Radiofrequency ablation using internally cooled wet electrodes in bipolar mode for the treatment of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after locoregional treatment: A randomized prospective comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the efficacy between bipolar radiofrequency ablation (RFA), using twin internally cooled wet (TICW) electrodes, and switching monopolar RFA, using separable clustered (SC) electrodes, in the treatment of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after locoregional treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this single-center, two-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled study, we performed a 1:1 random allocation on eligible patients with recurrent HCC after locoregional treatment, to receive TICW-RFA or SC-RFA. The primary endpoint was the minimum diameter of the ablation zone per unit ablation time. Secondary endpoints included other technical parameters, complication rate, technical success and technique efficacy, and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Enrolled patients were randomly assigned to the TICW-RFA group (n = 40) or SC-RFA group (n = 37). The two groups did not show significant differences in the primary endpoint, the minimum diameter of the ablation zone per unit ablation time was 2.71 ± 0.98 mm/min and 2.61 ± 0.96 mm/min in the TICW-RFA and SC-RFA groups, respectively (p = 0.577). Total RF energy delivery (11.75 ± 9.04 kcal vs. 22.61 ± 12.98 kcal, p < 0.001) and energy delivery per unit time (0.81 ± 0.49 kcal/min vs. 1.45 ± 0.42 kcal/min, p < 0.001) of the TICW-RFA group were less than those of the SC-RFA group. No procedure-related death or major complications occurred. Technical success was achieved in all patients in both groups, and technique efficacy rates were 100% (46/46) in the TICW-RFA group and 95.0% (38/40) in the SC-RFA group (p = 0.213). The 1-year and 2-year cumulative LTP rates were 11.8% and 24.2%, respectively, in the TICW-RFA group, and 8.6% and 18.1%, respectively, in the SC-RFA group (p = 0.661). CONCLUSION: In this single-center randomized controlled study from a Korean tertiary referral hospital, TICW-RFA demonstrated similar therapeutic efficacy and safety profile for recurrent HCC after locoregional treatment compared with SC-RFA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03806218).

Dry Electrodes for Human Bioelectrical Signal Monitoring.

Bioelectrical or electrophysiological signals generated by living cells or tissues during daily physiological activities are closely related to the state of the body and organ functions, and therefore are widely used in clinical diagnosis, health monitoring, intelligent control and human-computer interaction. Ag/AgCl electrodes with wet conductive gels are widely used to pick up these bioelectrical signals using electrodes and record them in the form of electroencephalograms, electrocardiograms, electromyography, electrooculograms, etc. However, the inconvenience, instability and infection problems resulting from the use of gel with Ag/AgCl wet electrodes can't meet the needs of long-term signal acquisition, especially in wearable applications. Hence, focus has shifted toward the study of dry electrodes that can work without gels or adhesives. In this paper, a retrospective overview of the development of dry electrodes used for monitoring bioelectrical signals is provided, including the sensing principles, material selection, device preparation, and measurement performance. In addition, the challenges regarding the limitations of materials, fabrication technologies and wearable performance of dry electrodes are discussed. Finally, the development obstacles and application advantages of different dry electrodes are analyzed to make a comparison and reveal research directions for future studies.

Cerebellar transcranial magnetic stimulation: The role of coil type from distinct manufacturers.

BACKGROUND: Stimulating the cerebellum with transcranial magnetic stimulation is often perceived as uncomfortable. No study has systematically tested which coil design can effectively trigger a cerebellar response with the least discomfort. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between perceived discomfort and effectiveness of cerebellar stimulation using different coils: MagStim (70 mm, 110 mm-coated, 110-uncoated), MagVenture and Deymed. METHODS: Using the cerebellar-brain inhibition (CBI) protocol, we conducted a CBI recruitment curve with respect to each participant's maximum tolerated-stimulus intensity (MTI) to assess how effective each coil was at activating the cerebellum. RESULTS: Only the Deymed double-cone coil elicited CBI at low intensities (-20% MTI). At the MTI, the MagStim (110 mm coated/uncoated) and Deymed coils produced reliable CBI, whereas no CBI was found with the MagVenture coil. CONCLUSION: s: The Deymed double-cone coil was most effective at cerebellar stimulation at tolerable intensities. These results can guide coil selection and stimulation parameters when designing cerebellar TMS studies.

Tutorial. Surface EMG detection in space and time: Best practices.

This tutorial is aimed to non-engineers using, or planning to use, surface electromyography (sEMG) as an assessment tool in the prevention, monitoring and rehabilitation fields. Its first purpose is to address the issues related to the origin and nature of the signal and to its detection (electrode size, distance, location) by one-dimensional (bipolar and linear arrays) and two-dimensional (grids) electrode systems while avoiding advanced mathematical, physical or physiological issues. Its second purpose is to outline best practices and provide general guidelines for proper signal detection. Issues related to the electrode-skin interface, signal conditioning and interpretation will be discussed in subsequent tutorials.

Transcranial electrical stimulation nomenclature.

Transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) aims to alter brain function non-invasively by applying current to electrodes on the scalp. Decades of research and technological advancement are associated with a growing diversity of tES methods and the associated nomenclature for describing these methods. Whether intended to produce a specific response so the brain can be studied or lead to a more enduring change in behavior (e.g. for treatment), the motivations for using tES have themselves influenced the evolution of nomenclature, leading to some scientific, clinical, and public confusion. This ambiguity arises from (i) the infinite parameter space available in designing tES methods of application and (ii) varied naming conventions based upon the intended effects and/or methods of application. Here, we compile a cohesive nomenclature for contemporary tES technologies that respects existing and historical norms, while incorporating insight and classifications based on state-of-the-art findings. We consolidate and clarify existing terminology conventions, but do not aim to create new nomenclature. The presented nomenclature aims to balance adopting broad definitions that encourage flexibility and innovation in research approaches, against classification specificity that minimizes ambiguity about protocols but can hinder progress. Constructive research around tES classification, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), should allow some variations in protocol but also distinguish from approaches that bear so little resemblance that their safety and efficacy should not be compared directly. The proposed framework includes terms in contemporary use across peer-reviewed publications, including relatively new nomenclature introduced in the past decade, such as transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) and transcranial pulsed current stimulation (tPCS), as well as terms with long historical use such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). We also define commonly used terms-of-the-trade including electrode, lead, anode, and cathode, whose prior use, in varied contexts, can also be a source of confusion. This comprehensive clarification of nomenclature and associated preliminary proposals for standardized terminology can support the development of consensus on efficacy, safety, and regulatory standards.

Comparison of the Two Types of Stimulating Electrodes in the Study of Motor Nerve Conduction in Dogs.

In this research two kinds of stimulation electrodes were compared in motor nerve conduction study: needle electrodes used in human medicine and electrodes made of injection needles connected to the stimulator via alligator-type electrodes. A study was conducted in 22 mixed-breed dogs. The resulting values of the potential amplitudes of the stimulus, the parameters of the complex muscle potentials, and the motor nerve conduction velocity were statistically compared. There was no statistical difference between the parameters obtained with the two types of stimulation electrodes. The results of our research constitute a basis for improving present-day procedures, improving aseptic procedures, reducing tissue trauma during research and lowering research costs due to the introduction of injection-needle electrodes and their benefits into the study of motor nerve conduction in animals.

[Enhanced Removal of Herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid and Simultaneous Power Generation in Microbial Fuel Cells].

This study investigated the effects of a widely used herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid on power generation, pollutants removal from microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and microbial community changes, and also explored anode pre-aeration for enhanced 2,4-D removal and power generation. The results showed that when 2,4-D was inputted to the anode chamber of MFCs which was previously enriched with acetate sodium as the fuel, the voltage output and power density declined and the internal resistance increased apparently. The maximum power density declined to 0.057 W·m-2 in the presence of 300 mg·L-1 2,4-D comparing to 0.151 W·m-2 obtained with acetate alone (850 mg·L-1), and the internal resistance increased from 524 Ω to 1230 Ω correspondingly. To accelerate 2,4-D removal rate and reduce its inhibition to anode exoelectrogens, 6h pre-aeration was applied to the anode chamber. Fast removal of 2,4-D was achieved during aeration period and simultaneous high maximum voltage output (0.42-0.47 V) was obtained. Anode microbial community changed after 2,4-D addition and several 2,4-D degrading bacteria and 2,4-D tolerant exoelectrogen were enriched. MFCs could be used for 2,4-D removal and simultaneous power generation through anode pre-aeration.

The effect of electrode density on the interpretation of atrial activation patterns in epicardial mapping of human persistent atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Mechanisms sustaining human persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) remain debated, with significant differences between high-density epicardial and global endocardial mapping studies. A key difference is the density of recording electrodes. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the differences in the prevalence of different atrial activation patterns, and specifically in the prevalence of rotational activations, with varying densities of bipolar electrodes. METHODS: Epicardial mapping was performed in 10 patients undergoing cardiac surgery, with bipolar electrograms recorded using a triangular plaque (6.75 cm(2) area; 117 bipoles; 2.5-mm inter-bipole spacing) applied to the left atrial posterior wall or right atrial free wall. Dynamic wavefront mapping based on the timing of atrial electrograms was applied to 2 discrete 10-second AF segments. The spacing between bipolar electrode locations was increased from 2.5 × 3.5 mm in the horizontal and oblique directions to 5.0 × 3.5, 5.0 × 7.1, and 7.5 × 10.6 mm, with wavefront mapping repeated at each density. RESULTS: As density reduced, there was a significant change in relative proportions of the various activation patterns (F=3.69; P < .001). Simple broad wavefront activations became more prevalent (20% ± 8% to 54% ± 8%; P < .05) and complex patterns became less prevalent (48% ± 8% to 9% ± 8%; P < .05) with reducing density. The prevalence of rotational activity declined with bipole density, from median 5.0% (range 0.9%-12.1%) to 0% (range 0%-1.5%) (P = .03). The largest change occurred between inter-bipole spacings of 5.0 × 3.5 and 5.0 × 7.1 mm. CONCLUSION: Apparent activation patterns in persistent AF vary significantly with electrode density. Low density underestimates the prevalence of complex and rotational patterns. The largest difference occurs between an inter-bipole spacing of 5.0 × 3.5 and a spacing of 5.0 × 7.1 mm. This may have important implications for mapping technology design.

Differences in the recruitment curves obtained with monopolar and bipolar electrode configurations in the quadriceps femoris.

INTRODUCTION: We sought to verify whether the stimulation intensity at which M-wave amplitude reaches a plateau actually corresponds to full motor unit activation in monopolar and bipolar configurations. METHODS: M-waves and twitches were evoked using femoral nerve stimulation of gradually increasing intensity in 21 subjects. Recruitment curves corresponding to the amplitude of the first phase (AmpliFIRST ) and peak-to-peak amplitude (AmpliPP ) of the M-wave were obtained in the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and rectus femoris in monopolar and bipolar configurations. RESULTS: In all muscles, bipolar M-waves and twitches reached plateau at a significantly lower stimulus intensity compared with monopolar M-waves (P < 0.05). The different behavior of monopolar and bipolar M-waves with stimulus intensity was found for both AmpliFIRST and AmpliPP . CONCLUSIONS: In a bipolar configuration, the stimulus intensity at which M-waves plateau should be increased by at least 10%-20% to achieve complete motor unit recruitment. Muscle Nerve 54: 118-131, 2016.

Can single pulse electrical stimulation provoke responses similar to spontaneous interictal epileptiform discharges?

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the proportion of patients where EEG responses to single pulse electrical stimulation (SPES) are similar to spontaneous interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) in the same patient, and whether such resemblance is related to seizure onset. METHODS: We have visually compared the morphology, topography and distribution of IEDs and of SPES responses in 36 patients with intracranial EEG recordings during presurgical evaluation. RESULTS: Each patient showed between 3 and 17 different IED patterns, located at seizure onset zone and elsewhere. Only 13 patients showed the highest incidence and amplitude of IEDs at the site of focal seizure onset. Twenty-eight patients showed early responses which were similar to at least one IED pattern. Thirty patients showed delayed responses which were always similar to at least one IED pattern and were always located at seizure onset or in its vicinity. CONCLUSIONS: Early SPES responses often, and delayed responses always, were similar to at least one IED pattern in the same patient. The IEDs resembling delayed responses were those associated with seizure onset. SIGNIFICANCE: The similarities between IEDs and SPES responses suggest that SPES can trigger the mechanisms responsible for generating IEDs, which may become a tool to study the pathophysiology of IEDs.

Comparison of ring versus disposable disk electrodes in recording antidromic sensory median nerve conduction study for diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.

PURPOSE: The authors performed a study using disposable disk electrodes, currently used to record motor nerve conduction study, for median antidromic sensory recording from the second digit with the aim of establishing efficiency by using one type of electrode throughout the entire nerve conduction study. This study aims to establish noninferiority with the use of disk electrodes rather than conventionally used nondisposable ring electrodes in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. METHODS: For median sensory response, 4 parameters were studied: (1) onset latency, (2) peak latency, (3) amplitude, and (4) conduction velocity. Ten hands with active disease and 10 control hands without disease were studied via both ring electrodes and disk electrodes. The results were compared between the ring and disk electrodes. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the ring electrodes and the disk electrodes in recording the four parameters of the antidromic median sensory nerve conduction study using the second digit. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that disposable disk electrodes could replace ring electrodes to perform median sensory antidromic nerve conduction studies for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. However, further studies need to be carried out with larger sample sizes and for other indications.

Estimulación cerebral profunda en la enfermedad de Parkinson / Deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease

Introducción. Desde su aparición en la década de los noventa, la estimulación cerebral profunda se ha impuesto como una alternativa terapéutica segura y eficaz en la enfermedad de Parkinson, estando indicada cuando aparecen complicaciones motoras incontrolables con el tratamiento farmacológico. Objetivo. Realizar una revisión actualizada de la literatura médica sobre los aspectos más importantes de esta cirugía funcional. Desarrollo. Aunque su mecanismo de acción a día de hoy continúa siendo desconocido, se ha postulado que ejerce una acción inhibitoria sobre la actividad de los núcleos subtalámico y globo pálido interno, que se encuentra exaltada en enfermos parkinsonianos. La técnica quirúrgica de elección es la estimulación del núcleo subtalámico. Ha demostrado tener unos resultados favorables tanto desde el punto de vista motor, con una mejoría significativa de los síntomas cardinales de la enfermedad, como en la calidad de vida de estos pacientes. El éxito de la cirugía depende de tres pasos fundamentales: 1) La adecuada selección del candidato quirúrgico, teniendo en cuenta las recomendaciones de los principales grupos de estudio sobre factores pronóstico como son la edad, el tiempo de evolución y la presencia de síntomas resistentes a la levodopa. 2) La correcta posición del electrodo en la diana quirúrgica. 3) La programación del sistema de estimulación. Conclusión. La estimulación cerebral profunda del núcleo subtalámico es una opción terapéutica claramente establecida en la enfermedad de Parkinson avanzada, cuyo desarrollo en los últimos años, ha favorecido la obtención de unos resultados clínicos favorables cuando el tratamiento farmacológico fracasa (AU)

Introduction. Since its appearance in the nineties, deep brain stimulation has proved itself to be a safe, effective therapeutic alternative in Parkinson's disease, and is indicated when there are motor complications that pharmacological treatment fails to control. Aims. The purpose of this work is to conduct an updated review of the medical literature on the most important aspects of this functional surgery. Development. Although today its mechanism of action remains unknown, it has been suggested that it exerts an inhibitory action on the activity of the subthalamic nuclei and internal globus pallidus, which is found to be overexcited in patients with parkinsonism. The preferred surgical technique is subthalamic nucleus stimulation. This procedure has proved to yield favourable results both from the motor point of view, with a significant improvement in the cardinal symptoms of the disease, and as regards these patients’ quality of life. The success of the surgical procedure depends on three fundamental steps: 1) Selection of a suitable candidate for surgery, taking into account the recommendations of the main study groups on prognostic factors, such as age, time to progression and the presence of symptoms that are resistant to levodopa; 2) The correct position of the electrode on the surgical target; 3) The programming of the stimulation system. Conclusions. Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus is a clearly established therapeutic option in advanced Parkinson's disease. Recent developments allow favourable clinical outcomes to be obtained when pharmacological treatment fails (AU)

Square-wave voltammetric determination of rutin in pharmaceutical formulations using a carbon composite electrode modified with copper (II) phosphate immobilized in polyester resin

A carbon composite electrode modified with copper (II) phosphate immobilized in a polyester resin (Cu3(PO4)2-Poly) for the determination of rutin in pharmaceutical samples by square-wave voltammetry is described herein. The modified electrode allows the determination of rutin at a potential (0.20 V vs. Ag/AgCl (3.0 mol L-1 KCl)) lower than that observed at an unmodified electrode. The peak current was found to be linear to the rutin concentration in the range from 9.9 × 10-8 to 2.5 × 10-6 mol L-1, with a detection limit of 1.2×10-8 mol L-1. The response of the electrode was stable, with no variation in baseline levels within several hours of continuous operation. The surface morphology of the modified electrode was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) system. The results obtained are precise and accurate. In addition, these results are in agreement with those obtained by the chromatographic method at a 95% confidence level.

Descreve-se um eletrodo de carbono modificado com fosfato de cobre (II) imobilizado em uma resina de poliéster (Cu3(PO4)2-Poly) para a determinação de rutina em amostras farmacêuticas por voltametria de onda quadrada. O eletrodo modificado permite a determinação de rutina em potencial (0.20 V vs Ag / AgCl (3,0 mol L-1 KCl)) menor que o observado em um eletrodo não modificado. Verificou-se que a corrente de pico foi linear com a concentração de rutina na faixa de 9,9 × 10-8 a 2,5 × 10-6 mol L-1, com um limite de detecção de 1,2 × 10-8 mol L¹. A resposta do eletrodo foi estável, sem variação significativa dentro de várias horas de operação contínua. A morfologia da superfície do eletrodo modificado foi caracterizada por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) e pelo sistema de energia dispersiva de raios-X (EDX). Os resultados obtidos foram precisos e exatos. Ademais, estes resultados estão de acordo com aqueles obtidos pelo método cromatográfico a um nível de confiança de 95%.

Cardiovascular devices; classification of electrocardiograph electrodes. Final rule.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is classifying the electrocardiograph electrode, intended to acquire and transmit the electrical signal at the body surface to a processor that produces an electrocardiogram (ECG) or vectorcardiogram, into class II (special controls). FDA is also exempting this device from the premarket notification requirement.

The relationship between stimulus intensity and response amplitude for the photopic negative response of the flash electroretinogram.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between stimulus intensity and response amplitude for the photopic negative response (PhNR) of the flash ERG. Specific aims were (i) to determine whether a generalized Naka-Rushton function provided a good fit to the intensity-response data and (ii) to determine the variability of the parameters of the best-fitting Naka-Rushton models. Electroretinograms were recorded in 18 participants, on two occasions, using both DTL fibre and skin active electrodes, in response to Ganzfeld red stimuli (Lee filter "terry red") ranging in stimulus strength from -1.30 to 0.53 log cd.s.m(-2) (0.28-2.11 log phot td.s) presented over a steady blue background (Schott glass filter BG28; 3.9 log scot td). PhNR amplitude was measured from b-wave peak and from pre-stimulus baseline. The Naka-Rushton function was fitted to all intensity-response data, and parameters, 'n', 'Vmax' and 'K' were obtained. Coefficients of variation (CoV), and inter-ocular and inter-session limits of agreement (LoA) were calculated for both Naka-Rushton parameters. A generalized Naka-Rushton function was found to provide a good fit to the intensity-response data, except at the highest stimulus intensity, where a reduction in amplitude occurred in many individuals. The 'Vmax' parameter was less variable than 'K' for all intensity-response data. Variability was lower for DTL than skin electrodes, and for peak-to-trough PhNR measurements, compared to baseline-to-trough. This study has demonstrated for the first time that the Naka-Rushton model provides a useful means of quantifying the intensity-response relationship of the PhNR.

Sistemas implantáveis de estimulação elétrica funcional para controle artificial de movimentos funcionais: [revisão] / Implantable functional electrical stimulation systems for artificially controlling functional movements: [review]

Pessoas com lesão no sistema nervoso central (SNC), particularmente após lesão medular e acidente vascularencefálico podem apresentar limitação na capacidade de realização das atividades da vida diária incluindo alocomoção. A estimulação elétrica funcional (FES) promove a contração dos músculos paralisados/paréticos e permite realizar essas tarefas funcionais. O objetivo deste trabalho éapresentar uma revisão dos sistemas artificiais de controle motor implantáveis desenvolvidos para minimizar os efeitos das incapacidades causadas pela lesão e de outras como asdecorrentes de acidente vascular encefálico. Buscas foram feitas no serviço online Google Acadêmico, resultando na compilação de base com 259 artigos. Os estimuladores elétricossão classificados em quatro categorias, dependendo da localização dos eletrodos e da topologia do sistema: externos ou não-invasivos que utilizam eletrodos de superfície, hard-wired implantados com acoplamento transcutâneo, e totalmente implantados. O estimulador elétrico mais antigocitado é de 1961 e o mais recente é de 2008. Os estimuladores elétricos descritos foram eficazes para realizar artificialmente movimentos funcionais. Transdutores de várias naturezas foram empregados em sistemas de malha aberta e fechada. Sistemas de malha fechada tiveram maior incidência nos estimuladores elétricos mais recentes. Estimuladores elétricos totalmente implantados e com acoplamento transcutâneo apresentaram menos problemas com quebras de eletrodos e problemas de infecção do que os hard-wired. As estratégias de estimulação envolveram controle ativado tanto pelo paciente quanto automático. Depósitos de patente também são apresentados. A redução de dispositivos que permanecerão internos a dimensões injetáveis favorece os sistemas de FES com acoplamento transcutâneo. Pesquisas científicas de alta tecnologia buscam desenvolver microestimuladores injetáveis com novos materiais isolantese técnicas de implante menos invasivas...

After suffering a spinal trauma, people with spinal cord injury become unable to perform several daily life activities. The aim of this study is to present a review of artificial motor control systemsdeveloped to minimize the effects of this impairment. A 259-paper database was compiled from the results of queries submitted to Google Scholar online service. Electrical stimulators are classified in four categories according to electrodes placement and systemtopology: external or non-invasive which use surface electrodes, hard-wired, implanted with transcutaneous coupling, and totally implanted. The oldest electrical stimulator cited dates back to 1961 and the most recent is from 2008. The described electrical stimulators were efficient for performing artificial functionalmovements. Transducers of different natures were used in open and closed loop systems. Totally implanted and transcutaneously coupled electrical stimulators showed less electrode failures and infection problems than hard-wired systems. In recent electricalstimulators, closed loop systems are more incident. Patent deposits are also presented. The physical reduction of components and units to injectable dimensions favors transcutaneously coupled electrical stimulators. High technology scientific researches aim to develop injectable micro stimulators with new insulation materials and less invasive implantation techniques. For implantable systems, before performing the implant it is required to test the efficacy and to consider the control strategy practicality. This fact also leads to the need of developing new techniques for communicating more efficiently between implantable electrical stimulators and the external control units.

A comparative study evoking a sensory action potential from the medial and lateral plantar nerves using the probe and ring method of stimulation.

Nerve conduction studies (NCS) aid in the detection of foot nerve pathologies. However, there has been a debate on method of plantar nerves stimulation that is more effective; the ring method of stimulation or probe method of stimulation. This study aims at determining the one method that is more effective among the two methods of stimulating for eliciting proper responses. Thirty healthy adults, aged 19 to 55 years, free of any neurological disease were the subjects of the study. Values considered for determining the effectiveness of the stimulating technique were mean amplitudes of the evoked responses from medial and lateral plantar nerves. A significant increase in amplitude difference was noted in favor of the probe stimulation method. The amplitude difference noted in favor of the probe method of stimulation was double the values elicited by the ring method of stimulation in both the medial and lateral plantar nerves. Results suggest that the direct probe method of stimulation may be a more effective method of stimulating for the medial and lateral plantar nerves studies.

Facial nerve stimulation after cochlear implantation according to types of Nucleus 24-channel electrode arrays.

CONCLUSION: In this study, we concluded that electrode design and location did not have a high level of influence on the prevalence of facial nerve stimulation (FNS) in normal cochleae. OBJECTIVE: To analysis the prevalence of FNS after cochlear implantation with Nucleus 24-channel devices according to types of electrodes arrays. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed medical and mapping records of 394 patients who received cochlear implants (CIs) manufactured by Cochlear Corporation from April 1999 to March 2007. RESULTS: In all, 23 of 394 (5.8%) patients had FNS (CI24M 4 of 39 [10.3%], CI24RCS 9 of 192 [4.7%], CI24RST 9 of 21 [42.9%], and CI24RECA 1 of 87 [1.1%]). In addition, 4 of 324 (1.2%) patients with normal cochleae complained of FNS (CI24M 1 of 33 [3.0%], CI24RCS 2 of 173 [1.2%], and CI24RECA 1 of 71 [1.4%]). There was no difference between straight and perimodiolar electrode arrays in patients with normal cochleae. In addition, when comparing two types of Contour electrodes, Contour Advance (soft-tip) electrodes offered significantly lower incidence of FNS than Contour electrode arrays. We could manage these patients with methods such as decrease of C-level, selective channel turning off, and changes of mapping strategies.

Performance of nano- and nonnano-catalytic electrodes for decontaminating municipal wastewater.

This research is intended to decompose organic substances in municipal wastewater with nano- and nonnano-scale electrocatalytic electrodes. As an anode, the nano-scale electrodes included lab-made TiO(2) and Cu(2)O electrodes; the nonnano-scale electrodes were a commercial TiO(2) and graphite plate. According to experimental results, the nano- and nonnano-scale catalytic electrodes can effectively remove the organic pollutants in the municipal wastewater. The perforated TiO(2) electrode is the best for eliminating the chemical oxygen demand (COD), and its efficiency is about 90% (COD decreases from 400 to 40 mg L(-1)). The conductivity of municipal wastewater and the electro-catalytic process will increase the pH and eventually remains in the neutral range. The conductivity of municipal wastewater can be lowered to some degrees. The most attractive discovery of electro-catalytic process is that the dissolved oxygen (DO) in the municipal wastewater can be increased by the TiO(2) electrode (nonnano-scale) around 4-6 mg L(-1), but few DO is produced by the nano-scale electrocatalytic electrode.