Muscle-Specific High-Density Electromyography Arrays for Hand Gesture Classification.

Objective: Dexterous hand motion is critical for object manipulation. Electrophysiological studies of the hand are key to understanding its underlying mechanisms. High-density electromyography (HD-EMG) provides spatio-temporal information about the underlying electrical activity of muscles, which can be used in neurophysiological research, rehabilitation and control applications.

A Novel High-Density Electromyography Probe for Evaluating Anorectal Neurophysiology: Design, Human Feasibility Study, and Validation with Trans-Sacral Magnetic Stimulation.

Fecal incontinence (FI) substantially impairs quality of life and imparts a major socioeconomic burden. Anal sphincter injury and possibly pudendal nerve damage are considered common causes, however, current clinical methods for evaluating their function remain suboptimal. Electromyography (EMG) and pudendal nerve terminal latencies have been applied with some success, but are not considered standard practice due to uncertain accuracy and clinical value.

Imaging the Enzyme 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 with PET: Evaluation of the Novel Radiotracer C-AS2471907 in Human Brain.

The 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) enzyme converts cortisone to cortisol and participates in the regulation of glucocorticoid levels in tissues. 11β-HSD1 is expressed in the liver, kidney, adipose tissue, placenta, and brain. 11β-HSD1 is a target for treatment of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and also against age-related cognitive function and memory loss.

Evaluation of C-LSN3172176 as a Novel PET Tracer for Imaging M Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Nonhuman Primates.

The M muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) plays an important role in learning and memory, and therefore is a target for development of drugs for treatment of cognitive impairments in Alzheimer disease and schizophrenia. The availability of M-selective radiotracers for PET will help in developing therapeutic agents by providing an imaging tool for assessment of drug dose-receptor occupancy relationship. Here we report the synthesis and evaluation of C-LSN3172176 (ethyl 4-(6-(methyl-)-2-oxoindolin-1-yl)-[1,4'-bipiperidine]-1'-carboxylate) in nonhuman primates.

Novel F-Labeled κ-Opioid Receptor Antagonist as PET Radiotracer: Synthesis and In Vivo Evaluation of F-LY2459989 in Nonhuman Primates.

The κ-opioid receptor (KOR) has been implicated in depression, addictions, and other central nervous system disorders and, thus, is an important target for drug development. We previously developed several C-labeled PET radiotracers for KOR imaging in humans. Here we report the synthesis and evaluation of F-LY2459989 as the first F-labeled KOR antagonist radiotracer in nonhuman primates and its comparison with C-LY2459989.

PET Imaging Evaluation of Four σ Radiotracers in Nonhuman Primates.

The σ receptors (S1Rs) are implicated in a variety of diseases including Alzheimer disease and cancer. Previous PET S1R radiotracers are characterized by slow kinetics or off-target binding that impedes their use in humans. Here, we report the first PET imaging evaluation in rhesus monkeys of 4 F-labeled spirocyclic piperidine-based PET radiotracers (F- to F-).

Synthesis and Preclinical Evaluation of 11C-UCB-J as a PET Tracer for Imaging the Synaptic Vesicle Glycoprotein 2A in the Brain.

Unlabelled: The synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) is found in secretory vesicles in neurons and endocrine cells. PET with a selective SV2A radiotracer will allow characterization of drugs that modulate SV2A (e.g.

Impact of two particle measurement techniques on the determination of N95 class respirator filtration performance against ultrafine particles.

The purpose of this experimental study was to compare two different particle measurement devices; an Electrical Low Pressure Impactor (ELPI) and a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS), to measure the number concentration and the size distribution of NaCl salt aerosols to determine the collection efficiency of filtering respirators against poly disperse aerosols. Tests were performed on NIOSH approved N95 filtering face-piece respirators (FFR), sealed on a manikin head. Ultrafine particles found in the aerosols were also collected and observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Performance of mechanical filters and respirators for capturing nanoparticles--limitations and future direction.

There is an increasing concern about the health hazard posed to workers exposed to inhalation of nanoparticles. Inhaling nanoparticles possess an occupational hazard due to elevated amount emitted to the atmosphere and working environment. Nanoparticles have potential toxic properties: the high particle surface area, number concentration, and surface reactivity.

Effect of protective glove exposure to industrial contaminants on their resistance to mechanical risks.

In several industrial environments, mechanical risks are often combined with various contaminants such as oils and greases, which may reduce the performance of protective gloves against mechanical hazards. However, glove properties are characterized on new and clean specimens, and little is known about their residual resistance once contaminated and over time. In this study, a series of protective gloves used in metalworking companies and garages were exposed to relevant oils and greases.

Do mechanical tests of glove stiffness provide relevant information relative to their effects on the musculoskeletal system? A comparison with surface electromyography and psychophysical methods.

The main purpose of the present study was to test the construct validity of two mechanical tests of glove stiffness using a surface electromyography (SEMG) methodology that would allow estimating the effect of glove stiffness on forearm muscle activation during a standardized grip contraction. The mechanical tests [free-deforming multidirectional test (FDMT) and Kawabata Evaluation System for Fabrics (KESF)] were applied on 27 gloves covering a wide range of stiffness. In 30 human subjects, a psychophysical assessment of these gloves was also carried on in addition to the SEMG test.

Evaluation of the flexibility of protective gloves.

Two mechanical methods have been developed for the characterization of the flexibility of protective gloves, a key factor affecting their degree of usefulness for workers. The principle of the first method is similar to the ASTM D 4032 standard relative to fabric stiffness and simulates the deformations encountered by gloves that are not tight fitted to the hand. The second method characterizes the flexibility of gloves that are worn tight fitted.

Characterization of the metabolic activation of hepatitis C virus nucleoside inhibitor beta-D-2'-Deoxy-2'-fluoro-2'-C-methylcytidine (PSI-6130) and identification of a novel active 5'-triphosphate species.

beta-D-2'-Deoxy-2'-fluoro-2'-C-methylcytidine (PSI-6130) is a potent inhibitor of hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication in the subgenomic HCV replicon system, and its corresponding 5'-triphosphate is a potent inhibitor of the HCV RNA polymerase in vitro. In this study the formation of PSI-6130-triphosphate was characterized in primary human hepatocytes. PSI-6130 and its 5'-phosphorylated derivatives were identified, and the intracellular concentrations were determined.