Sub-Chronic Peroneal Nerve Stimulation Lowers Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats.

Acute electrical stimulation of the common peroneal nerve (cPNS) has been shown to cause an immediate reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) in spontaneous hypertense rats (SHR), but the effect of this treatment in sub-chronic ambulatory SBP is unknown. Here we developed an implantable wireless WNClip neural stimulator to test the efficacy of 5-week cPNS as a treatment for hypertension. Daily cPNS 2 Hz monophasic stimulation at threshold for 8 minutes every day for five weeks, reduced SBP in WKY animals by -4 mm Hg, and in SHR animals by -21 mmHg in week 5 (p < 0.

Neuromodulation Improves Stress Urinary Incontinence-Like Deficits in Female Rabbits.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) affects a third of the female population and is characterized by involuntary urine leakage during abdominal efforts such as sneezing, laughing, or coughing. Acute neuromodulation of the bulbospongiosus nerve (BsN) was shown to increase bladder efficiency in aged and multiparous rabbits. This study investigates the efficacy of sub-chronic BsN neuromodulation in alleviating SUI-like deficits in mature multiparous rabbits, characterized by increased urine leakage and reduced leak point pressure Using the voiding spot assay, we observed a 40% reduction in urine leakage events after 30 days of BsN stimulation, which correlated with a 60% increase in daily micturition volume, a 10-fold increase in voided volume, and improvements in voiding efficiency and leak point pressure compared to negative control animals.

Lightweight Neural Network for Sleep Posture Classification Using Pressure Sensing Mat at Various Sensor Densities.

Recently, pressure-sensing mats have been widely used to capture static and dynamic pressure over sleep for posture recognition. Both a full-size mat with a low-density sensing array for figuring out the structure of the whole body and a miniature scale mat with a high-density sensing array for identifying the local characteristics around the chest have been investigated. However, both of the mat systems may face the challenge in the trade-off between the computational complexity (involving the size, density, etc.

Oculometric biomarkers of visuomotor deficits in clinically asymptomatic patients with systemic lupus erythematosus undergoing long-term hydroxychloroquine treatment.

Introduction: This study examines a set of oculomotor measurements, or "oculometric" biomarkers, as potential early indicators of visual and visuomotor deficits due to retinal toxicity in asymptomatic Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients on long-term hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) treatment. The aim is to identify subclinical functional impairments that are otherwise undetectable by standard clinical tests and to link them to structural retinal changes.

Methods: We measured oculomotor responses in a cohort of SLE patients on chronic HCQ therapy using a previously established behavioral task and analysis technique.

Predictive value of magnetic resonance imaging diffusion parameters using artificial intelligence in low-and intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients treated with stereotactic ablative radiotherapy: A pilot study.

Introduction: To investigate the predictive value of the pre-treatment diffusion parameters of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) using artificial intelligence (AI) for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response in patients with low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer (PCa) treated with stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR).

Methods: Retrospective evaluation was performed for 30 patients using pre-treatment multi-parametric MR image datasets between 2017 and 2021. MR-based mean- and minimum apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC, ADC) were calculated for the intraprostatic dominant lesion.

Real-time monitoring of cortical brain activity in response to acute pain using wide-area Ca imaging.

Previous human and rodent studies indicated that nociceptive stimuli activate many brain regions that is involved in the somatosensory and emotional sensation. Although these studies have identified several important brain regions involved in pain perception, it has been a challenge to observe neural activity directly and simultaneously in these multiple brain regions during pain perception. Using a transgenic mouse expressing G-CaMP7 in majority of astrocytes and a subpopulation of excitatory neurons, we recorded the brain activity in the mouse cerebral cortex during acute pain stimulation.

Processes for Designing Innovative Biomedical Hardware to Use in Space and on Earth.

The new era of space exploration is increasing the astronaut's number and diversity in low orbit and beyond. The influx of such a diverse crew population will also increase the need for medical technologies to ensure safe and productive missions. Such a need represents a unique opportunity to innovate and develop diagnostics and treatment tools to meet future needs.

Targeted Sensitization of Glioblastoma Multiforme Using AAAPT Technology.

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant type of all brain tumors. Current GBM treatment options include surgery, followed by radiation and chemotherapy. However, GBM can become resistant to therapy, resulting in tumor recurrence.

Investigating the Influence of Morphine and Cocaine on the Mesolimbic Pathway Using a Novel Microimaging Platform.

Dopamine (DA)'s relationship with addiction is complex, and the related pathways in the mesocorticolimbic system are used to deliver DA, regulating both behavioral and perceptual actions. Specifically, the mesolimbic pathway connecting the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the nucleus accumbens (NAc) is crucial in regulating memory, emotion, motivation, and behavior due to its responsibility to modulate dopamine. To better investigate the relationship between DA and addiction, more advanced mapping methods are necessary to monitor its production and propagation accurately and efficiently.

Successful International EMBS Conference on Biomedical Engineering and Innovation Held in Hungary.

The 1st IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBS) and the University of Pécs International Conference on Biomedical Engineering and Innovation (ICBEI) was held on 24-26 October 2022, in Pécs, Hungary. The conference opened with welcome talks by Prof. Attila Miseta, the rector of the University of Pécs (UP), Prof.

The Role of Neurons in Human Health and Disease.

Neurons are the functional units of the nervous system [...

Multi-Region Microdialysis Imaging Platform Revealed Dorsal Raphe Nucleus Calcium Signaling and Serotonin Dynamics during Nociceptive Pain.

In this research, we combined our ultralight micro-imaging device for calcium imaging with microdialysis to simultaneously visualize neural activity in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) and measure serotonin release in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Using this platform, we observed brain activity following nociception induced by formalin injection in the mouse's hind paw. Our device showed that DRN fluorescence intensity increased after formalin injection, and the increase was highly correlated with the elevation in serotonin release in both the CeA and ACC.

Prenatal nicotine exposure alters gene expression profiles of neurons in the sub-regions of the VTA during early postnatal development.

Brain growth occurs during the first 2 weeks of postnatal development in rats. This developmental period is equivalent to the third trimester of human gestation. Dendritic arborization, axonal growth, and gliogenesis are observed along with a strong maturation of neurotransmission during this critical development period.

Investigating the Modulation of the VTA Neurons in Nicotine-Exposed Pups during Early Maturation Using Optogenetics.

Advancing the understanding of the relationship between perinatal nicotine addiction and the reward mechanism of the brain is crucial for uncovering and implementing new treatments for addiction control and prevention. The mesolimbic pathway of the brain, also known as the reward pathway, consists of two main areas that regulate dopamine (DA) and addiction-related behaviors. The ventral tegmental area (VTA) releases DA when stimulated, causing the propagation of neuronal firing along the pathway.

Automatic Upper-Limb Brunnstrom Recovery Stage Evaluation via Daily Activity Monitoring.

Motor function assessment is crucial for post-stroke rehabilitation. Conventional evaluation methods are subjective, heavily depending on the experience of therapists. In light of the strong correlation between the stroke severity level and the performance of activities of daily living (ADLs), we explored the possibility of automatically evaluating the upper-limb Brunnstrom Recovery Stage (BRS) via three typical ADLs (tooth brushing, face washing and drinking).

Deep Learning Classification of Systemic Sclerosis Skin Using the MobileNetV2 Model.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune, systemic disease with prominent fibrosis of skin and internal organs. Early diagnosis of the disease is crucial for designing effective therapy and management plans. Machine learning algorithms, especially deep learning, have been found to be greatly useful in biology, medicine, healthcare, and biomedical applications, in the areas of medical image processing and speech recognition.

Investigating miRNA-mRNA Interactions and Gene Regulatory Networks From VTA Dopaminergic Neurons Following Perinatal Nicotine and Alcohol Exposure Using Bayesian Network Analysis.

MicroRNAs play an important role in gene regulation for many biological systems, including nicotine and alcohol addiction. However, the underlying mechanism behind miRNAs and mRNA interaction is not well characterized. Microarrays are commonly used to quantify the expression levels of mRNAs and/or miRNAs simultaneously.

Investigating the Influence of GABA Neurons on Dopamine Neurons in the Ventral Tegmental Area Using Optogenetic Techniques.

Dopamine (DA) is the key regulator of reward behavior. The DA neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and their projection areas, which include the prefrontal cortex (PFC), nucleus accumbens (NAc), and amygdala, play a primary role in the process of reward-driven behavior induced by the drugs of addiction, including nicotine and alcohol. In our previous study, we developed a novel platform consisting of micro-LED array devices to stimulate a large area of the brain of rats and monkeys with photo-stimulation and a microdialysis probe to estimate the DA release in the PFC.

Predicting Feeding Conditions of Premature Infants Through Non-Nutritive Sucking Skills Using a Sensitized Pacifier.

Due to the lack of enough physical or suck central pattern generator (SCPG) development, premature infants require assistance in improving their sucking skills as one of the first coordinated muscular activities in infants. Hence, we need to quantitatively measure their sucking abilities for future studies on their sucking interventions. Here, we present a new device that can measure both intraoral pressure (IP) and expression pressure (EP) as ororhithmic behavior parameters of non-nutritive sucking skills in infants.

Investigating the effects of chronic perinatal alcohol and combined nicotine and alcohol exposure on dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic neurons in the VTA.

The ventral tegmental area (VTA) is the origin of dopaminergic neurons and the dopamine (DA) reward pathway. This pathway has been widely studied in addiction and drug reinforcement studies and is believed to be the central processing component of the reward circuit. In this study, we used a well-established rat model to expose mother dams to alcohol, nicotine-alcohol, and saline perinatally.

Astrocytes Decreased the Sensitivity of Glioblastoma Cells to Temozolomide and Bay 11-7082.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common malignant type of astrocytic tumors. GBM patients have a poor prognosis with a median survival of approximately 15 months despite the "Stupp" Regimen and high tumor recurrence due to the tumor resistance to chemotherapy. In this study, we co-cultured GBM cells with human astrocytes in three-dimensional (3D) poly(ethylene glycol) dimethyl acrylate (PEGDA) microwells to mimic the tumor microenvironment.

Investigating the influence of perinatal nicotine and alcohol exposure on the genetic profiles of dopaminergic neurons in the VTA using miRNA-mRNA analysis.

Nicotine and alcohol are two of the most commonly used and abused recreational drugs, are often used simultaneously, and have been linked to significant health hazards. Furthermore, patients diagnosed with dependence on one drug are highly likely to be dependent on the other. Several studies have shown the effects of each drug independently on gene expression within many brain regions, including the ventral tegmental area (VTA).

NF-κB inhibitor with Temozolomide results in significant apoptosis in glioblastoma via the NF-κB(p65) and actin cytoskeleton regulatory pathways.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant brain tumor characterized by intrinsic or acquired resistance to chemotherapy. GBM tumors show nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity that has been associated with tumor formation, growth, and increased resistance to therapy. We investigated the effect of NF-κB inhibitor BAY 11-7082 with Temozolomide (TMZ) on the signaling pathways in GBM pathogenesis.

Temozolomide in Combination With NF-κB Inhibitor Significantly Disrupts the Glioblastoma Multiforme Spheroid Formation.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common malignant primary brain tumor, accounting for 50% of all cases. GBM patients have a five-year survival rate of merely 5.6% and a median overall survival of 14.

Investigating the influence of perinatal nicotine exposure on genetic profiles of neurons in the sub-regions of the VTA.

Chronic nicotine exposure during pregnancy has been shown to induce physiological and anatomical alterations in offspring. Previously, we investigated the complexity of dopamine (DA) neuron firing in the sub-regions of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) following perinatal nicotine exposure. Using approximate entropy, we found that within the middle sub-region, the parainterfascicular nucleus (PIF), there was higher complexity indicating more random neural firing and a less homogeneous neuron population.