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Diabetic wounds, characterized by complex pathogenesis and high infection rates, pose significant challenges in treatment due to prolonged recovery times and high recurrence rates, often leading to severe complications such as amputation and death. Traditional dry dressing treatments fail to address the unique microenvironment of diabetic wounds and tend to cause secondary damage due to frequent replacement. In this study, an electronic‐embedding, drug‐loading hydrogel bioelectronics is reported for accelerating diabetic wound healing using a combination of programmable pharmaceutical and electrostimulative approaches. Encapsulated in stretchable and biocompatible materials, this device is capable of multiple drug refilling and accelerated drug release modulated by on‐board electronics. In vivo experiments on diabetic model rats confirm the device's effectiveness in promoting wound healing. This innovative approach implies the potential for improving diabetic wound management using a combination of physical, material, and pharmaceutical interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: TENS is a non‐pharmacological adjunctive treatment commonly recommended for analgesic purposes, with widespread use and acceptance in clinical practice; however, its effects simultaneously with exercise are controversial, and there are gaps regarding its effectiveness and applicability, especially regarding the parameters and protocols used to treat pain. In view of this, the aim of this study was to systematically review the effects of TENS applied simultaneously with functional activities or exercises in the treatment of individuals with pain. Method: A bibliographic search was performed in electronic databases, including EMBASE, PubMED, Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro, SPORTDiscus, and the grey literature. The search yielded a total of 634 articles, of which only six met the inclusion criteria and were analysed individually. Of the selected studies, four evaluated the simultaneous use of TENS in patients with chronic pain, one in patients with fatigue‐induced injury, and one in healthy subjects. Results: The articles selected for synthesis of the review were assessed using the RoB 2.0 risk of bias tool, which found that three of the included studies had a low risk of bias, while two studies were analysed as high risk and only one with some concern. It is concluded that the use of TENS in conjunction with functional activities and exercises may benefit people with pain. Conclusion: The studies showed that the use of TENS with high frequency and intensity at the sensory threshold and applied simultaneously with exercise produced more significant analgesic effects, but new clinical trials with robust methodological designs should be carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease caused by abnormal activation and immune system disorder. Despite the availability of several treatments, they only provide temporary relief, and there is a critical need for more effective therapies to manage this condition. Electrostimulation has been widely used as a physical stimulus in treating various diseases, and recent studies have shown its potential in psoriasis treatment. In this review, we explore the direct and indirect effects of electrostimulation in treating psoriasis and their underlying mechanisms (the decreased secretion of inflammatory cytokines, the loss of cell-to-cell connections, and the cAMP signaling pathway). Our findings suggest that electrostimulation therapy may offer a promising approach to treating psoriasis and developing wearable devices for its management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioelectrochemical anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) systems allow eco-friendly removal of nitrogen from reject wastewater coming from biogas processing as the anammox bacteria have previously shown to have c-type cytochromes acting in the extracellular electron transport (EET) mechanism between the bacteria and electrode. The anammoxosome compartment present in anammox bacteria features a highly curved membrane and contains tubular structures along with electron-dense particles that contain iron, which could enhance the process of EET and enhance nitrogen removal by properly applied potentials. In this study, nitrogen removal was investigated in the electrostimulated anammox nitrogen removal (EANR) cells operated comparatively at open circuit and at applied potentials of − 300 mV, − 500 mV, and − 700 mV vs. Ag/AgCl. At peak performance (at − 700 mV vs. Ag/AgCl), the EANR showed up to 140% higher specific nitrogen removal rate (11.2 ± 0.3 g N/m2/day) compared to the control reactors without applied potential (8.3 ± 0.2 g N/m2/day). The microbial community on the cathode with the applied potential had a higher relative proportion of unclassified Candidatus Brocadia (7.5%) compared to inoculum (> 0.01%), in contrast to cathode without potential (0.74%) and control (0.2%). The EANR system demonstrated to achieve ammonium and nitrite removal efficiencies of 91% and 53%, respectively, during a 24-h test cycle from an initial TN concentration of ~ 100 mg N/L. After 150 h, it achieved complete removal of all nitrogen compounds, reaching a 100% removal efficiency. The EANR would be very useful in the establishment of field-scale bilateral anammox-bioelectrochemical technology combining microbial fuel cell bioanodes and EANR biocathodes for wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, we aimed to determine the effect of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) on metabolic syndrome (MetS) as a cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors in people at moderate-to-high cardiometabolic risk. The present meta-analysis is based on a systematic literature search of a recent evidence map, which searched five electronic databases, two registers, and Google Scholar, according to PRISMA, until 31 March 2023. Controlled trials comprising adult cohorts with central obesity that compared the effect of WB-EMS versus controls using a continuous score representing MetS were included. We applied a random-effects meta-analysis and used the inverse heterogeneity model to analyze the data of the five eligible trials identified by our search. Outcome measures were standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%-CIs). The risk of bias was determined using the PEDro-Score. In summary, we identified five eligible articles containing 117 participants in the WB-EMS group and 117 participants in the control group. We observed a small effect (SMD: −0.30; 95%-CI: −0.04 to −0.56) in favor of the WB-EMS intervention. The heterogeneity between the trials was very low (I2: 0%); further evidence for risks of small study/publication bias was minimal. The methodologic quality of these studies can be classified as moderate to high. In summary, the present work provides evidence of the favorable effect of WB-EMS on cardiometabolic risk in adults at moderate–high cardiometabolic risk. Considering the time effectiveness of WB-EMS, along with its safety and attractiveness, as indicated by the five studies, WB-EMS can be regarded as a feasible training option for people at cardiometabolic risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The therapeutic usage of physical stimuli is framed in a highly heterogeneous research area, with variable levels of maturity and of translatability into clinical application. In particular, electrostimulation is deeply studied for its application on the autonomous nervous system, but less is known about the anti- inflammatory effects of such stimuli beyond the inflammatory reflex. Further, reproducibility and meta-analyses are extremely challenging, owing to the limited rationale on dosage and experimental standardization. It is specifically to address the fundamental question on the anti-inflammatory effects of electricity on biological systems, that we propose a series of controlled experiments on the effects of direct and alternate current delivered on a standardized 3D bioconstruct constituted by fibroblasts and keratinocytes in a collagen matrix, in the presence or absence of TNF- α as conventional inflammation inducer. This selected but systematic exploration, with transcriptomics backed by metabolomics at specific time points allows to obtain the first systemic overview of the biological functions at stake, highlighting the differential anti-inflammatory potential of such approaches, with promising results for 5 V direct current stimuli, correlating with the wound healing process. With our results, we wish to set the base for a rigorous systematic approach to the problem, fundamental towards future elucidations of the detailed mechanisms at stake, highlighting both the healing and damaging potential of such approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

WAG/Rij rats are widely used as a genetic model of absence epilepsy. Approximately 15–50% rats of the strain are susceptible to audiogenic seizures. WAG/Rij rats demonstrate depressive-like behavior. After preliminary sound provocation an increased level of anxiety was found in audiogenic susceptible WAG/Rij subgroup. Electrophysiological and behavioral studies suggest the involvement of the dopaminergic system in both absence and audiogenic epilepsy. An increased binding density to dopamine receptors was found in the dorsal striatum subregions in audiogenic prone rats compared to non-audiogenic. The study aims were (1) to determine whether behavioral changes in WAG/Rij rats were genetically determined or induced by prior sound stimulation; (2) how regions of the dorsal striatum with different density of dopamine receptors in subpopulations of WAG/Rij rats are involved in the absence epilepsy control. The study was conducted using two rat groups: WAG/Rij–nonAGS (absence epilepsy) and WAG/Rij–AGS (mixed epilepsy). The study was performed using tests: "Elevated plus maze," "Forced swimming" and "Three chamber sociability test." High-frequency deep brain stimulation was performed for evaluation of dorsal striatum involvement in the absence seizure control. After experiments animals were tested for the susceptibility to audiogenic seizures. It demonstrated that the increased level of anxiety in WAG/Rij–AGS rats is genetically determined, while depressive-like behavior in WAG/Rij rats is not dependent on a predisposition to audiogenic seizures. Abnormalities in social behavior were observed in WAG/Rij–AGS rats. Stimulation of the dorsal striatum indicates differences in the control of absence and mixed forms of epilepsy in the WAG/Rij–AGS and WAG/Rij–non-AGS subpopulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Diabetic wounds, characterized by complex pathogenesis and high infection rates, pose significant challenges in treatment due to prolonged recovery times and high recurrence rates, often leading to severe complications such as amputation and death. Traditional dry dressing treatments fail to address the unique microenvironment of diabetic wounds and tend to cause secondary damage due to frequent replacement. In this study, an electronic‐embedding, drug‐loading hydrogel bioelectronics is reported for accelerating diabetic wound healing using a combination of programmable pharmaceutical and electrostimulative approaches. Encapsulated in stretchable and biocompatible materials, this device is capable of multiple drug refilling and accelerated drug release modulated by on‐board electronics. In vivo experiments on diabetic model rats confirm the device's effectiveness in promoting wound healing. This innovative approach implies the potential for improving diabetic wound management using a combination of physical, material, and pharmaceutical interventions.

Abstract A large proportion of stroke survivors suffer from sensory loss, negatively impacting their independence, quality of life, and neurorehabilitation prognosis. Despite the high prevalence of somatosensory impairments, our understanding of somatosensory interventions such as sensory electrical stimulation (SES) in neurorehabilitation is limited. We aimed to study the effectiveness of SES combined with a sensory discrimination task in a well-controlled virtual environment in healthy participants, setting a foundation for its potential application in stroke rehabilitation. We employed electroencephalography (EEG) to gain a better understanding of the underlying neural mechanisms and dynamics associated with sensory training and SES. We conducted a single-session experiment with 26 healthy participants who explored a set of three visually identical virtual textures—haptically rendered by a robotic device and that differed in their spatial period—while physically guided by the robot to identify the odd texture. The experiment consisted of three phases: pre-intervention, intervention, and post-intervention. Half the participants received subthreshold whole-hand SES during the intervention, while the other half received sham stimulation. We evaluated changes in task performance—assessed by the probability of correct responses—before and after intervention and between groups. We also evaluated differences in the exploration behavior, e.g., scanning speed. EEG was employed to examine the effects of the intervention on brain activity, particularly in the alpha frequency band (8–13 Hz) associated with sensory processing. We found that participants in the SES group improved their task performance after intervention and their scanning speed during and after intervention, while the sham group did not improve their task performance. However, the differences in task performance improvements between groups only approached significance. Furthermore, we found that alpha power was sensitive to the effects of SES; participants in the stimulation group exhibited enhanced brain signals associated with improved touch sensitivity likely due to the effects of SES on the central nervous system, while the increase in alpha power for the sham group was less pronounced. Our findings suggest that SES enhances texture discrimination after training and has a positive effect on sensory-related brain areas. Further research involving brain-injured patients is needed to confirm the potential benefit of our solution in neurorehabilitation.

This article describes the treatment and evolution of a 76-year-old patient who suffered a fracture of the scapula and the proximal phalanx of the second finger after a bicycle accident. The medical and physiotherapeutic intervention is detailed, especially the second one, focusing on the recovery of the injured shoulder. The physiotherapy treatment shows how a simple intervention based on the combination of several rehabilitative techniques such as magnetic therapy, electrostimulation and manual therapy, are more than enough to provide a full functional recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) such as stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) can be managed through conservative treatments, such as conservative management involving biofeedback (BF) and electrostimulation. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of conservative treatments on PFDs. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Women with PFD who underwent 1-3 months of BF and electrostimulation between January 1, 2020, and January 31, 2021, were included in the study. BF treatment was administered using three sensors to monitor pelvic floor muscle activity, providing patients with immediate feedback and guidance on muscle exercises. One session lasted for 5-10 min. Electrostimulation treatment utilized a specially made pelvic belt with electrode sheets to stimulate and contract pelvic floor muscles passively. One session lasted for 15 min. Six therapies in 1 month were prescribed. Pre- and post-treatment Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) scores, including POP distress inventory 6 (POPDI-6), colorectal-anal distress inventory (CRAD-8), and urinary distress inventory 6 (UDI-6) scores, were compared. Subgroup analysis by age, menopause, body mass index (BMI), and child delivery mode was performed. Results: The study included 51 women with PFDs (SUI, POP, frequency or urgency or nocturia, and pain) treated with BF and electrostimulation, with a mean age of 49.94 ± 13.63 years. Sixteen patients (37.1%) were menopausal, with a mean menopause age of 50 ± 5.20 years. Twenty-six patients (68.4%) had a history of normal vaginal delivery. The mean PFDI-20 scores before and after treatment were 32.67 (standard deviation [SD] 10.05) and 25.99 (SD 9.61), respectively (P < 0.001). This decrease in scores reflected an improvement in subjective perceptions of symptoms and quality of life. The POPDI-6, CRAD-8, and UDI-6 scores significantly decreased after treatment. Subgroup analysis of scores change regarding age, menopause, BMI, and child delivery mode was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The study demonstrated the effectiveness of BF and electrostimulation for treating women with PFDs. The findings contributed to the understanding of treatment duration, patient characteristics, and the potential benefits of a multimodal approach. Moreover, the study's diverse participant population and the use of validated outcome measures enhance the generalizability and scientific rigor of the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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A large proportion of stroke survivors suffer from sensory loss, negatively impacting their independence, quality of life, and neurorehabilitation prognosis. Despite the high prevalence of somatosensory impairments, our understanding of somatosensory interventions such as sensory electrical stimulation (SES) in neurorehabilitation is limited. We aimed to study the effectiveness of SES combined with a sensory discrimination task in a well-controlled virtual environment in healthy participants, setting a foundation for its potential application in stroke rehabilitation. We employed electroencephalography (EEG) to gain a better understanding of the underlying neural mechanisms and dynamics associated with sensory training and SES. We conducted a single-session experiment with 26 healthy participants who explored a set of three visually identical virtual textures—haptically rendered by a robotic device and that differed in their spatial period—while physically guided by the robot to identify the odd texture. The experiment consisted of three phases: pre-intervention, intervention, and post-intervention. Half the participants received subthreshold whole-hand SES during the intervention, while the other half received sham stimulation. We evaluated changes in task performance—assessed by the probability of correct responses—before and after intervention and between groups. We also evaluated differences in the exploration behavior, e.g., scanning speed. EEG was employed to examine the effects of the intervention on brain activity, particularly in the alpha frequency band (8–13 Hz) associated with sensory processing. We found that participants in the SES group improved their task performance after intervention and their scanning speed during and after intervention, while the sham group did not improve their task performance. However, the differences in task performance improvements between groups only approached significance. Furthermore, we found that alpha power was sensitive to the effects of SES; participants in the stimulation group exhibited enhanced brain signals associated with improved touch sensitivity likely due to the effects of SES on the central nervous system, while the increase in alpha power for the sham group was less pronounced. Our findings suggest that SES enhances texture discrimination after training and has a positive effect on sensory-related brain areas. Further research involving brain-injured patients is needed to confirm the potential benefit of our solution in neurorehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of cellular electrostimulation in medicine has been an increasingly growing area of interest, and graphene has emerged as a promising material in this field. This article explores how cellular electrostimulation can influence key biological processes and how graphene, with its unique properties, can enhance this technique. The electrochemical aspects of the graphene-cell interaction and its impact on cellular activity regulation were investigated. Additionally, various applications of graphene in cellular electrostimulation, from tissue engineering to disease treatment were examined. This article provides a comprehensive insight into how the combination of electrochemistry and graphene is transforming the field of regenerative medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effects of biologically active substances and electrical stimulation of the uterus in cows on the effectiveness of estrus synchronization. Materials and Methods: Ninety (n = 90) Kazakh white-headed cows were synchronized with two injections of gonadotropin-releasing hormone on days 0 and 9 and prostaglandin F2α on day 7. The cows were divided into six groups and, during the protocol, treated with biologically active substances (Tetramag, Selevetum, antiseptic-stimulator Dorogov 2 fraction, groups 2, 3, and 4). Cows in groups 5 and 6 were treated with the same substances but additionally had electrical stimulation of the uterus, while cows in group 1 were left untreated and served as a control. Results: The results have shown that on Day 0, no differences were observed in E2 concentrations between the groups. However, on the 10th day, a significant disparity was noted in the E2 level among cows in group 6 compared to groups 2, 3, 4, and the control group. Conversely, no significant differences were observed between groups 5 and 6. Likewise, the fertility rate in cows from group 6 was significantly higher compared to groups 2, 3, 4, and the control group, with no significant differences between groups 5 and 6. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the utilization of electrical stimulation of the uterus and the inclusion of certain biological substances during the estrus synchronization protocol demonstrate a positive effect on the reproductive performance of beef cattle in Kazakhstan. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(1.000): 100-106]

We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effectiveness and safety of non-invasive electrical stimulation (NES) for vision restoration. We systematically searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing NES with sham stimulation, for vision restoration between 2000 and 2022 in CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS. The main outcomes were as follows: visual acuity (VA); detection accuracy; foveal threshold; mean sensitivity as the parameter for the visual field; reading performance; contrast sensitivity (CS); electroencephalogram; quality of life (QoL), and safety. Two reviewers independently selected studies, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias 2.0 tool. The certainty in the evidence was determined using the GRADE framework. Protocol registration: CRD42022329342. Thirteen RCTs involving 441 patients with vision impairment indicate that NES may improve VA in the immediate post-intervention period (mean difference [MD] = −0.02 logMAR, 95% confidence intervals [CI] −0.08 to 0.04; low certainty), and probably increases QoL and detection accuracy (MD = 0.08, 95% CI −0.25 to 0.42 and standardised MD [SMD] = 0.09, 95% CI −0.58 to 0.77, respectively; both moderate certainty). NES likely results in little or no difference in mean sensitivity (SMD = −0.03, 95% CI −0.53 to 0.48). Compared with sham stimulation, NES increases the risk of minor adverse effects (risk ratio = 1.24, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.54; moderate certainty). The effect of NES on CS, reading performance, and electroencephalogram was uncertain. Our study suggests that although NES may slightly improve VA, detection accuracy, and QoL, the clinical relevance of these findings remains uncertain. Future research should focus on improving the available evidence's precision and consistency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Study Aim. It is well known that neuromuscular electrostimulation and plyometric exercises positively influence the gain of explosive force in the lower limbs. The combination of plyometric method and electrostimulation begins to gain a positive trend, being included in the modern training of athletes due to the important gain of explosive force. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of combining plyometric and electrostimulation methods in specific training for the development of lower limb muscle strength in long jumpers. Material and Methods. The study was conducted on 15 women's long jump athletes, age category 18 years ± 1,622, with an average weight of 50.80 kg ± 3,932, height of 165.87cm ±3,292 and foot plant of 39.00 ±1,254. The group carried out the experimental training program for a duration of 12 weeks, with means specific to the two methods, three times a week, lasting 60 minutes. It was assessed: horizontal speed on the last 10m of the run up, 1 RM (a maximum rep for a squat); vertical jump; flight time and performance achieved in the competition. The maximum repetition for a squat was tested with the GykoRePower system, the vertical jump was determined with the OptoJump Next system, and the performance in the test was recorded during the competition. The vertical jump, the average value of power used to develop the explosive force and the length of the jump were evaluated. The recorded data on the muscle profile of the subjects were analyzed with the SPSS statistical analysis program Results. The statistical analysis performed with T-student obtained significant differences between the two tests of the experiment group (p ≤ 0.001): 1RM registers a progress of 10.476 kg with a progress rate of 18.07%, optimal load registers a progress of 3.627 kg with a progress rate of 8.93%, vertical jump achieves a progress of 4.567 cm with a progress rate of 16.09% with a flight time progress of 0.03833 s with a progress rate of 7.39%, and the speed on the last 10 m of run up progresses by 0.5234 s with a progress rate of 6.79%. Subjects recorded a progress for competition performance of 36.467 cm compared to the initial test with a progress rate of 8.50%. Conclusions. The research results are objective arguments that highlight that a specific training based on combining plyometric method with electrostimulation determines significant improvements in the development of explosive force of the lower limbs in long jumps with positive effects on sports performance for long jumpers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to examine if peripheral fatigue is adjusted during knee extensor (KE) exercise in order not to surpass a critical threshold patient with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and the consequences of this mechanism on the force–duration relationship. Methods: Eleven T1D individuals randomly performed two different sessions in which they performed 60 maximum voluntary contractions (MVC; 3 s contraction, 2 s relaxation). One trial was performed in the non-fatigued state (CTRL) and another after fatiguing neuromuscular stimulation of the KE (FNMES). Peripheral and central fatigue were quantified by the difference between pre and post exercise in quadriceps voluntary activation (ΔVA) and potentiated twitch (ΔPtw). Critical torque (CT) was determined as the average force of the last 12 contractions, whereas W' was calculated as the area above the CT. Results: Although FNMES led to a significant decrease in potentiated twitch (Ptw) before performing the 60-MVCs protocol (p < 0.05), ΔVA (∼ −7.5%), ΔPtw (∼ −39%), and CT (∼816 N) post-MVCs were similar between the two conditions. The difference in W' between CTRL and FNMES was correlated with the level of pre-fatigue induced in FNMES (r2 = 0.60). In addition, W' was correlated with ΔPtw (r2 = 0.62) in the CTRL session. Conclusion: Correlative results in the present study indicate that regulating peripheral fatigue mechanisms at a critical threshold limit W'. Additionally, peripheral fatigue during KE exercise is limited to an individual threshold in T1D patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiac device infections are serious adverse events associated with considerable morbidity and mortality, significant costs, and increased healthcare utilization. The aim of this study is to calculate the costs of treatment of cardiac implantable electrostimulation device (CIED)-related infections for different types of infection (local or systemic) and therapeutic approaches. Patients and Methods: Single-center cohort (1985–2018). The costs of the CIED-related infections were analyzed according to initial treatment (antimicrobial treatment exclusively, local approach, or transvenous lead extraction (TLE)). Total costs (including those for hospitalization stay, drugs, extraction material, and newly implanted devices) were assigned to each case until its final resolution. Results: A total of 380 cases (233 local and 147 systemic infections) were analyzed. The average cost of systemic infection was EUR 34,086, mainly due to hospitalization (78.5%; mean: 24 ± 14 days), with a mortality rate of 10.8%. Local infection had a mortality rate of 2.5% (mainly related to the extraction procedure) and an average cost of EUR 21,790, which was higher in patients with resynchronization therapy devices and defibrillators (46% of total costs). Surgical procedures limited to the pocket for local infections resulted in a high rate of recurrence (87%), evolved to systemic infections in 48 patients, and had a higher cost compared to TLE (EUR 42,978 vs. EUR 24,699; p < 0.01). Conclusions: The costs of treating CIED-related infections are high and mainly related to the type of treatment and length of hospitalization. Complete device removal is always the most effective approach and is a cost-saving strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effects of biologically active substances and electrical stimulation of the uterus in cows on the effectiveness of estrus synchronization. Materials and Methods: Ninety (n = 90) Kazakh white-headed cows were synchronized with two injections of gonadotropin-releasing hormone on days 0 and 9 and prostaglandin F2a on day 7. The cows were divided into six groups and, during the protocol, treated with biologically active substances (Tetramag, Selevetum, antiseptic-stimulator Dorogov 2 fraction, groups 2, 3, and 4). Cows in groups 5 and 6 were treated with the same substances but additionally had electrical stimulation of the uterus, while cows in group 1 were left untreated and served as a control. Results: The results have shown that on Day 0, no differences were observed in E2 concentrations between the groups. However, on the 10th day, a significant disparity was noted in the E2 level among cows in group 6 compared to groups 2, 3, 4, and the control group. Conversely, no significant differences were observed between groups 5 and 6. Likewise, the fertility rate in cows from group 6 was significantly higher compared to groups 2, 3, 4, and the control group, with no significant differences between groups 5 and 6. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the utilization of electrical stimulation of the uterus and the inclusion of certain biological substances during the estrus synchronization protocol demonstrate a positive effect on the reproductive performance of beef cattle in Kazakhstan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Fibromyalgia, a chronic condition, manifests as widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, autonomic and cognitive dysfunction, hypersensitivity to stimuli, and various somatic and psychiatric symptoms. This study, a controlled and randomized experiment, aimed to evaluate and compare the immediate effects of different treatments on fibromyalgia patients. Materials and Methods: The treatments included the EXOPULSE Mollii suit, a combination of the EXOPULSE Mollii suit with a virtual reality (VR) protocol, and a physical exercise regimen. A cohort of 89 female fibromyalgia patients was randomly assigned to one of four groups: Control (n = 20), Suit only (n = 22), Suit combined with VR (n = 21), and Exercise (n = 26). Results: This study found notable differences across the groups in several key parameters. In the Control group, significant changes were observed in Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV 1/FEV 6), the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain, Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) at the epicondyle, cortical arousal levels, the 10 m up-and-go test, and in all measured variables related to temperature and muscle oxygenation. For the group using the suit alone, there were significant differences noted in the NRS, the chair stand test, palm temperature, and all muscle oxygenation parameters. The Suit + VR group showed significant changes in the NRS, PPT at the knee, handgrip strength test, the 10 m up-and-go test, one-leg balance test with the right leg, muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2), deoxygenated hemoglobin (HHb), and oxygenated hemoglobin (O2Hb). Finally, the Exercise group exhibited significant differences in FEV 1/FEV 6, chest perimeter difference, NRS, PPT at both the epicondyle and knee, cortical arousal, the chair stand test, the 10-m up-and-go test, and in SmO2, HHb, and O2Hb levels. Conclusions: combining neuromodulation with VR and targeted exercise regimens can effectively alleviate fibromyalgia symptoms, offering promising avenues for non-pharmacological management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrical stimulation has emerged as a cornerstone technique in the rapidly evolving field of biomedical engineering, particularly within the realms of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. It facilitates cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation, thereby advancing the development of accurate tissue models and enhancing drug-testing methodologies. Conductive hydrogels, which enable the conduction of microcurrents in 3D in vitro cultures, are central to this advancement. The integration of high-electroconductive nanomaterials, such as graphene oxide (GO), into hydrogels has revolutionized their mechanical and conductivity properties. Here, we introduce a novel electrostimulation assay utilizing a hybrid hydrogel composed of methacryloyl-modified small intestine submucosa (SIS) dECM (SISMA), chitosan methacrylate (ChiMA), and GO-polyethylene glycol (GO-PEG) in a 3D in vitro culture within a hypoxic environment of umbilical cord blood cells (UCBCs). Results not only demonstrate significant cell proliferation within 3D constructs exposed to microcurrents and early growth factors but also highlight the hybrid hydrogel’s physiochemical prowess through comprehensive rheological, morphological, and conductivity analyses. Further experiments will focus on identifying the regulatory pathways of cells subjected to electrical stimulation.

Yunhao Yang,1,2 Fang Pang,1– 3 Min Zhou,1,2 Xiao Guo,1,2 Yan Yang,1,2 Wei Qiu,1,2 Cai Liao,1,2 Yang Chen,1,2 Chenglin Tang1,2 1College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 2Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 3Institute of Sports Biology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Chenglin Tang, Email tangchenglin@cqmu.edu.cnBackground: Electroacupuncture (EA) is used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms by which this approach safeguards against obesity-induced intestinal barrier damage has not been fully understood.Objective: This study aimed to assess whether EA could ameliorate intestinal barrier damage that had been reversed in a mouse model of obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and whether this repair is correlated with ferroptosis and gut microbiota enhancement.Methods: To assess the potential of EA to prevent obesity and restore the intestinal barrier, we divided in C57BL/6J mice into two groups; one was fed with HFD and another one with a normal diet. Samples of stool, blood, fat, and intestinal epithelium were then evaluated, along with body weight.Results: Following EA, we observed a significant reduction in body weight, fat accumulation, and serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels; an increase was seen in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. EA also activated the Nrf2 signaling pathway; upregulated the expression of GPX4, FTH1, and SLC7A11; and downregulated the expression of TFR1. In addition, the administration of EA resulted in a notable modification of the gut microbiota composition, characterized by a decrease in the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio.Conclusion: EA had beneficial effects on weight loss and showed potential ability to repair the intestinal barrier by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, inhibiting intestinal inflammation and ferroptosis, and regulating the intestinal microbiota to treat IBD caused by HFD-induced obesity. Keywords: ferroptosis, electrostimulation, acupuncture, Chinese medicine, obesity, intestinal epithelium

In the present work, we aimed to determine the effect of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) on metabolic syndrome (MetS) as a cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors in people at moderate-to-high cardiometabolic risk. The present meta-analysis is based on a systematic literature search of a recent evidence map, which searched five electronic databases, two registers, and Google Scholar, according to PRISMA, until 31 March 2023. Controlled trials comprising adult cohorts with central obesity that compared the effect of WB-EMS versus controls using a continuous score representing MetS were included. We applied a random-effects meta-analysis and used the inverse heterogeneity model to analyze the data of the five eligible trials identified by our search. Outcome measures were standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%-CIs). The risk of bias was determined using the PEDro-Score. In summary, we identified five eligible articles containing 117 participants in the WB-EMS group and 117 participants in the control group. We observed a small effect (SMD: −0.30; 95%-CI: −0.04 to −0.56) in favor of the WB-EMS intervention. The heterogeneity between the trials was very low (I2: 0%); further evidence for risks of small study/publication bias was minimal. The methodologic quality of these studies can be classified as moderate to high. In summary, the present work provides evidence of the favorable effect of WB-EMS on cardiometabolic risk in adults at moderate–high cardiometabolic risk. Considering the time effectiveness of WB-EMS, along with its safety and attractiveness, as indicated by the five studies, WB-EMS can be regarded as a feasible training option for people at cardiometabolic risk.

Objectives: Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) such as stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) can be managed through conservative treatments, such as conservative management involving biofeedback (BF) and electrostimulation. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of conservative treatments on PFDs. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Women with PFD who underwent 1–3 months of BF and electrostimulation between January 1, 2020, and January 31, 2021, were included in the study. BF treatment was administered using three sensors to monitor pelvic floor muscle activity, providing patients with immediate feedback and guidance on muscle exercises. One session lasted for 5–10 min. Electrostimulation treatment utilized a specially made pelvic belt with electrode sheets to stimulate and contract pelvic floor muscles passively. One session lasted for 15 min. Six therapies in 1 month were prescribed. Pre- and post-treatment Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) scores, including POP distress inventory 6 (POPDI-6), colorectal-anal distress inventory (CRAD-8), and urinary distress inventory 6 (UDI-6) scores, were compared. Subgroup analysis by age, menopause, body mass index (BMI), and child delivery mode was performed. Results: The study included 51 women with PFDs (SUI, POP, frequency or urgency or nocturia, and pain) treated with BF and electrostimulation, with a mean age of 49.94 ± 13.63 years. Sixteen patients (37.1%) were menopausal, with a mean menopause age of 50 ± 5.20 years. Twenty-six patients (68.4%) had a history of normal vaginal delivery. The mean PFDI-20 scores before and after treatment were 32.67 (standard deviation [SD] 10.05) and 25.99 (SD 9.61), respectively (P < 0.001). This decrease in scores reflected an improvement in subjective perceptions of symptoms and quality of life. The POPDI-6, CRAD-8, and UDI-6 scores significantly decreased after treatment. Subgroup analysis of scores change regarding age, menopause, BMI, and child delivery mode was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The study demonstrated the effectiveness of BF and electrostimulation for treating women with PFDs. The findings contributed to the understanding of treatment duration, patient characteristics, and the potential benefits of a multimodal approach. Moreover, the study’s diverse participant population and the use of validated outcome measures enhance the generalizability and scientific rigor of the findings.

Introduction Traumatic lesions of the brachial plexus and analysis of the outcomes of various surgical techniques in patients with this pathology are the relevant challenges in neurosurgery, neurology, traumatology, orthopedics and rehabilitation due to the high social and economic significance, incidence and poor short- and long-term outcomes in this cohort of patients. This study was aimed at comparing the outcomes of various surgical techniques in patients with closed injuries of the brachial plexus. Material and methods The study involved 96 patients with closed injuries of the brachial plexus divided into three groups according to the method of their surgical treatment. Patients of Group I (n = 33) underwent microsurgical neurolysis of their brachial plexus trunks; patients of Group II (n = 28) had microsurgical neurolysis of their brachial plexus trunks with stimulating multichannel electrodes implanted on the trunks of their brachial plexus; patients of Group III (n = 35) had microsurgical neurolysis with stimulating multichannel electrodes implanted on the trunks of their brachial plexus as well as the segmental spinal cord apparatus at the level of the cervical intumescence. The clinical status and functionality of the upper limb were assessed after 6 months with clinical and neurological tests, scoring methods, and electrophysiological monitoring. Results We analyzed the outcomes of various surgical techniques in patients with closed injuries of the brachial plexus to prove a significant improvement in the outcomes of Group III patients who featured a faster rate of pain regression in the injured upper limb as well as significantly positive changes in clinical, neurological and electrophysiological indicators. Discussion The reduction in the total regional pain syndrome and restoration of the affected limb function was more evident in Group III patients what supports the favor of microsurgical neurolysis in combination with two-level electrical stimulation for closed injuries of the brachial plexus. Conclusions The analysis of various surgical techniques in patients with closed injuries of the brachial plexus revealed a significant efficacy of microsurgical neurolysis in combination with electrostimulation of the injured nerve trunk and segmental spinal cord apparatus (Group III). It improves the outcomes in this cohort of patients.

Aim: Currently, one of the most promising research areas in dental implantology is the exploration of additional procedures to reduce loading time for implants and enhance osseointegration in cases of poor bone quality. Various techniques have been researched and developed for stimulating bone production, including electrical stimulation of the jawbone and surrounding tissues. However, there is limited research on the direct relationship between electrostimulation and osseointegration. This experimental study aims to investigate the effects of corona stimulation (CS) on the rate and quality of osseointegration, as well as its potential to reduce the waiting period for dental implants. Material and Method: In this experimental protocol, 32 dental implants were inserted into the tibia of four male sheep bilaterally. Implants on the right tibia of each male sheep underwent CS treatment, while the other side served as a control group without any stimulation. The animals were sacrificed on the 15th and 30th days after implantation. Bone segments containing the implants were processed using a noncalcified method. It assessed new bone formation and osseointegration around the dental implants using the undecalcified method and histomorphological analysis. An experienced blinded investigator measured percentages of mineralized bone-implant contact (BIC), bone area (BAr), and bone perimeter (BPm) to evaluate the bone-implant interface. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 21 for Windows, with a significance level set at p<0.05. Results: The histomorphometric parameters revealed a significant increase in BIC, BAr, and BPm values in the CS group compared to the control group on both the 15th and 30th days (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in BIC ratio between the second and fourth stimulation groups. Conclusion: The findings of this experimental study suggest that CS may have a positive impact on the early osseointegration period of dental implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is one of the main problems of endometriosis, leading to a significant impairment of quality of life. Understanding the pain mechanisms and the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) changes in these patients is essential to integrate additional therapeutic strategies. We hypothesize that endometriosis patients have changes in PFM and that targeted vaginal electrostimulation can be a treatment option for CPP in this disease. Methods: Fifteen patients with endometriosis and chronic acyclical pelvic pain were included. PFM electromyography with the Multiple Array Probe Leiden (MAPLe) was performed. Mapping of PFM was utilized and targeted electrostimulation of the hypertensive muscles was conducted. Control electromyography was performed afterward to evaluate the electrostimulation therapeutic effect. Results: In 12/15 (80%) patients, the myofascial trigger point could be localized by digital examination. The most frequently affected muscle was the puborectalis (10/15—66.7%). Most of the patients showed serious changes in the average resting tone (aRT) of PFM. aRT was significantly increased in all patients and decreased after stimulation, whereby the difference prior to and after stimulation was not significant (p = 0.064). The detailed separated analysis of the hypertensive muscles showed a significant (p = 0.026) reduction in their resting tone (hRT), after targeted stimulation. Conclusion: Vaginal electrostimulation is a promising and feasible complementary treatment option for CPP in endometriosis patients. Targeted treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction should be included in clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing recovery is a fundamental component of high-performance sports training since it enables practitioners to potentiate physical performance and minimise the risk of injuries. Using a new sports legging embedded with an intelligent system for electrostimulation, localised heating and compression (completely embodied into the textile structures), we aimed to analyse acute recovery following a fatigue protocol. Surface electromyography- and torque-related variables were recorded on eight recreational athletes. A fatigue protocol conducted in an isokinetic dynamometer allowed us to examine isometric torque and consequent post-exercise acute recovery after using the sports legging. Regarding peak torque, no differences were found between post-fatigue and post-recovery assessments in any variable; however, pre-fatigue registered a 16% greater peak torque when compared with post-fatigue for localised heating and compression recovery methods. Our data are supported by recent meta-analyses indicating that individual recovery methods, such as localised heating, electrostimulation and compression, are not effective to recover from a fatiguing exercise. In fact, none of the recovery methods available through the sports legging tested was effective in acutely recovering the torque values produced isometrically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The object of research is the electrical conductivity of biologically active points. Biologically active points as a method of non-traditional medical procedures and diagnostics, as well as being used for therapeutic purposes. Although this method has become the subject of mass research, a complete theory of the method has not yet been formed. Based on research, it is possible to say that there are different approaches to explaining the mechanism of action. These independent studies suggest the existence of unique electrical properties in the areas of the skin where biologically active points are located. However, due to technical and methodological problems, it was not in the interest of the scientific community, and as a result of solving the problem mentioned in recent history, interest in research in this field has increased. Nerve endings, called biologically active points or acupuncture points, are widely used in alternative medicine. The first step in electrostimulation of acupuncture points is the localization of the point. Localization is based on measuring the electrical conductivity of acupuncture points. The article discusses the virtual design of the measuring device, which is expected to be integrated with electrostimulators. As a result of the simulation, measurements were made and the accuracy class of the device was determined. Thus, it is possible to accurately measure electrical conductivity in biological objects through this device. The proposed device is designed on the basis of a modern element base. The basic element of the device is Arduino. A voltage divider scheme was used to determine the electrical conductivity of Arduino-based biologically active points. The purpose of using a voltage divider circuit is to protect the Arduino’s analog input from overvoltage. Based on the measurements, the accuracy class of the proposed device was determined. As a result of the simulations, it was determined that the absolute error of the device is 0.463056, the relative error is 0.005742, and the accuracy class is 0.0463056. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Eurasian Journal of Sport Sciences & Education / Avrasya Spor Bilimleri ve Eğitim Dergisi is the property of Eurasian Journal of Sport Sciences & Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

الملخص: أهداف البحث: تحديد التأثيرات قصيرة المدى للتنبيه السمبثاوى و السطحى للتيار التداخلي على تدفق الدم لدى الأطفال المصابين بالشلل الدماغي الفالج. طرق البحث: تم تقسيم 30 طفلا مصابين بالشلل الدماغي الفالج تتراوح أعمارهم بين 8 و 12 سنة عشوائيا إلى ثلاث مجموعات (10 أطفال لكل مجموعة). تلقت المجموعة الأولى التحفيز السمبثاوى للتيار التداخلي، وتلقت المجموعة الثانية التحفيز السطحى للتيار التداخلي، والمجموعة الثالثة (ضابطة) تلقت تحفيزا سطحيا وهميا للتيار التداخلي. تم تطبيق تردد 80-100 هرتز، وشدة 10-20 مللي أمبير لمدة 20 دقيقة. تم قياس سعة نبض حجم الدم باستخدام مستشعر التحجم في إصبع القدم الكبير قبل تطبيق التيار التداخلي، مباشرة بعد التحفيز وبعد 15 دقيقة، تم تحليل البيانات ومقارنتها إحصائيا. النتائج: كان هناك فرق معتد به إحصائيا في سعة النبض في حجم الدم بين الفترات الزمنية الثلاث في كل من مجموعتي التحفيز السمبثاوى و السطحى ، مع عدم وجود فرق في المجموعة الضابطة. كانت هناك زيادة كبيرة في سعة النبض في حجم الدم مباشرة بعد التحفيز مقارنة بما قبل التحفيز في مجموعتي التحفيز السمبثاوى و السطحى. ومع ذلك، الأختلافات بين مجموعتي التحفيز السمبثاوى و السطحى في الفترات الثلاث المقاسة ليست ذات دلاله أحصائية. الاستنتاجات: كان لكل من تطبيقى التيار التداخلي تأثير مناسب في تحسين تدفق الدم لدى الأطفال المصابين بالشلل الدماغي الفالج مع عدم وجود فرق في الفعالية بين التحفيز السمبثاوى و السطحى. Abstract: Objectives: To determine the short-term effects of sympathetic and peripheral stimulation of interferential current (IFC) on blood flow (BF) in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: Thirty children with hemiplegic CP, ranging from 8 to 12 years old, were randomly divided into three groups (10 children/group). The first group received sympathetic stimulation of IFC, the second group received peripheral stimulation of IFC, and the third group (control) received placebo peripheral stimulation of IFC. A frequency of 80–100 Hz at an intensity of 10–20 mA was applied for 20 min. Blood volume pulse (BVP) amplitude was measured before IFC application using a plethysmography sensor at the big toe immediately after and 15 min poststimulation. The data were statistically analyzed and compared. Results: There were statistically significant differences in BVP amplitude among the three time intervals in both the sympathetic and peripheral groups (P 0.05). Conclusion: Both IFC applications had a proper effect on improving BF in children with hemiplegic CP with no difference in efficacy between sympathetic and peripheral stimulation.

Copyright of Industria Textila is the property of Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Textile si Pielarie and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Cardiac device infections are serious adverse events associated with considerable morbidity and mortality, significant costs, and increased healthcare utilization. The aim of this study is to calculate the costs of treatment of cardiac implantable electrostimulation device (CIED)-related infections for different types of infection (local or systemic) and therapeutic approaches. Patients and Methods: Single-center cohort (1985–2018). The costs of the CIED-related infections were analyzed according to initial treatment (antimicrobial treatment exclusively, local approach, or transvenous lead extraction (TLE)). Total costs (including those for hospitalization stay, drugs, extraction material, and newly implanted devices) were assigned to each case until its final resolution. Results: A total of 380 cases (233 local and 147 systemic infections) were analyzed. The average cost of systemic infection was EUR 34,086, mainly due to hospitalization (78.5%; mean: 24 ± 14 days), with a mortality rate of 10.8%. Local infection had a mortality rate of 2.5% (mainly related to the extraction procedure) and an average cost of EUR 21,790, which was higher in patients with resynchronization therapy devices and defibrillators (46% of total costs). Surgical procedures limited to the pocket for local infections resulted in a high rate of recurrence (87%), evolved to systemic infections in 48 patients, and had a higher cost compared to TLE (EUR 42,978 vs. EUR 24,699; p < 0.01). Conclusions: The costs of treating CIED-related infections are high and mainly related to the type of treatment and length of hospitalization. Complete device removal is always the most effective approach and is a cost-saving strategy.

Background and Objectives: Fibromyalgia, a chronic condition, manifests as widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, autonomic and cognitive dysfunction, hypersensitivity to stimuli, and various somatic and psychiatric symptoms. This study, a controlled and randomized experiment, aimed to evaluate and compare the immediate effects of different treatments on fibromyalgia patients. Materials and Methods: The treatments included the EXOPULSE Mollii suit, a combination of the EXOPULSE Mollii suit with a virtual reality (VR) protocol, and a physical exercise regimen. A cohort of 89 female fibromyalgia patients was randomly assigned to one of four groups: Control (n = 20), Suit only (n = 22), Suit combined with VR (n = 21), and Exercise (n = 26). Results: This study found notable differences across the groups in several key parameters. In the Control group, significant changes were observed in Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV 1/FEV 6), the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain, Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) at the epicondyle, cortical arousal levels, the 10 m up-and-go test, and in all measured variables related to temperature and muscle oxygenation. For the group using the suit alone, there were significant differences noted in the NRS, the chair stand test, palm temperature, and all muscle oxygenation parameters. The Suit + VR group showed significant changes in the NRS, PPT at the knee, handgrip strength test, the 10 m up-and-go test, one-leg balance test with the right leg, muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2), deoxygenated hemoglobin (HHb), and oxygenated hemoglobin (O2Hb). Finally, the Exercise group exhibited significant differences in FEV 1/FEV 6, chest perimeter difference, NRS, PPT at both the epicondyle and knee, cortical arousal, the chair stand test, the 10-m up-and-go test, and in SmO2, HHb, and O2Hb levels. Conclusions: combining neuromodulation with VR and targeted exercise regimens can effectively alleviate fibromyalgia symptoms, offering promising avenues for non-pharmacological management.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) for the prevention of dry eye after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Design: Prospective, single-center, single-blinded, parallel group, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. Participants: Between February 2020 and October 2020, patients at the Samsung Medical Center scheduled to undergo PRK to correct myopia were screened and enrolled. Methods: The participants in the TES group were instructed to use the electrical stimulation device (Nu Eyne 01, Nu Eyne Co) at the periocular region after the operation, whereas those in the control group were to use the sham device. Dry eye symptoms were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at weeks 1, 4, and 12 using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, the 5-Item Dry Eye Questionnaire (DEQ-5), and the Standard Patient Evaluation for Eye Dryness II (SPEED II) questionnaire. Dry eye signs were assessed using tear break-up time (TBUT), total corneal fluorescein staining (tCFS), and total conjunctival staining score according to the National Eye Institute/Industry scale. The pain intensity was evaluated using a visual analog scale. Main Outcome Measures: Primary outcomes were OSDI and TBUT. Results: Twenty-four patients were enrolled and completed follow-up until the end of the study (12 patients in the TES group, 12 patients in the control group). Refractive outcomes and visual acuity were not different between the groups. No serious adverse event was reported with regard to device use. No significant difference in OSDI and SPEED II questionnaires and the DEQ-5 was observed between the groups in the 12th week after surgery. The TBUT scores 12 weeks after the surgery were 9.28 ± 6.90 seconds in the TES group and 5.98 ± 2.55 seconds in the control group with significant difference (P = 0.042). The tCFS and total conjunctival staining score were significantly lower in the TES group than in the control group at postoperative 4 weeks. Pain intensity at the first week was significantly lower in the TES group than in the control group by 65% (P = 0.011). Conclusion: The application of TES is safe and effective in improving dry eye disease after PRK. Financial Disclosure(s): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a serious health issue that affects both women and men. The risk of UI increases in men with age and after treatment for prostate cancer and affects up to 32% of men. Furthermore, UI may affect up to 69% of men after prostatectomy. Considering such a high incidence, it is critical to search for effective methods to mitigate this issue. Hence, the present review aims to provide an overview of physiotherapeutic methods and evaluate their effectiveness in treating UI in men. This systematic review was performed using articles included in PubMed, Embase, WoS, and PEDro databases. A total of 6965 relevant articles were found. However, after a risk of bias assessment, 39 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The research showed that the available physiotherapeutic methods for treating men with UI, including those after prostatectomy, involve pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) alone or in combination with biofeedback (BF) and/or electrostimulation (ES), vibrations, and traditional activity. In conclusion, PFMT is the gold standard of UI therapy, but it may be complemented by other techniques to provide a personalized treatment plan for patients. The effectiveness of the physiotherapeutic methods varies from study to study, and large methodological differences make it difficult to accurately compare individual results and draw unequivocal conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate targeting of overactive muscles is fundamental for successful botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) injections in the treatment of spasticity. The necessity of instrumented guidance and the superiority of one or more guidance techniques are ambiguous. Here, we sought to investigate if guided BoNT injections lead to a better clinical outcome in adults with limb spasticity compared to non-guided injections. We also aimed to elucidate the hierarchy of common guidance techniques including electromyography, electrostimulation, manual needle placement and ultrasound. To this end, we conducted a Bayesian network meta-analysis and systematic review with 245 patients using the MetaInsight software, R and the Cochrane Review Manager. Our study provided, for the first time, quantitative evidence supporting the superiority of guided BoNT injections over the non-guided ones. The hierarchy comprised ultrasound on the first level, electrostimulation on the second, electromyography on the third and manual needle placement on the last level. The difference between ultrasound and electrostimulation was minor and, thus, appropriate contextualization is essential for decision making. Taken together, guided BoNT injections based on ultrasound and electrostimulation performed by experienced practitioners lead to a better clinical outcome within the first month post-injection in adults with limb spasticity. In the present study, ultrasound performed slightly better, but large-scale trials should shed more light on which modality is superior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrostimulation is a way of treatment various nerve and muscle injuries as well as acute and chronic pain conditions. The electrotherapy which is increasingly used in physiotherapy, muscle is exposed to an electrical pulse in order to activate excitable tissue using external electrodes with the aim of building muscle strength, enhancement healing, improvement in patient's mobility or reducing painTextile based electrodes are significantly noticed in the aspects of being flexible and re-usable and no needs of hydrogels, thereby avoiding skin irritation and allergic reactions and enhancing user comfort. This article presents a kind of textile based electrodes made of conductive yarns containing stainless steel/plyester blend fiber. The embroidery technique was used to prepare the textile based electrodes. Samples were examined on 10 people with pain in their bodies in a hospital without being moisturised. The purpose of this study is to asses the performance of 3 different textile based electrodes, considering the conductivity of the yarns which have been used to produce textile based electrodes, the usfulness of them for electrotherapy and comparing them with rubber electrodes commonly are used in clinics regularly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: To provide an updated overview on use of electrostimulation in gastrointestinal motility disorders and obesity, with a focus on gastric electrical stimulation, vagal nerve stimulation and sacral nerve stimulation. Recent Findings: Recent studies on gastric electrical stimulation for chronic vomiting showed a decrease in frequency of vomiting, but without significant improvement in quality of life. Percutaneous vagal nerve stimulation shows some promise for both symptoms of gastroparesis and IBS. Sacral nerve stimulation does not appear effective for constipation. Studies of electroceuticals for treatment of obesity have quite varied results with less clinical penetrance of the technology. Summary: Results of studies on the efficacy of electroceuticals have been variable depending on pathology but this area remains promising. Improved mechanistic understanding, technology and more controlled trials will be helpful to establish a clearer role for electrostimulation in treatment of various GI disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The muscles of the abdominal wall play a fundamental role in the stabilization of the pelvis and the spinal column, and they must function properly. The simultaneous combination of physical exercise with electrical currents, called dynamic electrostimulation, can have beneficial effects on this musculature in terms of gaining muscle mass and strength. Our research aimed to determine the immediate effects of a single session of dynamic electrostimulation on the thickness of the abdominal musculature and the inter-rectus distance evaluated by ultrasound, as well as on the physiological parameters of heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. In addition to the possible differences according to the way of application—local with electrodes placed in the abdominal area or global with whole-body electrostimulation—a total of 120 healthy participants were randomly divided into three groups: WB-EMS, EMS, and control groups. No differences were found in the results of the variables analyzed between the groups, except for heart rate. The EMS group showed a smaller increase in post-intervention heart rate compared to the WB-EMS and control groups. The use of localized dynamic EMS on the abdominal musculature in populations with cardiorespiratory disorders could be of interest, and more research is needed. Dynamic electrostimulation consists of the application of local or global electrostimulation together with physical exercise. This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of a dynamic electrostimulation session on the thickness of the abdominal musculature, inter-rectus distance, heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature, and to identify possible differences in its form of application. A total of 120 healthy participants were divided into three groups: the whole-body electrostimulation group, the local electrostimulation group, and the control group without electrical stimulation. All groups performed a single session with the same dynamic exercise protocol. Muscle thickness and inter-rectus distance were evaluated ultrasonographically using the Rehabilitative Ultrasound Imaging technique both at rest and in muscle contraction (the active straight leg raise test) to find the post-intervention differences. The results showed significant differences in immediate post-intervention heart rate, with a smaller increase in the local electrostimulation group compared to the control and whole-body electrostimulation groups. No significant differences were identified between the groups after the interventions in the rest of the variables analyzed. Therefore, a local application, with the same effects as a global application on the abdominal musculature, has fewer contraindications, which makes its use more advisable, especially in populations with cardiorespiratory disorders, for which more research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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• Cathodic dynamic membrane (CDM) was developed to treat wastewater in AnMBR (AnCDMBR). • Well-controlled fouling and efficient separation were observed in CDM with low cost. • AnCDMBR achieved superior CH 4 yield rate of 0.26 L-CH 4 /g-COD with high purity (>95 %). • Enhanced metabolism and spatially heterogeneous microbiota promote bioenergy recovery. • It shows significant potential for AnCDMBR in municipal wastewater treatment. Concerns regarding membrane fouling and suboptimal bioenergy recovery have constrained the implementation of anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) for treating low-strength municipal wastewater. This study presents a novel anaerobic cathodic dynamic membrane bioreactor (AnCDMBR) designed to address these challenges. A self-formed cathodic dynamic membrane (CDM) on inexpensive carbon cloth was developed to function as both a membrane and biocathode to achieve dual-function effects of mitigating membrane fouling and accelerating organics conversion. Compared with common dynamic membrane (1.52 kPa/d) and commercial membranes (7.52 kPa/d), the developed CDM presented a significantly reduced fouling rate (1.02 kPa/d), exhibiting the potential as a substitute for high-cost conductive membranes. Furthermore, efficient and stable biomethanation occurred in AnCDMBR with a superior methane yield rate of 0.26 L-CH 4 /g-COD (CH 4 content > 95 %), which was 1.42 times higher than the control, linked to the higher activities of microbial metabolism and methanogenic-related key enzymes. Further analysis revealed that electrostimulation-induced niche differentiation of microbiota regulated interspecies interactions between electroactive microorganisms and complex anaerobic digestion microbiomes, facilitating organic matter conversion to methane and leading to superior bioenergy recovery. This study offered a new strategy for effectively mitigating fouling and recovering bioenergy from low-strength wastewater, potentially expanding the application of AnMBRs. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Hyposalivation is one of the common oral complications in end-stage renal disease. This study aimed to assess the immediate and 3-week effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on hyposalivation in end-stage renal disease patients on maintenance haemodialysis. Methods. Overall, 80 haemodialysis patients with hyposalivation complaints (40 diabetics and 40 nondiabetics with a mean age of 59.35 ± 9.59 and 59.45 ± 9.66 years, respectively) were treated with 20-minute extraoral TENS (50 Hz and 250 µs pulse duration) applied bilaterally to parotid glands for 3 successive weeks (3 sessions per week). Besides the baseline measurement, the whole resting saliva was collected immediately after the first and last TENS sessions in a graduated test tube via the 5-minute low forced spitting method. The whole resting salivary flow rate (WRSFR) (ml/min) was calculated by dividing the collected salivary volume by the 5-minute collection period. Results. When the baseline WRSFR mean was compared with its value after the first or last TENS session, WRSFR showed a highly significant increase in diabetic and nondiabetic haemodialysis patients. Conclusions. Extraoral electrostimulation via TENS is an effective therapeutic modality for hyposalivation in end-stage renal disease patients on maintenance haemodialysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]