential Gaussian random process and non-Gaussian random process, and successfully generates a stationary non-Gaussian random process that conforms to the target non-Gaussian random process. For the non-stationary non-Gaussian random process simulation, on the basis of the stationary Gaussian random process, the intensity non-stationary uniform modulation model is used to modulate it, and combined with the nonlinear translation theory, the non-stationary non-Gaussian random process conforming to the target non-Gaussian random process is obtained. Aiming at the single-leg bouncing model based on the flexible rotary hip joint, the stability of its bouncing motion under passive motion is studied, and the influence of the flexible hip rotary joint on the motion stability is analyzed by comparing the single-leg bouncing motion characteristics of the free rotary hip joint. Based on the inverse dynamic control of the air phase, the fixed point distribution of the single-leg bounce of the flexible rotary hip joint was improved, and the function of the flexible rotary hip joint in the energy conversion of the bouncing motion was studied by establishing the energy consumption evaluation function. The kinematic performance verification, dynamic performance verification, dynamic parameter identification verification, and modal experiment simulation analysis were carried out for the built experimental platform, and the comparison and analysis with its theoretical model were carried out. The results show that the theoretical motion trajectory of the test mobile platform is basically consistent with the actual motion trajectory in the X and Y directions, and there is a small error in the Z-axis direction, and the error is within an acceptable range, indicating that the experimental platform system can be used to simulate the human hip joint. There is a large error between the theoretical value of the driving torque calculated by the theoretical value of the dynamic parameters and the measured value, and the dynamic theoretical model cannot accurately predict the driving torque. The predicted value of the driving torque calculated by using the identification value of the dynamic parameters is in good agreement with the measured torque, and its confidence is increased by 10-16%, indicating that the dynamic parameter identification method in this paper has a high degree of confidence.

Analysis of the Effects of Lockdown on Staff and Students at Universities in Spain and Colombia Using Natural Language Processing Techniques.

The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of lockdown using natural language processing techniques, particularly sentiment analysis methods applied at large scale. Further, our work searches to analyze the impact of COVID-19 on the university community, jointly on staff and students, and with a multi-country perspective. The main findings of this work show that the most often related words were "family", "anxiety", "house", and "life". Besides this finding, we also have shown that staff have a slightly less negative perception of the consequences of COVID-19 in their daily life. We have used artificial intelligence models such as swivel embedding and a multilayer perceptron as classification algorithms. The performance that was reached in terms of accuracy metrics was 88.8% and 88.5% for students and staff, respectively. The main conclusion of our study is that higher education institutions and policymakers around the world may benefit from these findings while formulating policy recommendations and strategies to support students during this and any future pandemics.

Medial talonavicular dislocation with nondisplaced navicular fracture: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Talonavicular dislocation is a rare injury that usually occurs following high-energy trauma. The mechanism of injury is a force of abduction or adduction applied to the forefoot. In this article, we present a rare case of medial talonavicular dislocation with a fracture of the navicular following low-energy trauma. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a case of talonavicular dislocation with a navicular fracture in a 25-year-old male. He presented at the emergency department with a history of twisting injury to his left foot. Physical examination revealed an obvious deformity of his foot associated with tenderness. No neurological deficit was present. Radiograph and CT scan showed medial talonavicular dislocation and postero-lateral navicular fracture. Closed reduction was done followed by six weeks in a cast. The patient was followed up for six months and no complications were reported. DISCUSSION: Talonavicular dislocation is commonly associated with ligamentous disruption and midfoot fractures. Most studies reported this type of dislocation in association with a fracture of the navicular, cuboid, talus, calcaneus or metatarsal bones as a result of high-energy trauma. However, in our case, the dislocation resulted from low-energy trauma and was associated with a nondisplaced fracture of the navicular and a minimally impacted fracture of the talus that was treated conservatively. CONCLUSION: Since this type of dislocation is rare, it is important to recognize it early to avoid complications such as painful equinovarus deformity. Early reduction and immobilization is the ideal treatment for this injury.

Neglected medial swivel dislocation of talonavicular joint with calcaneus, cuboid and 5th metatarsal fractures - A case report.

Talonavicular dislocation is a rare injury. Isolated medial or lateral talonavicular dislocations without disruption of subtalar joint are known as medial or lateral swivel dislocations respectively, both being extremely rare. We describe a rare case of neglected medial swivel dislocation with concomitant calcaneus, cuboid and 5th metatarsal fracture, which was managed with open reduction and fixation of talonavicular joint with k-wires and an external distractor. At 1 year follow up the patient was mobilizing full weight bearing without any pain or deformity, the radiographs showing well located talonavicular joint and healed calcaneus, cuboid and 5th metatarsal fractures. This is the first reported case of medial swivel talonavicular dislocation with associated calcaneum, cuboid and 5th metatarsal fracture to the best of our knowledge. This case report highlights the importance of maintaining high level of suspicion for diagnosing midfoot injuries in a polytraumatized patient as well as need of accurate and timely reduction of dislocation for good functional outcome. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: Level 4.

Sentiment Analysis Techniques Applied to Raw-Text Data from a Csq-8 Questionnaire about Mindfulness in Times of COVID-19 to Improve Strategy Generation.

The use of artificial intelligence in health care has grown quickly. In this sense, we present our work related to the application of Natural Language Processing techniques, as a tool to analyze the sentiment perception of users who answered two questions from the CSQ-8 questionnaires with raw Spanish free-text. Their responses are related to mindfulness, which is a novel technique used to control stress and anxiety caused by different factors in daily life. As such, we proposed an online course where this method was applied in order to improve the quality of life of health care professionals in COVID 19 pandemic times. We also carried out an evaluation of the satisfaction level of the participants involved, with a view to establishing strategies to improve future experiences. To automatically perform this task, we used Natural Language Processing (NLP) models such as swivel embedding, neural networks, and transfer learning, so as to classify the inputs into the following three categories: negative, neutral, and positive. Due to the limited amount of data available-86 registers for the first and 68 for the second-transfer learning techniques were required. The length of the text had no limit from the user's standpoint, and our approach attained a maximum accuracy of 93.02% and 90.53%, respectively, based on ground truth labeled by three experts. Finally, we proposed a complementary analysis, using computer graphic text representation based on word frequency, to help researchers identify relevant information about the opinions with an objective approach to sentiment. The main conclusion drawn from this work is that the application of NLP techniques in small amounts of data using transfer learning is able to obtain enough accuracy in sentiment analysis and text classification stages.

An open source motorized swivel for in vivo neural and behavioral recordings.

In this work we propose an open source, cost-effective motorized swivel for behavioral and neural recordings in small rodents, offering a flexible solution for managing cable twisting and tangling in a variety of experimental settings with minimal human supervision.•The device operates independently of the data acquisition system, and it can be controlled through any popular platform such as Arduino or Raspberry Pi.•All mechanical parts are 3D-printed, allowing to customize the design to fit specific experimental needs, and electromechanical components can be sourced from all major distributors, keeping the cost for the entire system under $500.•The proposed commutator is compatible with commercial or custom data acquisition systems supporting up to 10 data lines (2 for LVDS signals) and 2 power lines.

Neglected medial swivel talonavicular dislocation treated with arthrodesis: A case report and literature review.

Talonavicular dislocation is a rare injury. It usually occurs in conjunction with a variety of midfoot and hindfoot injuries. Isolated medial or lateral talonavicular dislocations without disruption of subtalar joint are known as medial or lateral swivel dislocations respectively, both being extremely rare. We describe a case of neglected medial swivel dislocation with articular impaction injury of talar head, which was managed with open reduction and arthrodesis with two 4 mm cannulated cancellous screws. At 6 months follow-up, patient was pain free and walking full weight bearing. All movements were painless and there was no footwear related problems. Radiographs showed sound arthrodesis of talonavicular joint. Although a rare injury, good results can be obtained by prompt recognition and treatment. In neglected cases, arthrodesis of the talonavicular joint is a viable option, especially if articular injury is present.

Evaluation of users' experience and posture in a rotated swivel seating configuration.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate a car passenger's experience and actions in a rotated seat in terms of interaction with an adjacent passenger. METHODS: A static user study was conducted, using a stationary test vehicle with two front row seats facing rearwards. The seats were mounted on a swivel plate which allowed inboard rotation. Thirty-two participants in 16 test pairs were grouped based on stature; short or tall. The participants within each pair knew each other. Three seating configurations were evaluated; 0° and 10° and 20° inboard rotated position of both seats. The participants were seated in each seating configuration for 10 min; 5 min they engaged in a conversation with each other and 5 min they were watching media on an Ipad mounted in front of them. Subjective data from each participant on their experiences and preferences were collected through questionnaires, and objective data on sitting postures and eye gaze were collected through video recording. RESULTS: Ninety-two percent of the short participants preferred to sit in the 20° rotated seating configuration when watching media and 75% preferred the 20° seating configuration when engaged in conversation. Compared to short participants, the tall participants showed a relative larger spread in seating configuration preference; 15% and 30% of them preferred the reference position for media and conversation, respectively. Leg interference was common for tall participants when 20° inboard rotated. They perceived it uncomfortable and used various strategies to avoid contact, including crossing legs or feet. Time spent with mutual eye contact did not vary by seating configuration. CONCLUSIONS: This static user study shows that rotated seats could be a desired seating configuration in future autonomous vehicles for individuals who know each other. It reveals the reasons behind the preferences and the extent of desired seat rotation, showing differences between tall and short individuals. By understanding how occupant position and posture can be influenced by offering various seating configurations, the occupant can choose a comfortable position that is also safe. The leg and feet positions are raised as the body region with most variations and for which an increased understanding of influence in a crash is encouraged.

Swivel haptics anterior capsule-fixated intraocular lens.

The purpose of the study is to report the feasibility of implantation of a new design of anterior capsule-fixated intraocular lens (IOL). The new IOL design is a foldable, hydrophilic, open-loop posterior chamber IOL with two extra polymethyl methacrylate swivel haptics created on the optic surface to capture the anterior capsulotomy after the IOL is implanted in the bag. In the pilot phase, the new IOL was implanted in 10 eyes of 10 patients of which 8 eyes underwent phacoemulsification and 2 eyes had laser cataract surgery. The mean spherical equivalent changed from *1.75 D to -0.75 D at 6 months. Postoperatively, from 1 week to 6 months, all eyes showed stable refraction and anterior chamber depth with no evidence of decentration. Subjective questionnaire revealed high patient satisfaction with no complaints of dysphotopsia. No intra- or postoperative complications such as swivel haptic breakage, iris chafing, pigment dispersion, postoperative uveitis, or endophthalmitis occurred in any of the eyes necessitating explantation of the IOL. The new IOL design was feasible to implant and provided satisfactory outcomes in terms of no dysphotopsias and stable effective lens position.