Development of an online hydrogen fuel quality analyzer with gas chromatography-pulsed discharge helium ionization detector for applying hydrogen infrastructures.

Hydrogen fuel, which is essential for the hydrogen economy, including hydrogen cell vehicles, must be of high quality for optimal hydrogen cell use. Currently, hydrogen fuel quality control is mainly done by offline analysis with periodic sampling. However, with the anticipated surge in hydrogen charging stations, there's a pressing need for cost-effective, high-throughput online analysis systems. Additionally, the miniaturization of these analytical instruments for field application is also a challenge. In this study, we present a compact, real-time hydrogen fuel analyzer based on gas chromatography with a pulsed discharge helium ionization detector. Its dual-column system efficiently analyzes major impurities in hydrogen fuel in less than 30 min. Indicator species (CO, CO2, CH4, O2, N2, and additional hydrogen sulfide [H2S]) are determined by examining hydrogen production and supply processes. The analyzer's measurement capability is consistent with µmol/mol-level analysis, providing valuable real-time information for hydrogen infrastructure managers. Additionally, it can analyze H2S, a crucial marker of sulfur compounds acting as catalytic poisons in fuel cells. This real-time analyzer offers efficient, informed decision-making support for hydrogen infrastructure managers, enhancing the overall reliability of hydrogen fuel in fuel-cell electric vehicles.

Detachable Trap Preconcentrator with a Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer for the Analysis of Trace Halogenated Greenhouse Gases.

A detachable trap preconcentrator coupled with a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) was developed for measuring trace amounts of anthropogenic halogenated greenhouse gases such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3). Hayesep D cooled to -135 °C was used as an adsorbent for preconcentrating the target analytes. A differential trapping method was applied to remove major interfering substances such as CO2, N2, and O2 in order to ensure sufficient sampling volume of secondary injection trap. This was accomplished without using any CO2-removal agent such as molecular sieve adsorbents. Consequently, the temperature of the primary transfer trap was set to -75 °C for selective desorption of a significant amount of CO2 that could be vented out. In the meantime, the major components of air, e.g., N2 and O2, were vented out before transferring the analytes to the secondary injection trap, in order to protect the gas plumbing from pressure shock induced by rapid temperature ramping over 100 °C/min in the secondary trap. When the traps were heated, linear motion was operated to detach them from the copper baseplate on the freezer, thereby restricting heat transfer to the freezer and maintaining the freezer close to the background temperature of -135 °C. This trap design is a key improvement to address the insufficient cooling capacity of the employed freezer, allowing sensitive detection of trace halogenated greenhouse gases in GC-MS. NF3 and various HFCs at ambient levels were quantitatively and qualitatively measured with a precision of 0.35% at rates below 45 min/cycle. In particular, the limit of detection for NF3 was evaluated to be 0.2 pmol/mol, with linear responses at ambient concentration.

Gravimetric Standard Gas Mixtures for Global Monitoring of Atmospheric SF6.

In this study, standard gas mixtures of SF6 in synthetic air were gravimetrically developed as a suite consisting of 6 mixtures with mole fractions of SF6 ranging from 5 to 15 pmol/mol. For precision in weighing the gas fills, an automatic weighing system coupled with a high sensitivity mass balance was used and a gravimetry precision of 3 mg (2σ) was achieved. Impurity profiles of the raw gases were determined by various analyzers. In particular, sub pmol/mol levels of SF6 in the matrix components (N2, O2, and Ar) were carefully measured, since the mole fraction of SF6 in the final step can be significantly biased by this trace amount of SF6 in the raw gases of the matrix components. Gravimetric dilution of SF6 by purity-assessed N2 was performed in 6 steps to achieve a mole fraction of 440 pmol/mol. In the final step, O2 and Ar were added to mimic the atmospheric composition. Gravimetric fractions of SF6 and the associated standard uncertainty in each step were computed according to the ISO 6142 and JCGM 100:2008, respectively, and validated experimentally. Eventually, the SF6 fraction uncertainty of the standard gas mixtures combined by uncertainties of gravimetric preparation and verification measurements were found to be nominally 0.08% at a 95% confidence interval. A comparison with independent calibration standards from NOAA shows agreement within 0.49%, satisfying the extended WMO compatibility goal, 0.05 ppt.

Measuring cloud droplet effective radius and liquid water content using changes in degree of linear polarization along cloud depth.

Two important parameters of liquid clouds are the cloud effective size (CES) and liquid water content (LWC). To measure these parameters, we have used two multiple scattering depolarization effects: (1) the slope of the degree of linear polarization (SLDLP) at the cloud base, and (2) the saturated degree of linear polarization (SADLP) at infinite altitude. We used Monte Carlo simulation to validate this method, with the assumption that the water cloud droplet size follows a Gamma distribution. From our calculation, we find that although the SADLP varies with both extinction coefficient (or LWC) and the CES, the SLDLP varies only with the extinction coefficient. After extracting the extinction coefficient using the SLDLP, we can easily obtain the CES using the SADLP. As a result, we found that the CES and the LWC can be extracted from the experimental parameters of SLDLP and SADLP, which can be easily measured using a single wavelength depolarization LIDAR.

Significant impact of the covid-19 pandemic on methane emissions evaluated by comprehensive statistical analysis of satellite data.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced various aspects of society, including environmental factors such as methane emissions. This study investigates the changes in methane concentrations in Seoul, South Korea, from 2019 to 2023, using TROPOMI satellite data and rigorous statistical analyses. The normality of the sample data is first assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk (S-W) and Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) tests, indicating that the data can be considered to come from a normal distribution. The S-W test demonstrated superior discriminative power (highest statistical power: 0.8668) compared to the K-S test (highest statistical power: 0.4002), confirming the validity of parametric tests for our data. The S-W test shows better discriminative power than the K-S test in terms of sensitivity to departures from normality, particularly for small sample sizes. Based on this confirmation, parametric tests such as analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc tests (Bonferroni correction, Tukey's HSD, Scheffe's method) are employed to identify significant differences in methane levels across different years. The ANOVA results show a statistically significant difference in methane concentrations across years (p-value: 2.02 × 10 - 13 , F-value: 26.572). Post-hoc analyses reveal no significant difference in methane concentrations between 2019 and 2020 (p-values: Bonferroni - 0.1045, Tukey's HSD - 0.397, Scheffe's - 0.1045), and no significant difference between 2020 and 2021 (p-values: Bonferroni - 0.917, Tukey's HSD - 0.840, Scheffe's - 0.917). However, a significant increase in methane levels is observed from 2022 to 2023 (p-values: Bonferroni - 0.0001, Tukey's HSD - 0.0002, Scheffe's - 0.0001), correlating with the "new normal" policy implemented in South Korea starting in November 2021 and effectively from the beginning of 2022. This suggests that changes in industrial activities and transportation patterns due to the "new normal" have contributed to higher methane emissions. Student's t-test and Welch's t-test were used to validate the ANOVA results. Permutation tests showed no significant difference between 2019 and 2020 (test statistic: -0.0096, p-values: 0.1191 for Student's and 0.1156 for Welch's). However, a significant difference was found between 2022 and 2023 (test statistic: -0.0172, p-value: 0.0001), confirming ANOVA results that indicated increased methane levels post-pandemic. This study provides a robust quantitative assessment of the pandemic's impact on methane levels and sets a methodological statistical approach for future research in the environmental research community.

Safety and efficacy of acupuncture for mild cognitive impairment: a study protocol for clinical study.

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an intermediary condition between typical cognitive decline that occurs owing to aging and dementia. It is necessary to implement an intervention to slow the progression from MCI to Alzheimer's disease. This manuscript reports the protocol for a clinical trial on the effect of acupuncture in patients with MCI. Methods: The trial will be a randomized, prospective, parallel-arm, active-controlled trial. Sixty-four patients with MCI will be randomized to the Rehacom or acupuncture group (n = 32 each). The participants in the acupuncture group will receive electroacupuncture at GV24 (Shenting) and GV20 (Baihui) and acupuncture at EX-HN1 (Sishencong) once (30 min) a day, twice per week for 12 weeks. The patients in the Rehacom group will receive computerized cognitive rehabilitation using RehaCom software once (30 min) daily, twice weekly for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure is the change in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale score. The secondary outcome measures are the Geriatric Depression Scale, Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Korean version-cognitive subscale-3 scores, and European Quality of Life Five Dimensions Five Level Scale. The safety outcomes will include the incidence of adverse events, blood pressure, blood chemistry parameters, and pulse rate. The efficacy outcome will be assessed at baseline and at six weeks, 13 weeks, and 24 weeks after baseline. Discussion: The findings of this protocol will provide information regarding the effects of acupuncture on MCI. Clinical trial registration: https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do?search_lang=E&focus=reset_12&search_page=M&pageSize=10&page=undefined&seq=25579&status=5&seq_group=25579, KCT0008861.

Age-related changes in two-pore domain acid-sensitive K⁺ channel expression in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons.

1. Two-pore domain K⁺ (K(2P) ) channel expression influences brain development. The K(2P) channels, including two-pore domain acid-sensitive K⁺ (TASK) channels, contribute to the setting of the resting membrane potential of neurons. In addition to neurons in the brain, dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons also express K(2P) channels. The aim of the present study was to identify postnatal changes in the expression of TASK channels in DRG neurons. 2. Expression of TASK channels (TASK-1, TASK-2 and TASK-3) was compared between neonatal (postnatal Day (P) 1 or P2) and adult (P120) rat DRG using semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot analysis, immunostaining and the patch-clamp technique. 3. In adult (P120) rat DRG, expression of TASK-2 mRNA and protein was downregulated, whereas TASK-3 mRNA and protein expression was upregulated. There were no consistent changes in TASK-1 mRNA and protein expression. Single-channel recordings showed very low TASK-2- and TASK-3-like channel expression in P1-P2 DRG neurons (∼10% in TASK-2 and ∼3% in TASK-3). In P120 DRG, there was a reduction in the detection of TASK-2-like channels, whereas the detection of TASK-3-like channels increased. 4. These results show that TASK-2 and TASK-3 mRNA and protein expression undergoes age-related changes in DRG neurons, indicating that TASK-2 and TASK-3 channels are likely to contribute to the setting of the resting membrane potential of DRG neurons in neonates and adults, separately or together, during DRG development.

Efficacy of invasive laser acupuncture in treating chronic non-specific low back pain: A randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed to provide preliminary evidence for the efficacy of invasive laser acupuncture (ILA) for chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP). This was a single-center, randomized, patient and assessor-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm, clinical trial with a 1:1:1 allocation ratio that included a full analysis set. Forty-five participants with CNLBP were randomly assigned to the control group (sham laser), 650 group (650 nm-wavelength ILA), or 830 group (830 nm-wavelength ILA) (n = 15/group). All participants received ILA for 10 min, followed by electroacupuncture for 10 min on the same day. The treatment was performed once per day, twice per week for 4 weeks at bilateral BL23, BL24, BL25, and GB30. The primary outcome was the among-group difference of changes in the visual analog scale (VAS) scores at intervention endpoint (week 4). The secondary outcomes were the among-group difference of changes in VAS at 4 weeks after intervention completion (week 8), those in the Korean version of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the European Quality of Life Five-Dimension- Five-Level (EQ-5D-5L) at intervention endpoint (week 4) and 4 weeks after intervention completion (week 8). The VAS scores of the 650 group decreased significantly compared with those of the control group (p = 0.047; week 4 vs. week 0). The ODI scores of the 650 group (p = 0.018, week 4 vs. week 0; p = 0.006, week 8 vs. week 0) and 830 group (p = 0.014, week 4 vs. week 0) decreased significantly compared with those of the control group. There was no adverse event related to ILA and no significant difference in changes in vital signs among the three groups. The 650 group showed significant improvements in pain intensity and functional disability. The 830 group showed significant improvements in functional disability. Therefore, ILA therapy at 650 nm and 830 nm wavelengths can be used to treat CNLBP.

Cognitive improvement effects of Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan (Cheonwangbosimdan) in patients with mild cognitive impairment: protocol for a randomized placebo-controlled pilot clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: It is important to develop effective treatments to prevent the progress of mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease. Cheonwangbosimdan has been widely prescribed for palpitation, anxiety, insomnia, and memory decline. We aimed to obtain clinical trial data concerning the safety and efficacy of Cheonwangbosimdan for mild cognitive impairment. METHODS: This clinical trial would be a single-center, double-blinded, parallel-arm, prospective, randomized controlled trial. Forty-eight participants with mild cognitive impairment would be randomly allocated evenly to the placebo or Cheonwangbosimdan groups. Participants will be educated on self-management and exercise at baseline and will receive the trial medication (Cheonwangbosimdan group, Cheonwangbosimdan; placebo group, placebo) once daily for 24 weeks. Primary outcome would include the changes in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale scores at the end of the intervention. Secondary outcomes would include the changes in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale scores at 12 weeks following the first intervention and changes in the scores of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale-3, the European Quality of Life Five Dimension Five Level scale, Korean Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, Korean Activities of Daily Living, and Geriatric Depression Scale at 12 and 24 weeks following the first intervention. DISCUSSION: The results of our trial would provide clinical trial data concerning the usefulness, safety, and efficacy of Cheonwangbosimdan in the management of mild cognitive impairment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Research Information Service (Date: November 26, 2021; Registration No. KCT0006787; https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do?search_lang=E&search_page=M&pageSize=10&page=undefined&seq=20869&status=5&seq_group=20869).

Factors contributing to cognitive improvement effects of acupuncture in patients with mild cognitive impairment: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is generally regarded as the borderline between cognitive changes of aging and very early Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is important to develop easily available interventions to delay the progression of MCI to AD. We investigated factors contributing to the cognitive improvement effects of acupuncture to obtain data for developing optimized acupuncture treatments for MCI. METHODS: This outcome assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial included a full analysis for comparing the efficacy of different acupuncture methods. Thirty-two participants with MCI (i.e., fulfilling the Peterson diagnostic criteria for MCI, K-MMSE scores of 20-23, and MoCA-K scale scores of 0-22) were randomly assigned to basic acupuncture (BA; GV20, EX-HN1, GB20, and GV24 for 30 min), acupoint specificity (AS; adding KI3 to BA), needle duration (ND; BA for 20 min), or electroacupuncture (EA; electrical stimulation to BA) groups (n=8/group) via 1:1:1:1 allocation and administered acupuncture once daily, three times a week for 8 weeks. The measured outcomes included scores on the Korean version of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-K-cog), Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale (MoCA-K), Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale, Korean Activities of Daily Living scale, Korean Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale, and European Quality of Life Five Dimension Five Level Scale. Outcome measurements were recorded at baseline (week 0), intervention endpoint (week 8), and 12 weeks after intervention completion (week 20). RESULTS: Twenty-five patients with MCI completed the trial (BA group, 8; AS group, 6; ND group, 5; EA group, 6). MoCA-K scores were significantly increased in the BA group compared with the ND (p=0.008, week 8-week 0) and EA groups (p=0.003, week 8-week 0; p=0.043, week 20-week 0). ADAS-K-cog scores were significantly decreased in the BA group compared with the ND group (p=0.019, week 20-week 0). CONCLUSIONS: The BA group showed significant improvement in cognitive function compared to the ND and EA groups. Electrical stimulation and needle duration may contribute to the cognitive improvement effects of acupuncture in patients with MCI. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Research Information Service; URL:cris.nih.go.kr .; unique identifier: KCT0003430 (registration date: January 16, 2019).

Effects of different wavelengths of invasive laser acupuncture on chronic non-specific low back pain: a study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic non-specific low back pain (CLBP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder for which patients seek complementary and alternative medical treatments, including laser acupuncture (LA). Invasive LA (ILA) involves the simultaneous application of invasive acupuncture treatment at acupoints and focused laser irradiation. The efficacy of ILA for CLBP remains controversial owing to the insufficient clinical trial data. We intend to obtain basic data regarding the efficacy and safety of ILA for CLBP by comparing the effects of different wavelengths of ILA on CLBP. METHODS: This will be a prospective, patient-blinded, parallel-arm, single-center (DongShin University Gwangju Korean Medicine Hospital, Republic of Korea), pilot randomized controlled clinical trial. Forty-five participants with CLBP will be randomized in equal numbers into the control, 650-nm ILA (650 ILA), or 830-nm ILA (830 ILA) group. The control group will receive sham ILA for 10 min and real electroacupuncture (EA) for 10 min. The 650 and 830 ILA groups will receive real ILA (i.e., 650 ILA group, 650-nm wavelength; 830 ILA group, 830-nm wavelength) for 10 min and real EA for 10 min once/day, twice a week for 4 weeks, at bilateral Shenshu (BL23), Qihaishu (BL24), Dachangshu (BL25), and Huantiao (GB30). The primary outcome will be an improvement in pain intensity assessed using the visual analog scale. Scores in the Korean version of the Oswestry Disability Index and the European Quality of Life Five Dimension Five Level scale will be recorded as secondary outcome measures. All scores will be recorded at baseline (before intervention), 4 weeks after the first intervention (at the end of the intervention), and 4 weeks after completion of the intervention. DISCUSSION: The study is expected to provide preliminary evidence regarding the efficacy, safety, and usefulness of ILA for the treatment of CLBP. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered with the Clinical Research Information Service (registration No. KCT0004610 ; http://cris.nih.go.kr ). Registered on 7 January 2020.

Effects of Dangguixu-san in patients with acute lateral ankle sprain: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Dangguixu-san (DS), a herbal extract, is widely used in Korean medicine to treat pain and swelling caused by ankle sprain. However, there is insufficient evidence regarding the effects of DS on ankle sprains. Accordingly, we assessed the efficacy and safety of DS for the treatment of acute lateral ankle sprain (ALAS). METHODS: This study was a multicenter (two Korean hospitals), randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm clinical trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio that included a per-protocol analysis and sub-analysis based on symptom severity. Forty-eight participants (n = 28 at Semyung University Korean Medicine Hospital in Chungju; n = 20 at DongShin University Gwangju Korean Medicine Hospital) with grade I or II ALAS that occurred within 72 h before enrollment were randomized to a DS (n = 24) or placebo (n = 24) group. Both groups received acupuncture treatment once daily for 5 consecutive days and the trial medication (DS/placebo capsule) three times a day for 7 consecutive days. Primary (visual analog scale [VAS] scores for pain) and secondary (Foot and Ankle Outcome Scores [FAOS], edema, and European Quality of Life Five-Dimension-Five-Level Scale [EQ-5D-5L] scores) outcome measures were recorded at baseline (week 0), the end of the intervention (week 1), and 4 weeks after treatment completion (week 5). RESULTS: Forty-six participants completed the trial (n = 23 each). Changes in VAS scores, FAOS Symptom/Rigidity, and FAOS Ache from week 1 to week 5 showed significant differences between the two groups. Sub-analyses showed significant differences in changes of FAOS Ache (week 0 to week 5) and VAS scores, total FAOS, and EQ-5D-5L scores (week 1 to week 5) between the two subgroups (grade II). There were no adverse events and significant negative changes in clinical laboratory parameters in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the results of this study are in favor of DS combined with acupuncture and suggest that DS combined with acupuncture is a safe treatment with positive long-term effects in terms of pain reduction and symptom alleviation in patients with grade I or II ALAS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Research Information Service KCT0002374 . Registered on July 11, 2017; retrospectively registered.

Add-on effect of kinesiotape in patients with acute lateral ankle sprain: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Evidence for the add-on effect of kinesiotape (KT) with acupuncture for treating ankle sprains remains insufficient. We assessed the add-on effect of KT on ankle sprains by comparing acupuncture combined with KT (AcuKT) with acupuncture alone in patients with acute lateral ankle sprain (ALAS). METHODS: This study was a multicenter, randomized controlled clinical trial that included a per-protocol analysis of the add-on effect of KT on ALAS. The randomization was software based and only the assessors were blinded. Sixty participants (20 each from three centers) with grade I or II ALAS were randomly assigned to acupuncture (n = 30) or AcuKT (n = 30) groups. Both groups received acupuncture treatment once daily, 5 days per week for 1 week. The AcuKT group received additional KT treatment. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) were obtained, and edema measurements were performed at baseline (week 0), at the end of the intervention (week 1), and at 4 weeks after intervention (week 5). The European Quality of Life Five Dimension-Five Level Scale (EQ-5D-5 L) measurements were conducted at week 0, week 1, week 5, and week 26 after the intervention. The number of recurrent ankle sprains was determined at 4, 8, 12 and 26 weeks after the intervention. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients with ALAS completed the trial (AcuKT group, n = 27; acupuncture group, n = 29). There were significant changes in visual analog scale score (AcuKT, P < 0.001; acupuncture, P < 0.001), the FAOS (AcuKT, P < 0.001; acupuncture, P < 0.001), and EQ-5D-5 L measurements (AcuKT, P < 0.001; acupuncture, P < 0.001) within both groups. There were no significant differences between groups in terms of any outcome or in a subanalysis based on symptom severity. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that AcuKT did not show a positive add-on effect of KT with acupuncture in terms of pain reduction, edema, recovery of function, activities of daily living, quality of life or relapse of ALAS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Research Information Service (cris.nih.go.kr), KCT0002257. Registered on 27 February 2017.

Dual isotope ratio normalization of nitrous oxide by bacterial denitrification of USGS reference materials.

We measured the δ values of N2O using gas chromatography isotope ratio mass spectrometry with a preconcentrator (precon-GC-IRMS). The instrumental precision of the mass spectrometer was restricted to below the shot noise limit, which agreed with the theoretical and experimental results of 0.02‰ (δ15N) and 0.04‰ (δ18O), respectively. The precision of the measured δ values was significantly improved by the temperature regulation protocol of the LN2 preconcentrator, which was monitored by various temperature sensors placed along the U-trap. The reproducibility of the He-diluted N2O gas measurements resulted in 0.063‰ (δ15N) and 0.075‰ (δ18O) due to additional sources of uncertainty in the vials used for autosampling and in the general preconcentration process. Multipoint normalization of the dual δ values of the measured N2O samples was conducted using United States Geological Survey reference materials denitrified by Pseudomonas aureofaciens. Kaiser's ion correction method, based on International Atomic Energy Agency parameters, exhibited low bias for the atomic isotope ratio reduction of the nitrate reference material, for which the oxygen anomaly was considerably high. Dedicated corrections for net isotope fractionation and water exchange were important in improving uncertainties in the procedure for normalizing the oxygen isotope ratio. Blank measurements for correcting biases in isotope ratios caused by pre-dissolved nitrate and nitrite ions in the water solvent led to further improvements, i.e. beyond unevenly controlled net isotope fractionation, throughout the bacterial denitrification process. The uncertainty evaluation revealed that three-point normalization can significantly improve the normalization accuracy compared with two-point normalization. In addition, an alternative strategy was suggested for assigning δ18O using a CO2 lab tank, allowing its use as a reference material for N2O gas tanks.

Cognitive Improvement Effects of Electroacupuncture Combined with Computer-Based Cognitive Rehabilitation in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This outcome assessor-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial investigated the effects of electroacupuncture combined with computer-based cognitive rehabilitation (EA-CCR) on mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A per-protocol analysis was employed to compare the efficacy of EA-CCR to that of computer-based cognitive rehabilitation (CCR). Thirty-two patients with MCI completed the trial (EA-CCR group, 16; CCR group, 16). Patients received EA-CCR or CCR treatment once daily three days per week for eight weeks. Outcome (primary, ADAS-K-cog; secondary, MoCA-K, CES-D, K-ADL, K-IADL, and EQ-5D-5L) measurements were performed at baseline (week 0), at the end of the intervention (week 8), and at 12 weeks after completion of the intervention (week 20). Both groups showed significant changes in ADAS-K-cog score (EA-CCR, p < 0.001; CCR, p < 0.001) and MoCA-K (EA-CCR, p < 0.001; CCR, p < 0.001). Only the EA-CCR group had a significant change in CES-D (p = 0.024). No significant differences in outcomes and in the results of a subanalysis based on age were noted between the groups. These results indicate that EA-CCR and CCR have beneficial effects on improving cognitive function in patients with MCI. However, electroacupuncture in EA-CCR showed no positive add-on effects on improving cognitive function, depression, activities of daily living, and quality of life in patients with MCI.

Synergistic Effects of Scalp Acupuncture and Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Cerebral Infarction: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial.

This study investigated the synergistic effects of scalp acupuncture (SA) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), known to be effective for cerebral infarction. This outcome-assessor-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial included a per-protocol analysis to compare the efficacy of SA and electromagnetic convergence stimulation (SAEM-CS) and single or no stimulation. The trial was conducted with 42 cerebral infarction patients (control group, 12; SA group, 11; rTMS group, 8; SAEM-CS group, 11). All patient groups underwent two sessions of CSRT per day. SA, rTMS, and SAEM-CS were conducted once per day, 5 days per week, for 3 weeks. The primary outcome was evaluated using the Fugl-Mayer assessment (FMA). FMA Upper Extremity, FMA total, MBI, and FIM scores significantly increased in the rTMS group compared with the control group. Additionally, FMA Upper Extremity, FMA total, MBI and FIM scores significantly increased in the rTMS group compared with the SAEM-CS group. However, there were no significant changes in the SA or SAEM-CS groups. In conclusion, low-frequency rTMS in the contralesional hemisphere may have long-term therapeutic effects on upper extremity motor function recovery and improvements in activities of daily living. SAEM-CS did not show positive synergistic effects of SA and rTMS.

Multipoint normalization of δ18O of water against the VSMOW2-SLAP2 scale with an uncertainty assessment.

In this study, we measured the oxygen stable isotope ratio of drinking water using gas chromatography isotope ratio mass spectrometry. The δ18O value of drinking water was normalized based on the Vienna Standard Mean Ocean Water 2 (VSMOW2), Standard Light Antarctic Precipitation 2 (SLAP2), and Greenland Ice Sheet Precipitation (GISP) scale by CO2 equilibrium for 24 h. The isotope ratio responses of a dummy sample drifted as much as 0.145‰ due to a significant decrease in the amount of injected sample. The autodilution technique improved measurement precision of the δ18O of dummy sample two-fold compared to that without autodilution to 0.025‰. The autodilution of an injected concentration of equilibrated CO2 also helped improve the measurement precision of the isotope ratio response. The drift of the ratio responses was tested using linear model regression to validate linearity within the sample concentration and isotope ratio ranges. Measurement reliability was assessed using various statistical approaches. One-way analysis of variance verified non-reproducible results of individual measurements. Normalization uncertainties were then assessed by various normalization schemes including two-point and three-point values consisting of the VSMOW2, SLAP2, and GISP standards, showing equivalent results associated with similar extent of normalization uncertainties among various normalization methods. In particular, the uncertainty of the GISP (0.09‰) contributed to one-third of the total normalization uncertainty, implying that the three-point normalization can be improved by a potential standard of which uncertainty is equivalent to the bracketing standards, VSMOW2 (0.02‰) and SLAP2 (0.02‰).

Effects of electroacupuncture combined with computer-based cognitive rehabilitation on mild cognitive impairment: study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is defined as an intermediate stage between normal aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD), and early and easily available interventions to delay the progress of MCI to AD are necessary. Feasible complementary and alternative therapies such as electroacupuncture (EA), exercise, and cognitive training have shown some beneficial effects on MCI and AD. Here we report the protocol for a randomized controlled trial of the efficacy and safety of EA combined with computer-based cognitive rehabilitation (EA-CCR) for the treatment of MCI. METHODS: The study will be a prospective, outcome assessor-blinded, parallel-arm, single-center (DongShin University Gwangju Korean Medicine Hospital, Republic of Korea), pilot randomized controlled clinical trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Participants with MCI will be randomized to a computer-based cognitive rehabilitation (CCR) or an EA-CCR group (n = 18 each). The CCR group will receive RehaCom cognitive rehabilitation once (30 min) a day, 3 days per week (excluding Saturday and Sunday) for 8 weeks. The EA-CCR group will receive EA at Baihui (GV20), Sishencong (EX-HN1), Fengchi (GB20), and Shenting (GV24) in addition to RehaCom cognitive rehabilitation once (EA:30 min, CCR:30 min) a day, 3 days per week (excluding Saturday and Sunday) for 8 weeks. The primary outcome will be an improvement in cognitive function assessed using the Korean version of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale. Scores for the Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, Korean Activities of Daily Living scale, Korean Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale, and European Quality of Life Five Dimension Five Level Scale will be recorded as secondary outcome measures. All scores will be recorded at baseline (before intervention), 8 weeks after the first intervention (i.e., at the end of the intervention), and 12 weeks after completion of the intervention. DISCUSSION: The study is expected to provide preliminary evidence regarding the efficacy, safety, and usefulness of EA-CCR for the treatment of MCI. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Korea Clinical Information Service, cris.nih.go.kr, KCT0003415 . Registered on 4 January 2019. Retrospectively registered, http://cris.nih.go.kr .

Effects of different acupuncture treatment methods on mild cognitive impairment: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an intermediate state between normal aging and Alzheimer's disease, which is the world's most common form of dementia. It is important to identify early and easily available interventions to delay the progression of MCI to Alzheimer's disease. Acupuncture has been reported to improve the clinical outcomes of MCI treatment. Acupuncture is a complex intervention, involving both specific and non-specific factors associated with therapeutic benefits. Therefore, we intend to obtain basic data for developing an optimal acupuncture treatment for MCI by comparing the effects of different acupuncture treatment methods on cognitive function in MCI patients. METHODS: This study will be a prospective, outcome-assessor-blinded, parallel-arm, single-center (DongShin University Gwangju Korean Medicine Hospital, Republic of Korea), randomized controlled clinical trial. Thirty-two participants with MCI will be randomized in equal numbers to four groups (basic acupuncture (BA), acupoint specificity (AS), needle duration (ND), or electroacupuncture (EA)) and receive acupuncture treatment once per day, 3 days/week for 8 weeks. The BA and ND groups will receive acupuncture treatment for 30 and 20 min, respectively, at Baihui (GV20), Sishencong (EX-HN1), Fengchi (GB20), and Shenting (GV24). The EA group will receive electroacupuncture treatment at the same acupoints for 30 min. The AS group will receive acupuncture treatment at GV20, EX-HN1, GB20, GV24, and Taixi (KI3) for 30 min. The outcome measured will be scores on the Korean version of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale, the Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale, the Korean Activities of Daily Living scale, the Korean Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale, and the European Quality of Life Five Dimension Five Level scale. All scores will be recorded before intervention, 8 weeks after the first intervention, and 12 weeks after completing the intervention. DISCUSSION: Four acupuncture protocols will be assessed and compared as potential MCI treatments. This study is expected to provide data to be used in developing an optimal acupuncture method for MCI treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Research Information Service, KCT0003430 . Registered on 16 January 2019. http://cris.nih.go.kr ).

Lamotrigine inhibits TRESK regulated by G-protein coupled receptor agonists.

Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons express mRNAs for numerous two-pore domain K(+) (K(2P)) channels and G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR). Recent studies have shown that TRESK is a major background K(+) channel in DRG neurons. Here, we demonstrate the pharmacological properties of TRESK, including GPCR agonist-induced effects on DRG neurons. TRESK mRNA was highly expressed in DRG compared to brain and spinal cord. Similar to cloned TRESK, native TRESK was inhibited by acid and arachidonic acid (AA), but not zinc. Native TRESK was also activated by GPCR agonists such as acetylcholine, glutamate, and histamine. The glutamate-activated TRESK was blocked by lamotrigine in DRG neurons. In COS-7 cells transfected with mouse TRESK, 30 microM lamotrigine inhibited TRESK by approximately 50%. Since TRESK is target of modulation by acid, AA, GPCR agonists, and lamotrigine, it is likely to play an active role in the regulation of excitability in DRG neurons.