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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]

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.

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]

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]

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]

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

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]

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: 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]

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]

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]

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.

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]

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.

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.)

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.)

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.

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.

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]

Copyright of Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences is the property of Elsevier B.V. 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.)

The study was carried out to perform a morphological evaluation of ram semen related to the collection method. A total of 20 Turcana Alba rams aged 3 to 6 years old were used in the study. The study was conducted in a farm located in Cluj County. Semen samples were collected from each animal using two collection methods: the artificial vagina (AV) and the electrostimulation (E). The average variation of normal spermatozoa (%) for the artificial vagina method was X±S=94.31±2.07, and by electrostimulation X±S=93.62±3.19. Regarding the percentage of primary anomalies recorded, no significant changes were found: X±S=2.27±1.05 in the case of AV and X±S=2.83±1.61 for E. The dynamic of secondary anomalies (%) present in the analyzed semen was as follows: for AV it was X±S=2.94±1.14, while when collected by electrostimulation an average of X±S=3.04±1.36 was found. The percentages of immature spermatozoa were approximately equal: X±S=0.57±0.25 for AV and X±S=0.59±0.40 for the electrostimulation method. The results showed that both sperm collection methods can be used in field conditions, with the mention that the values obtained were superior for the artificial vagina method. [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]

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.

Introduction: Post-paralytic facial synkinesis after facial nerve injury produces functional disabilities and mimetic deficits, but also cosmetic and non-motor psychosocial impairments for the patients. These patients typically have a high and continuous high motivation for rehabilitation. The aim is to inform the affected patients and their therapeutic professionals (otorhinolaryngologist - head and neck surgeons; oral-maxillofacial surgeons, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, neurosurgeons, neurologists, and mime therapists be it speech and language therapy- or physiotherapy-based) and to provide practical recommendations for diagnostics and a stepwise systematic treatment approach of facial synkinesis. Methods: In the first phase, a systematic literature search on the topic in PubMed and ScienceDirect starting in 2008 resulted in 132 articles. These were the basis for the review and a comprehensive series of consensus statements on the most important diagnostic tests and treatment options. In the second phase, one consensus article circulated among the membership of the International Head and Neck Scientific Group until a final agreement was reached for all recommendations. Results: Diagnostics should include a standardized assessment of the degree of synkinesis using validated clinician-graded instruments and synkinesis-specific patient-reported outcome measures. Treatments for facial synkinesis include facial training mainly based on facial biofeedback retraining, chemodenervation with botulinum toxin, selective neurectomy, myectomy, and any combination treatment of these options. Conclusion: A basic understanding of the pathomechanisms of synkinesis is essential to understand the treatment strategies. A standardized assessment of the synkinetic symptoms and the individual synkinesis pattern is needed. The first-line treatment is facial training, followed by botulinum toxin. Surgery is reserved for individual cases with unsatisfactory first-line treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obstructive sleep apnea is a respiratory problem that has serious consequences for physical and mental health, but also in monetary terms, since traffic accidents and poor work performance, among other direct consequences, are attributed to it. It is estimated that between 9% and 38% of the world's population has this disease. This is a multifactorial disease, therefore, there are several methods of detection and treatment; however, all of them cause discomfort to the patient, or to those around them. In this article we propose a system for the detection and control of obstructive sleep apnea that promises to overcome the drawbacks of the existing therapies, therefore, potentially making it a practical and effective solution for this disease. The proof of concept presented in this paper makes use of an electromyography sensor to collect the myoelectric signal produced by the genioglossus muscle. Surface electrodes provide the electromyography signals to an ESP32 microcontroller, which has the function of analyzing and comparing the data obtained with a predefined value of the apnea threshold. After the detection of an apnea, the circuit is able to create a stimulus signal that is applied directly to the muscle, so that airway occlusion does not occur, and the user does not wake up. The data from each use are automatically sent to a database to be viewed and analyzed at a later point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Labor, although natural and physiological, is a period that can be marked by stress, pain, anxiety, suffering, fear, and anguish for a woman. Thus, non-pharmacological methods that reduce pain during labor are important to allow a better experience without the use of medications. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of non-pharmacological pain relief methods, added or not to the application of transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS), on pain, satisfaction with the childbirth, duration of labor, and newborn conditions. Methods This is a randomized controlled clinical trial, with a non-probabilistic convenience sample, composed of women in the first active stage of labor, admitted to a public institution. The parturients will be divided into 3 groups: group 1 (n = 36) composed of parturients who will have continuous support and will be encouraged to walk, adopting different positions with the use of the Swiss ball and receiving back massage for 30 min; group 2 (n = 36) composed of parturients who will also have continuous support and will be encouraged to walk, adopt different positions using the Swiss ball, and will receive the application of TENS for 30 min; and group 3 (n = 36) composed of parturients who will have continuous support and will be encouraged to walk, adopting different positions with the use of the Swiss ball, and will receive placebo TENS application for 30 min. The outcomes evaluated in the study will be pain intensity assessed by the visual analog scale of pain applied before, immediately after, and 30 min and 1 h after the interventions; Experience and Satisfaction with Childbirth Questionnaire (QESP) applied 12 to 24 h after delivery; and data regarding delivery (type of delivery, total duration of labor, and possible obstetric complications) and neonate (weight, height, possible complications, Apgar score in the first and fifth minutes). Discussion With this research, it is expected to understand the effects of the intervention through TENS electrostimulation added to other non-pharmacological methods for pain management during labor. Trial registration Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (REBEC) RBR-68kh6j . Registered on March 17, 2020

• PEF applied as post-germination treatment boosts oat seedling root and shoot growth. • The boosting effect depends on the germination stage of the seedlings. • Depending on the germination stage, PEF boosts shoot growth in salt-stress seedlings. This study explores the impact of pulsed electric field (PEF) application on oat seedling growth and stress tolerance. PEF treatment (99 monopolar, rectangular pulses lasting 10 µs each, with a frequency of 13 Hz and a nominal electric field strength of 2250 V/cm) was applied at two growth stages: (i) when the seedlings had 0.2 cm roots emerging from the kernel, and (ii) when they had a 0.4 cm shoot emerging from the kernel. Post-treatment, the seedlings were hydroponically grown for 8 days. To induce stress, the hydroponic medium was augmented with PEG (15 %) to induce drought stress and NaCl (150 mM) to induce salinity stress. Results demonstrate that applying PEF improved the growth of the root and shoot of oat seedlings. This effect was more pronounced when applied to more developed seedlings. When PEF was applied during the later stage of germination, seedlings exposed to salinity stress showed enhanced shoot growth compared to the control. Under the studied conditions, the application of PEF had no impact on the growth of seedlings under drought stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• RONCs transformation and ammonification is the key step for total nitrogen removal. • The cleavage of C-N bond limited the transformation of electrophilic RONCs to NH 4 +. • Electrostimulation enhances the anaerobic reduction of RONCs into aromatic amines. • Micro-aeration enhances the aerobic oxidation of amine products into NH 4 +. • Regulating microbial redox reactions facilitates the transformation of RONCs. Biotechnology for wastewater treatment is mainstream and effective depending upon microbial redox reactions to eliminate diverse contaminants and ensure aquatic ecological health. However, refractory organic nitrogen compounds (RONCs, e.g., nitro-, azo-, amide-, and N-heterocyclic compounds) with complex structures and high toxicity inhibit microbial metabolic activity and limit the transformation of organic nitrogen to inorganic nitrogen. This will eventually result in non-compliance with nitrogen discharge standards. Numerous efforts suggested that applying exogenous electron donors or acceptors, such as solid electrodes (electrostimulation) and limited oxygen (micro-aeration), could potentially regulate microbial redox reactions and catabolic pathways, and facilitate the biotransformation of RONCs. This review provides comprehensive insights into the microbial regulation mechanisms and applications of electrostimulation and micro-aeration strategies to accelerate the biotransformation of RONCs to organic amine (amination) and inorganic ammonia (ammonification), respectively. Furthermore, a promising approach involving in-situ hybrid anaerobic biological units, coupled with electrostimulation and micro-aeration, is proposed towards engineering applications. Finally, employing cutting-edge methods including multi-omics analysis, data science driven machine learning, technology-economic analysis, and life-cycle assessment would contribute to optimizing the process design and engineering implementation. This review offers a fundamental understanding and inspiration for novel research in the enhanced biotechnology towards RONCs elimination. [Display omitted] [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.

In this work, an electrically conductive composite based on thermoplastic polyimide and graphene was obtained and used as a bioelectrode for electrical stimulation of human dermal fibroblasts. The values of the electrical conductivity of the obtained composite films varied from 10−15 to 102 S/m with increasing graphene content (from 0 to 5.0 wt.%). The characteristics of ionic and electronic currents flowing through the matrix with the superposition of cyclic potentials ± 100 mV were studied. The high stability of the composite was established during prolonged cycling (130 h) in an electric field with a frequency of 0.016 Hz. It was established that the composite films based on polyimide and graphene have good biocompatibility and are not toxic to fibroblast cells. It was shown that preliminary electrical stimulation increases the proliferative activity of human dermal fibroblasts in comparison with intact cells. It is revealed that an electric field with a strength E = 0.02–0.04 V/m applied to the polyimide films containing 0.5–3.0 wt.% of the graphene nanoparticles activates cellular processes (adhesion, proliferation). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors analyzed the current-intensity thresholds for electrostimulation of language fasciculi and the possible consequences of threshold variability on brain mapping. A prospective protocol of subcortical electrostimulation was used in 50 patients undergoing brain mapping, directly stimulating presumed language fasciculi identified by diffusion tensor imaging. The stimulation-intensity thresholds for identification of language fasciculi varied among patients (mean minimum current intensity of 4.4 mA, range = 1.5–10 mA, standard deviation = 1.1 mA), and 23% of fascicular interferences were detected only above 5 mA. Repeated stimulation of the same site with the same intensity led to different types of interferences in 20% of patients, and a higher current intensity led to changes in the type of response in 27%. The mean minimum stimulation intensities did not differ significantly between different fasciculi, between the different types of interference obtained, or with age, sex, or type of tumor. Positive results on cortical mapping were significantly associated with positive results on subcortical mapping (P < 0.001). Subcortical intensity thresholds were slightly lower than cortical ones (mean = 4.43 vs. 5.25 mA, P = 0.034). In 23 of 50 subcortical mappings, fascicular stimulation produced no language interference. Individual variability of minimum stimulation-intensity thresholds for identification of language fasciculi is frequent. Nevertheless, even when a high current intensity was used, many stimulations on language fasciculi remained negative for various hypothetic reasons. Finding the optimal current intensity for identifying language fasciculi is of paramount importance to refine the clinical results and scientific data derived from brain mapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports a method for the detection of mechanical signaling anomalies in cardiac tissue through the use of deep learning and the design of two anomaly detectors. In contrast to anomaly classifiers, anomaly detectors allow accurate identification of the time position of the anomaly. The first detector used a recurrent neural network (RNN) of long short-term memory (LSTM) type, while the second used an autoencoder. Mechanical contraction data present several challanges, including high presence of noise due to the biological variability in the contraction response, noise introduced by the data acquisition chain and a wide variety of anomalies. Therefore, we present a robust deep-learning-based anomaly detection framework that addresses these main issues, which are difficult to address with standard unsupervised learning techniques. For the time series recording, an experimental model was designed in which signals of cardiac mechanical contraction (right and left atria) of a CD-1 mouse could be acquired in an automatic organ bath, reproducing the physiological conditions. In order to train the anomaly detection models and validate their performance, a database of synthetic signals was designed (n = 800 signals), including a wide range of anomalous events observed in the experimental recordings. The detector based on the LSTM neural network was the most accurate. The performance of this detector was assessed by means of experimental mechanical recordings of cardiac tissue of the right and left atria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the period from the eighteenth to the twentieth century, electrotherapy was applied worldwide with various incidence and different results. The application of electrotherapy is an indicator of the acquisition and transfer of knowledge from the basic sciences (physics) to medicine and the transfer and adoption of treatment procedures from foreign environments to our own. In Croatia, the earliest information on electrotherapy came from advertising electrotherapy devices in the daily newspapers. It was followed by lessons on electricity, as well as the possibilities of its application mostly written by physicists in their popular publications. Croatian doctors’ publications about their experiences were first uncovered in 1897 on the pages of the professional journal Liječnički Vjesnik. This paper elaborates on the publications written during the first half of the 20th century. From the very beginning, this method has been accompanied by debates about its effectiveness and justification for its use, which have continued until today. The preserved electrotherapeutic devices presented in this paper are an important addition to medical historiography and a valuable segment of material medical culture, traces of which have been preserved in Croatia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]