Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction in Endurance Runners Using Wearable Technology as a Clinical Monitoring Tool: Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, researchers have delved into the relationship between the anatomy and biomechanics of sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain and dysfunction in endurance runners to elucidate the connection between lower back pain and the SIJ. However, the majority of SIJ pain and dysfunction cases are diagnosed and managed through a traditional athlete-clinician arrangement, where the athlete must attend regular in-person clinical appointments with various allied health professionals. Wearable sensors (wearables) are increasingly serving as a clinical diagnostic tool to monitor an athlete's day-to-day activities remotely, thus eliminating the necessity for in-person appointments. Nevertheless, the extent to which wearables are used in a remote setting to manage SIJ dysfunction in endurance runners remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to conduct a systematic review of the literature to enhance our understanding regarding the use of wearables in both in-person and remote settings for biomechanical-based rehabilitation in SIJ dysfunction among endurance runners. In addressing this issue, the overarching goal was to explore how wearables can contribute to the clinical diagnosis (before, during, and after) of SIJ dysfunction. METHODS: Three online databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, were searched using various combinations of keywords. Initially, a total of 4097 articles were identified. After removing duplicates and screening articles based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 45 articles were analyzed. Subsequently, 21 articles were included in this study. The quality of the investigation was assessed using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) evidence-based minimum set of items for reporting in systematic reviews. RESULTS: Among the 21 studies included in this review, more than half of the investigations were literature reviews focusing on wearable sensors in the diagnosis and treatment of SIJ pain, wearable movement sensors for rehabilitation, or a combination of both for SIJ gait analysis in an intelligent health care setting. As many as 4 (19%) studies were case reports, and only 1 study could be classified as fully experimental. One paper was classified as being at the "pre" stage of SIJ dysfunction, while 6 (29%) were identified as being at the "at" stage of classification. Significantly fewer studies attempted to capture or classify actual SIJ injuries, and no study directly addressed the injury recovery stage. CONCLUSIONS: SIJ dysfunction remains underdiagnosed and undertreated in endurance runners. Moreover, there is a lack of clear diagnostic or treatment pathways using wearables remotely, despite the availability of validated technology. Further research of higher quality is recommended to investigate SIJ dysfunction in endurance runners and explore the use of wearables for rehabilitation in remote settings.

Dust emission response to precipitation and temperature anomalies under different climatic conditions.

The dust-drought nexus has received more attention in recent years, particularly in light of global warming. This study aims to better understand the interacting role of temperature and precipitation climatology on global dust emission. Simulated global arid regions' dust emissions from 11 CMIP6 Earth System Models (ESMs) (65 years from 1950 to 2014) and MERRA2 reanalysis (41 years from 1980 to 2020) are analyzed. We calculate dust emission sensitivity to precipitation and temperature using multiple linear regression with near-surface (10 m) wind speed, precipitation, and 2 m air temperature as predictors. The results show that simulated dust emission from most models is significantly correlated with precipitation and temperature over large arid dust source regions. All ESMs show both positive and negative dust emission sensitivity to precipitation (ßP) and temperature (ßT). The climatological mean state affects the strength of the relationships. The precipitation sensitivity is larger over the cold regions while the temperature sensitivity is larger in wet regions. The precipitation sensitivity symmetrically increases with latitude due to the variability of temperature with latitude. Future changes to mean temperature and precipitation have competing effects on dust emission and are likely to alter the hemispheric balance of atmospheric dust.

Surviving an out-of-hospital hypothermic cardiac arrest in the United Kingdom.

Introduction: Hypothermia is an uncommon cause of cardiac arrest in the United Kingdom, and more commonly occurs in countries experiencing avalanches and significant winter climates; however, this case demonstrates that the presentation can occur in the United Kingdom. This case adds to a body of evidence that prolonged resuscitation can be successful in patients suffering a cardiac arrest secondary to hypothermia, leading to a good neurological outcome. Case presentation: The patient suffered a witnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest following rescue from a free-flowing river, and underwent prolonged resuscitation. The patient presented in persistent ventricular fibrillation, unresponsive to defibrillation attempts. An oesophageal probe recorded the patient's temperature as 24°C. Rescuers were guided by the Resuscitation Council UK advanced life support algorithm to withhold drug therapy and limit defibrillation attempts to three, until the patient had been rewarmed to above 30°C. Appropriate triage of the patient to an extracorporeal life support (ECLS) capable centre allowed specialised treatment to be initiated, and culminated in successful resuscitation once normothermia was restored. After a short stay in intensive care, the patient was discharged for rehabilitation due to a hypoxic spinal cord injury before discharge home. Conclusion: This case highlights that hypothermia is a reversible cause of cardiac arrest, which needs to be recognised and acted upon appropriately to provide the best possible chance for a positive outcome. Low-reading thermometers capable of identifying the temperature thresholds stated in the Resuscitation Council UK guidelines are required, to allow clinicians to adapt their practice according to the presenting situation. Tympanic thermometers are often limited to their lowest recordable temperature, and invasive monitoring such as oesophageal or rectal probes are not common in UK ambulance service practice. With the necessary equipment, patients can be triaged to an ECLS-capable centre, allowing them to receive the specialist rewarming that they require.

Float like a Butterfly: Comparison between Off and On-Ice Torso Kinematics during the Butterfly Stance in Ice Hockey Goalkeepers.

In ice hockey, the butterfly style/stance is a technique distinguished by the goalkeepers (goalie) dropping to their knees to block attempts to score. Although this goalie style has been around for many years, comparisons between on and off-ice attire has not been undertaken. Therefore, this preliminary study compared differences in torso acceleration and energy expenditure by way of the Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) during off-ice and on-ice butterfly stances/saves. Seven participants each performed 8 on-ice butterfly saves/stances whilst wearing full hockey attire followed by 8 off-ice butterfly stances without wearing full hockey attire whilst torso acceleration was collected. The off-ice movement significantly increased vertical torso acceleration (p < 0.01, d > 0.90) with increased MET, compared to on-ice motion. Despite no significant difference in anteroposterior and mediolateral torso kinematics, vector magnitudes were significantly greater (p < 0.01, d > 0.90) when the stance was performed off-ice. The increased vertical acceleration observed when goalies performed the movement off-ice could be due to a failure to maintain adequate posture without the support of the external load. The results of this study may help inform off-ice training interventions for ice hockey goalkeeping.

Respiratory Effects of the Atypical Tricyclic Antidepressant Tianeptine in Human Models of Opioid-induced Respiratory Depression.

BACKGROUND: Animal data suggest that the antidepressant and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor modulator tianeptine is able to prevent opioid-induced respiratory depression. The hypothesis was that oral or intravenous tianeptine can effectively prevent or counteract opioid-induced respiratory depression in humans. METHODS: Healthy male and female volunteers participated in two studies that had a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design. First, oral tianeptine (37.5-, 50-, and 100-mg doses with 8 subjects) pretreatment followed by induction of alfentanil-induced respiratory depression (alfentanil target concentration, 100 ng/ml) was tested. Primary endpoint was ventilation at an extrapolated end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration of 55 mmHg (V̇E55). Next, the ability of four subsequent and increasing infusions of intravenous tianeptine (target tianeptine plasma concentrations 400, 1,000, 1,500, and 2,000 ng/ml, each given over 15 min) to counteract remifentanil-induced respiratory depression was determined in 15 volunteers. Ventilation was measured at isohypercpania (baseline ventilation 20 ± 2 l/min). The primary endpoint was minute ventilation during the 60 min of tianeptine versus placebo infusion. RESULTS: Alfentanil reduced V̇E55 to 13.7 (95% CI, 8.6 to 18.8) l/min after placebo pretreatment and to 17.9 (10.2 to 25.7) l/min after 50-mg tianeptine pretreatment (mean difference between treatments 4.2 (-11.5 to 3.0) l/min, P = 0.070). Intravenous tianeptine in the measured concentration range of 500 to 2,000 ng/ml did not stimulate ventilation but instead worsened remifentanil-induced respiratory depression: tianeptine, 9.6 ± 0.8 l/min versus placebo 15.0 ± 0.9 l/min; mean difference, 5.3 l/min; 95% CI, 2.5 to 8.2 l/min; P = 0.001, after 1 h of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Neither oral nor intravenous tianeptine were respiratory stimulants. Intravenous tianeptine over the concentration range of 500 to 2000 ng/ml worsened respiratory depression induced by remifentanil.

Variability of the Center of Mass in Trained Triathletes in Running After Cycling: A Preliminary Study Conducted in a Real-Life Setting.

While the sport of short-distance (Sprint) triathlon provides an opportunity to research the effect of the center of mass (CoM) when cycling and running, much remains to be done. The literature has failed to consistently or adequately report how changes to hand position influence subsequent running as inferred by the magnitude of CoM acceleration. The demands of cycle training in a drops and aerodynamic position followed by running remain unquantified in Sprint Distance triathlon. Thus, far data collected indicate that the cycle to run transition (T2) is important for overall race success. While many age-groupers participate in Sprint Distance triathlon, the lack of T2 based research make comparisons between cycle hand position and ensuing running difficult. The motion of the human body when cycling and running in triathlon can be described by the motion of its CoM in a local coordinate system. Unobtrusive wearable sensors have proven to be an informative resource to monitor the magnitude of CoM accelerations in running. However, the extent to which they are used in cycling is unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyse the temporal magnitudes of CoM acceleration when cycling position and cadence is changed and to analyse these effects on running after cycling. Ten recreational triathletes completed two 20 km cycling trials at varied cadence in a drops position (parts of the handlebars that curve outward, CycleDrops) and an aerodynamic position (arms bent, forearms parallel to the ground, CycleAero) immediately followed by a 5 km run at self-selected pace. Torso kinematics by way of CoM acceleration magnitude were captured in a typical training setting using a triaxial accelerometer. CoM acceleration was quantified in m/s2 and variability was measured by the coefficient of variation (CV) and root mean square (RMS). Results from CycleAero indicated that acceleration of the CoM in longitudinal (CV = 1%) and mediolateral directions (CV = 3%) was significantly reduced (p < 0.001) compared to CycleDrops. As for rate of perceived exertion (RPE), a significant difference was observed with triathletes reporting higher values in CycleAero alongside a greater CoM acceleration magnitude in the anteroposterior direction. The CoM varied significantly from RunAero with less longitudinal (CV = 0.2, p < 0.001) and mediolateral acceleration observed (CV = 7.5%, p < 0.001) compared to RunDrops. Although greater longitudinal acceleration was observed in the initial 1 km epoch of RunAero, triathletes then seemingly adjusted their CoM trajectory to record lower magnitudes until completion of the 5 km run, completing the run quicker compared to RunDrops (22.56 min1 ± 0.2, 23.34 min1 ± 0.5, p < 0.001, CV = 1.3%). Coaches may look to use triaxial accelerometers to monitor performance in both cycling and running after cycling.

Impact of Centre-of-Mass Acceleration on Perceived Exertion, the Metabolic Equivalent and Heart Rate Reserve in Triathlete Spin Cycling: a Pilot Study.

Indoor spin cycling has gained popularity as a training modality for triathletes. Part of its appeal is that it can form a component of a structured periodised training program and provide an alternative to outdoor cycling. Indices of physiological components (i.e., the metabolic equivalent, caloric cost, perceived exertion) and changes in the body position can be inferred by wearable technology such as an accelerometer. This pilot study aimed to investigate the relationship between the rating of perceived exertion, heart rate reserve, and the metabolic equivalent between the whole body centre of mass acceleration using a sacrum mounted triaxial accelerometer during 20 minutes of 6 varied power conditions of indoor spin cycling. Compared with other conditions, cycling at a steady state (>152-205 W) resulted in extremely large effects (> 0.9) in mediolateral acceleration and the rating of perceived exertion (p < 0.0001). The relationship between the body position (aerodynamic to drops) induced significant changes in anteroposterior acceleration magnitude (p < 0.0001), although moving from drops to the aerodynamic position was not significant despite a large increase in heart rate reserve and extremely large effects of perceived exertion. The rating of perceived exertion scale and the metabolic equivalent comparative to the whole body centre of mass acceleration magnitude and power displayed a strong correlation (r = 0.865). An individually determined whole body centre of mass accelerations combined with perceived exertion, the metabolic equivalent and heart rate reserve could potentially contribute to improved indoor triathlete spin cycling performance.

The Effect of Cleat Position on Running Using Acceleration-Derived Data in the Context of Triathlons.

Appropriate cycling cleat adjustment could improve triathlon performance in both cycling and running. Prior recommendations regarding cleat adjustment have comprised aligning the first metatarsal head above the pedal spindle or somewhat forward. However, contemporary research has questioned this approach in triathlons due to the need to run immediately after cycling. Subsequently, moving the pedal cleat posteriorly could be more appropriate. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a triaxial accelerometer to determine acceleration magnitudes of the trunk in outdoor cycling in two different bicycle cleat positions and the consequential impact on trunk acceleration during running. Seven recreational triathletes performed a 20 km cycle and a 5 km run using their own triathlon bicycle complete with aerodynamic bars and gearing. Interpretation of data was evaluated based on cadence changes whilst triathletes cycled in an aerodynamic position in two cleat positions immediately followed by a self-paced overground run. The evaluation of accelerometer-derived data within a characteristic overground setting suggests a significant increase in total trunk acceleration magnitude during cycling with a posterior cleat with significant increases to longitudinal acceleration (p = 0.04) despite a small effect (d = 0.2) to the ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Cycling with a posterior cleat significantly reduced longitudinal trunk acceleration in running and overall acceleration magnitudes (p < 0.0001) with a large effect size (d = 0.9) and a significant reduction in RPE (p = 0.02). In addition, running after cycling in a posterior cleat was faster compared to running after cycling in a standard cleat location. Practically, the magnitude of trunk acceleration during cycling in a posterior cleat position as well as running after posterior cleat cycling differed from that when cycling in the fore-aft position followed by running. Therefore, the notion that running varies after cycling is not merely an individual athlete's perception, but a valid observation that can be modified when cleat position is altered. Training specifically with a posterior cleat in cycling might improve running performance when trunk accelerations are analysed.

Evaluation of Accelerometer-Derived Data in the Context of Cycling Cadence and Saddle Height Changes in Triathlon.

In the multisport of triathlon cycling is the longest of the three sequential disciplines. Triathlon bicycles differ from road bicycles with steeper seat tube angles with a change to saddle height altering the seat tube angle. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a tri axial accelerometer to determine acceleration magnitudes of the trunk in outdoor cycling in two saddle positions. Interpretation of data was evaluated based on cadence changes whilst triathletes cycled in an aerodynamic position in two saddle positions. The evaluation of accelerometer derived data within a characteristic overground setting suggests a significant reduction in mediolateral acceleration of the trunk, yielding a 25.1% decrease when saddle height was altered alongside reduced rate of perceived exertion (3.9%). Minimal differences were observed in anteroposterior and longitudinal acceleration. Evaluation of sensor data revealed a polynomial expression of the subtle changes between both saddle positions. This study shows that a triaxial accelerometer has capability to continuously measure acceleration magnitude of trunk movements during an in-the-field, varied cadence cycle protocol. Accessible and practical sensor technology could be relevant for postural considerations when exploring saddle position in dynamic settings.

The Trajectory of Two Decades of Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management and Flexibility Research: A Bibliometric Analysis.

In the year 2020, the Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management (GJFSM) has celebrated its two decades of publication. This study is an attempt to commemorate the two decades of publication by presenting the overview of the GJFSM along with the trajectory of flexibility research in various journals. By using multiple bibliometric tools and indicators, the study finds that the GJFSM has grown over the years in terms of total publications and citations. The contributors are from across the globe, i.e., South America, North America, Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Pacific. The Journal publishes several flexibility areas, including information systems flexibility, financial flexibility, supply chain flexibility, technology management flexibility, marketing flexibility, organizational flexibility, strategic flexibility, and manufacturing flexibility. The GJFSM is cited by authors from various countries across the globe. It has been cited across different Scopus categorizations, including "Strategy and Management," "Business and International Management," "General Business, Management and Accounting," "Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering," and "Management Science and Operations Research." Keyword co-occurrences analysis helps to analyze the various groups of keywords cited together in the GJFSM. Co-citation analysis of references helps to identify crucial clusters of GJFSM, i.e., strategic flexibility, manufacturing flexibility, the conceptual framework of flexibility, supply chain flexibility, modeling flexibility, and application of TISM. Overall, GJFSM has seen an increase in both publications and citations, reflecting its increasing presence among the journals publishing flexibility research. The diversity of flexibility research and its contributions to research under-one-roof make this Journal unique. The paper concludes with the gap areas of flexibility research and the way forward.

A Phase 2 Study of AMO-02 (Tideglusib) in Congenital and Childhood-Onset Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1).

BACKGROUND: GSK3ß is an intracellular regulatory kinase that is dysregulated in multiple tissues in type 1 myotonic dystrophy, a rare neuromuscular disorder that manifests at any age. AMO-02 (tideglusib) inhibits GSK3ß activity in preclinical models of type 1 myotonic dystrophy and promotes cellular maturation as well as normalizes aberrant molecular and behavioral phenotypes. This phase 2 study assessed the pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of AMO-02 in adolescents and adults with congenital and childhood-onset type 1 myotonic dystrophy. METHODS: Sixteen subjects (aged 13 to 34 years) with congenital and childhood-onset type 1 myotonic dystrophy received 12 weeks of single-blind fixed-dose oral treatment with either 400 mg (n = 8) or 1000 mg (n = 8) AMO-02 (NCT02858908). Blood samples were obtained for pharmacokinetic assessment. Safety assessments, such as laboratory tests and electrocardiograms, as well as efficacy assessments of syndromal, cognitive, and muscular functioning, were obtained. RESULTS: AMO-02 plasma concentrations conformed to a two-compartment model with first-order absorption and elimination, and dose-dependent increases in exposure (area under the curve) were observed. AMO-02 was generally safe and well-tolerated. No early discontinuations due to adverse events or dose adjustments of AMO-02 occurred. The majority of subjects manifested clinical improvement in their central nervous system and neuromuscular symptoms after 12 weeks of treatment compared with the placebo baseline, with a larger response noted at the 1000 mg/day dose level. AMO-02 exposure (cumulative area under the curve) was significantly correlated (P < 0.01) with change from baseline on several key efficacy assessments. CONCLUSION: AMO-02 has favorable pharmacokinetic and clinical risk/benefit profiles meriting further study as a potential treatment for congenital and childhood-onset type 1 myotonic dystrophy.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on paediatric orthopaedic trauma workload in central London: a multi-centre longitudinal observational study over the "golden weeks".

Background and purpose - The COVID-19 pandemic has been recognised as an unprecedented global health crisis. This study assesses the impact on a large acute paediatric hospital service in London, evaluating the trends in the acute paediatric orthopaedic trauma referral caseload and operative casemix before (2019) and during (2020) COVID-19 lockdown. Patients and methods - A longitudinal retrospective observational prevalence study of both acute paediatric orthopaedic trauma referrals and operative caseload was performed for the first 6 "golden weeks" of lockdown. These data were compared with the same period in 2019. Statistical analyses included median (± median absolute deviation), risk and odds ratios as well as Fisher's exact test to calculate the statistical significance, set at p ≤ 0.05. Results - Acute paediatric trauma referrals in 2020 were reduced by two-thirds compared with 2019 (n = 302 vs. 97) with a halving risk (RR 0.55) and odds ratios (OR 0.43) of sporting-related mechanism of injuries (p = 0.002). There was a greater use of outpatient telemedicine in the COVID-19 period with more Virtual Fracture Clinic use (OR 97, RR 84, p < 0.001), and fewer patients being seen for consultation and followed up face to face (OR 0.55, RR 0.05, p < 0.001). Interpretation - The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a decline in the number of acute paediatric trauma referrals, admissions, and operations during the COVID period. There has also been a significant change in the patient pathway with more being reviewed via the means of telemedicine to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission and exposure. More work is required to observe for similar trends nationwide and globally as the pandemic has permanently affected the entire healthcare infrastructure.

Super-Flexibility in Practice: Insights from a Crisis.

Flexibility is intuitively valued as a means of dynamically adapting to uncertainty. Historically, it has been especially prized during times of crisis. This is clearly demonstrated today as the current Coronavirus crisis is unfolding; there are many different dimensions of flexibility, ranging from versatility, agility, and resilience, to hedging, robustness and liquidity. For convenience, we fuse these terms together under the conceptual umbrella of "super-flexibility". We define super-flexibility as a dynamic capability to simultaneously withstand turbulence AND adapt to fluid reality. Our field research has focused on how companies in Silicon Valley embrace uncertainty and drive adaptation. In this paper, we draw on the experience of a manufacturing firm facing the floods that hit Thailand in October 2011. The crisis enabled us to observe a situation in which the different nuances of flexibility collectively came into play within a compressed time-frame. In this paper, we showcase the practical application of super-flexibility in a crisis. First, we describe the conceptual foundations of flexibility and its different nuances. We then examine the chronology of the crisis as events unfolded. We conclude by distilling a number of "super-flexibility" lessons for business leaders.

Use of ketamine sedation for the management of displaced paediatric forearm fractures.

AIM: To determine if ketamine sedation is a safe and cost effective way of treating displaced paediatric radial and ulna fractures in the emergency department. METHODS: Following an agreed interdepartmental protocol, fractures of the radius and ulna (moderately to severely displaced) in children between the age of 2 and 16 years old, presenting within a specified 4 mo period, were manipulated in our paediatric emergency department. Verbal and written consent was obtained prior to procedural sedation to ensure parents were informed and satisfied to have ketamine. A single attempt at manipulation was performed. Pre and post manipulation radiographs were requested and assessed to ensure adequacy of reduction. Parental satisfaction surveys were collected after the procedure to assess the perceived quality of treatment. After closed reduction and cast immobilisation, patients were then followed-up in the paediatric outpatient fracture clinic and functional outcomes measured prospectively. A cost analysis compared to more formal manipulation under a general anaesthetic was also undertaken. RESULTS: During the 4 mo period of study, 10 closed, moderate to severely displaced fractures were identified and treated in the paediatric emergency department using our ketamine sedation protocol. These included fractures of the growth plate (3), fractures of both radius and ulna (6) and a single isolated proximal radius fracture. The mean time from administration of ketamine until completion of the moulded plaster was 20 min. The mean time interval from sedation to full recovery was 74 min. We had no cases of unacceptable fracture reduction and no patients required any further manipulation, either in fracture clinic or under a more formal general anaesthetic. There were no serious adverse events in relation to the use of ketamine. Parents, patients and clinicians reported extremely favourable outcomes using this technique. Furthermore, compared to using a manipulation under general anaesthesia, each case performed under ketamine sedation was associated with a saving of £1470, the overall study saving being £14700. CONCLUSION: Ketamine procedural sedation in the paediatric population is a safe and cost effective method for the treatment of displaced fractures of the radius and ulna, with high parent satisfaction rates.

DNA nanoswitch as a biosensor.

We present a new type of DNA switch, based on the Holliday junction, that uses a combination of binding and conformational switching to enable specific label-free detection of DNA and RNA. We show that a single RNA oligonucleotide species can be detected in a complex mixture of extracted cellular RNA and demonstrate that by exploiting different aspects of the switch characteristics we can achieve 30-fold discrimination between single-nucleotide mismatches in a DNA oligonucleotide.

Improved silicon nitride surfaces for next-generation microarrays.

This work reports how the use of a standard integrated circuit (IC) fabrication process can improve the potential of silicon nitride layers as substrates for microarray technology. It has been shown that chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) substantially improves the fluorescent intensity of positive control gene and test gene microarray spots on both low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) and plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) silicon nitride films, while maintaining a low fluorescent background. This results in the improved discrimination of low expressing genes. The results for the PECVD silicon nitride, which has been previously reported as unsuitable for microarray spotting, are particularly significant for future devices that hope to incorporate microelectronic control and analysis circuitry, due to the film's use as a final passivating layer.

Detection of hydrogen peroxide at mesoporous platinum microelectrodes.

Mesoporous (H(I)-ePt) platinum microelectrodes electrodeposited from the hexagonal (H(I)) lyotropic liquid crystalline phase are shown to be excellent amperometric sensors for the detection of hydrogen peroxide over a wide range of concentrations. Good reproducibility, high precision, and accuracy of measurements are demonstrated. Mesoporous microelectrodes retain the high rates of mass transport typical of conventional microelectrodes, and their high real surface area greatly enhances their catalytic activity. This unique combination of properties overcomes the limitations of previous amperometric hydrogen peroxide sensors and yields outstanding qualitative and quantitative results.