Non-invasive central nervous system assessment of a porcine model of neuropathic pain demonstrates increased latency of somatosensory-evoked potentials.

Background: The study of chronic pain and its treatments requires a robust animal model with objective and quantifiable metrics. Porcine neuropathic pain models have been assessed with peripheral pain recordings and behavioral responses, but thus far central nervous system electrophysiology has not been investigated. This work aimed to record non-invasive, somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs) via electroencephalography in order to quantitatively assess chronic neuropathic pain induced in a porcine model.

Feasibility of non-invasive recording of somatosensory evoked potential in pigs.

Background: Non-invasive measurement of somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEP) in a large animal model is important to translational cognitive research. We sought to develop a methodology for neurophysiological recording via a transcranial electroencephalography (EEG) cap under an effective sedative regimen with dexmedetomidine, midazolam, and butorphanol that will produce sedation instead of anesthesia while not compromising data quality.

Results: Pigs received intramuscular dexmedetomidine, midazolam, and butorphanol for SEP assessment with peroneal nerve stimulation.

Local FK506 delivery at the direct nerve repair site improves nerve regeneration.

Introduction: The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of local tacrolimus (FK506) delivery to improve outcomes in the setting of nerve transection injury.

Methods: FK506 embedded poly(lactide-co-caprolactone) films capable of extended, localized release of FK506 were developed. FK506 rate of release testing and bioactivity assay was performed.

Drug-delivering nerve conduit improves regeneration in a critical-sized gap.

Autologous nerve grafts are the current "gold standard" for repairing large nerve gaps. However, they cause morbidity at the donor nerve site and only a limited amount of nerve can be harvested. Nerve conduits are a promising alternative to autografts and can act as guidance cues for the regenerating axons, without the need to harvest donor nerve.

The effect of step-synchronized vibration on patients with Parkinson's disease: case studies on subjects with freezing of gait or an implanted deep brain stimulator.

Identifying noninvasive treatments to alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) is important to improving the quality of life for those with PD. Several studies have explored the effects of visual, auditory, and vibratory cueing to improve gait in PD patients. Here, we present a wireless vibratory feedback system, called the PDShoe, and an associated intervention study with four subjects.

An untethered shoe with vibratory feedback for improving gait of Parkinson's patients: the PDShoe.

Subjects with Parkinson's disease (PD) often have trouble with ambulation. Some research has shown that auxiliary cueing in the form of vision, audio, or vibration can improve the gait of PD patients. We have developed a new vibratory feedback shoe, known as the PDShoe, which builds on existing research.