Adaptation of the Two-CAP Method for Conduction Velocity Distribution Estimation in Multi-Channel Recordings.

Closed-loop neural interfaces capable of both stimulating and recording from peripheral nerves have the potential to enhance the long-term efficacy of neural implants. One challenge associated with closed loop interfaces is the accurate estimation of the distribution of active fibre conduction velocities (DCV) when recording the immediate effect of stimulation. DCV estimation has been performed in monopolar surface recordings using the Two-CAP method. This work extends the Two-CAP method and demonstrates its application to bipolar in-vivo recordings made with multiple-electrode arrays. A sensitivity analysis was conducted using simulated data with ground truth to ascertain the stability and limits of the algorithm before experimental data was examined. The sensitivity analysis highlighted that recording distance shows a considerable impact on the performance of this extended Two-CAP method, as well as the velocity interval chosen when creating the model. The in-vivo data was also compared against an equivalent simulated model, and a relatively low mean squared error was obtained when comparing the two distributions.

Molecular mechanism of vSGLT inhibition by gneyulin reveals antiseptic properties against multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria.

Faced with the worldwide spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial strains, together with a lack of any appropriate treatment, urgent steps to combat infectious diseases should be taken. Usually, bacterial components are studied to understand, by analogy, the functioning of human proteins. However, molecular data from bacteria gathered over the past decades provide a sound basis for the search for novel approaches in medical care. With this current work, we want to direct attention to inhibition of the vSGLT glucose transporter from Vibrio parahaemolyticus belonging to the sodium solute symporter (SSS) family, to block sugar transport into the bacterial cell and, as a consequence, to limit its growth. Potential bacteriostatic properties can be drawn from commercially available drugs developed for human diseases. This goal can also be reached with natural components from traditional herbal medicine. The presented data from the numerical analysis of 44 known inhibitors of sodium glucose symporters shed light on potential novel approaches in fighting Gram-negative multidrug-resistant microorganisms. Graphical abstract Molecular view on vSGLT channel inhibition by gneyulin B, the compound of natural origin.

Use of Kinesiology Taping in Rehabilitation after Knee Arthroplasty: a Randomised Clinical Study.

BACKGROUND: Proprioception and body balance after knee arthroplasty have a considerable impact on restoration of joint function and a normal gait pattern. Kinesiology Taping (KT) is a method that may be able to influence these factors. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of KT application on sensorimotor efficiency, balance and gait in patients undergoing rehabili-ta--tion after knee replacement surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 120 male and female patients (mean age was 69 years) after total knee repla-cement. The patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: Experimental Group (n=51) and Control Group (n=60). Both groups underwent standard rehabilitation lasting 20 days. In addition, the Experimental Group received KT applications. Treat-ment outcomes were assessed based on tests evaluating balance, joint position sense and functional gait performance, conducted both before and after the therapy. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements were noted across all the parameters assessed in the Experimental Group (p<0.005). Significant improvements were also seen in the Control Group (p<0.005), but, in percentage terms, the improvement was higher in the Experimental Group. The only exception was the right/left foot load distribution, whose symmetry improved proportionally in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Patients after knee replacement surgery have considerable proprioception deficits, impaired body balance and reduced functional performance, which may increase the risk of falls in this group of patients. 2. Both standard physiotherapy and combination therapy with Kinesiology Taping (modified by the present authors) used in patients after knee arthroplasty may considerably improve the level of proprioception, body balance and overall functional performance. 3. The technique of dynamic taping proposed in this paper may optimise standard physiotherapy used in patients after knee arthroplasty and increase its clinical efficacy. Further studies are required.