4-week Test Period Research Articles

Rail-wheel friction quantification and its variability under lab and field trial conditions

Friction forces (often referred to as adhesion or traction forces) at the wheel/rail interface can vary dramatically due to changing environmental and contact conditions. The causes of this variance are partially documented, but it is not fully understood. Friction forces affect wheel and rail wear, traction energy usage, vehicle dynamics and safety through braking performance. A range of different portable railhead tribometers are used in the field to measure friction, but until recently have been limited in their performance, being unable to measure low friction situations or have made use of an unrealistic contact geometry. Recent developments have improved this situation but there is currently a lack of published field data which is required for validation, benchmarking and comparison between other studies and test rigs, as well as for input to multi-body dynamics simulations of railway vehicles. Friction studies in general are often undertaken for a specific period of time or under closely controlled conditions which makes it difficult to understand the true range of conditions occurring in the wheel/rail contact. In this paper an extensive dataset of railhead measurements is presented, using two types of measuring devices and three railhead conditions throughout a 4-week test period. Confidence in tribometer results was gained by comparing between established laboratory friction test rigs and methodologies. The results provide an insight into the friction variance and transient conditions that would occur on the railhead during operational use.

Quanduzhong capsules for the treatment of grade 1 hypertension patients with low-to-moderate risk: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Background: Duzhong [DZ (Eucommia ulmoides Oliv.)] is regarded as a traditional Chinese medicine with a history dating back more than 2000years. This herb is considered a nourishing herb in China and is commonly used as a tonic to strengthen muscles and bones, nourish the kidneys and liver, and soothe miscarriages. Moreover, there is evidence that DZ is capable of regulating blood pressure (BP), and several compounds isolated from DZ have been shown to have a BP-lowering effect. Quanduzhong capsules contain an extract of DZ [Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (Eucommiaceae; Eucommiae cortex)] that is effective in treating hypertension. This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial sought to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Quanduzhong capsules in the treatment of low-to-moderate risk grade 1 hypertension patients. Materials and methods: A total of 60 patients from 3 centers with documented low-to-moderate risk grade 1 hypertension were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the test group or the control group. After a 1week lead-in period using sham Quanduzhong capsules, all patients who met the entry criteria (29 cases in the test group and 29 cases in the control group) entered the 4week test period. The test group took Quanduzhong capsules, and the control group continued to take sham Quanduzhong capsules. The primary endpoints [24-h mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) determined via 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM); office SBP and DBP] and secondary endpoints [mean arterial pressure; mean pulse; daytime mean SBP and DBP; nocturnal mean SBP and DBP; SBP and DBP load; area under the blood pressure (BP) curve; morning peak BP; early morning SBP and DBP; smoothness index of SBP and DBP; 24h BP mean coefficient of variation (CV); percentage of patients with circadian restoration in ABPM; home BP; quality of life evaluated by WHO Quality of Life-BREF questionnaire; grading and quantitative evaluation of hypertension symptoms; values of plasmatic renin activity, angiotensin II, aldosterone, β-2 microglobulin and homocysteine] were assessed following the treatment. Drug-related adverse events and adverse drug reactions were also compared. Results: After a 4week test period, a significant difference in the DBP CV between the two groups was observed (-2.49 ± 4.32 vs. 0.76 ± 4.3; p < .05). Moreover, the mean office SBP change was -7.62 ± 9.32mmHg, and the mean DBP change was -4.66 ± 6.03 (p < .05). Among the three subjects with abnormal homocysteine levels in the test group, homocysteine levels decreased by 6.23 ± 9.15μmol/L after treatment. No differences were observed between the two groups in any other indicators. After 4weeks of treatment, there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of safety indicators (p > .05). No abnormal vital signs (except BP) or severe liver or renal function impairment were observed during the treatment periods; in addition, adverse events and drug reactions were mild. Conclusion: Treatment with Quanduzhong capsules reduced office SBP and DBP as well as DBP CV determined by 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring in patients with grade 1 hypertension at low-to-moderate risk. Clinical Trial Registration: https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=32531, identifier ChiCTR1900021699.

Implementation of game-based training in oral rehabilitation of edentulous patients in an undergraduate dental course.

Coronavirus disease-19 dramatically changed the learning conditions of dental students, with restricted access to training sessions and clinical practice. The "Playdent" project proposed the integration of serious games (SGs) in the third-year curriculum, based on tailor-made scenarios questioning the first dental visit of edentulous patients, and examined whether training with the games would advance students' learning outcomes. Test scores of 89 students, allocated either to a "test" group that accessed SGs during a 4-week test period in addition to conventional lectures or to a "control" group that benefited solely from conventional lectures, were measured before and immediately after the test period. The subsequent satisfaction of students was assessed in the "test" group. Scores obtained after the 4-week period significantly increased within the "test" group (11.1% ± 24.9%, p = 0.04, degree of freedom [df] = 30) while they did not change within the "control" group (p = 0.21, df = 57). Qualitative feedback expressed by students who played SGs during the 4-week period demonstrated that 71% of them rated the SGs as satisfactory and 91% of them judged the consistency of SGs content with lectures to be satisfactory. Game-based learning showed a positive impact on the learning outcomes of third-year students. Qualitative assessments provide insights into the pertinence of SGs offered in addition to traditional lectures of third-year complete denture courses. SGs may consolidate skills in oral rehabilitation acquired through traditional passive learning formats proposed in preclinical courses.

Preclinical evaluation of a mannose-labeled magnetic tracer for enhanced sentinel lymph node retention in the head and neck

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in cancers of the head and neck offers demonstrated clinical and diagnostic value, but adoption is limited by concerns about the detrimental consequence to survival of false negative results in a highly curable setting. The aim of this study was to demonstrate potential to overcome this via application of a novel mannose-labeled magnetic iron oxide tracer. In a large animal model, preoperative imaging and intraoperative magnetometer detection were used to identify magnetic lymph nodes. Iron quantification mapped the distribution of tracer within lymphatic levels. Over a 4-week test period, uptake of magnetic tracer in lymph nodes increased in a linear-like fashion, with a substantial percentage of accumulated iron (83%) being retained in the sentinel node. This result indicates a high affinity of mannose-labeled particles to the sentinel node, while providing a means for the magnetometer probe to indicate node status based on intraoperative signal.

A Biofeedback App for Migraine: Development and Usability Study.

BackgroundBiofeedback is effective in treating migraines. It is believed to have a beneficial effect on autonomous nervous system activity and render individuals resilient to stressors that may trigger a migraine. However, widespread use of biofeedback is hampered by the need for a trained therapist and specialized equipment. Emerging digital health technology, including smartphones and wearables (mHealth), enables new ways of administering biofeedback. Currently, mHealth interventions for migraine appear feasible, but development processes and usability testing remain insufficient.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate and improve the feasibility and usability of an mHealth biofeedback treatment app for adults with migraine.MethodsIn a prospective development and usability study, 18 adults with migraine completed a 4-week testing period of self-administered therapist-independent biofeedback treatment consisting of a smartphone app connected to wearable sensors (Cerebri, Nordic Brain Tech AS). The app included biofeedback training, instructions for self-delivery, and a headache diary. Two wearable sensors were used to measure surface electromyographic voltage at the trapezius muscle and peripheral skin temperature and heart rate at the right second fingertip. Participants were instructed to complete a daily headache diary entry and biofeedback session of 10 minutes duration. The testing period was preceded by a preusability expectation interview and succeeded by a postusability experience interview. In addition, an evaluation questionnaire was completed at weeks 2 and 4. Adherence was calculated as the proportion of 10-minute sessions completed within the first 28 days of treatment. Usability and feasibility were analyzed and summarized quantitatively and qualitatively.ResultsA total of 391 biofeedback sessions were completed with a median of 25 (IQR 17-28) per participant. The mean adherence rate was 0.76 (SD 0.26). The evaluation questionnaire revealed that functionality and design had the highest scores, whereas engagement and biofeedback were lower. Qualitative preexpectation analysis revealed that participants expected to become better familiar with physical signals and gain more understanding of their migraine attacks and noted that the app should be simple and understandable. Postusability analysis indicated that participants had an overall positive user experience with some suggestions for improvement regarding the design of the wearables and app content. The intervention was safe and tolerable. One case of prespecified adverse events was recorded in which a patient developed a skin rash from the sticky surface electromyography electrodes.ConclusionsThe app underwent a rigorous development process that indicated an overall positive user experience, good usability, and high adherence rate. This study highlights the value of usability testing in the development of mHealth apps.

Development of the Triple-C Savory Snack Bar

The concept of functional foods was derived from the Japanese in the 1980s. Asian countries, such as China and Japan have been utilizing foods for health benefits for centuries. Functional foods are foods that can impact a person’s health beyond basic nutrition and may help lower the risk of chronic diseases. Consumption of convenience foods and snacks with functional health benefits is increasing nationwide to accommodate the changing lifestyles and health awareness of the modern consumer. Spices are increasing in popularity and demand among consumers because of their flavor and purported health protecting properties. Spices that are becoming increasingly familiar to the Western palate include cinnamon, cardamom and cloves. The aim of this study was to develop a spicy, savory cereal bar using a combination of selected spices (cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves) at various concentrations. The blend of powdered spices was added at 2.5% and 5% (resulting in two varieties of the bar) of the formulation along with rolled oats, peanuts, honey, and corn syrup. The cereal bars were stored at ambient temperature and evaluated for nutrient content (nutritional label generator software), consumer acceptability (sensory testing) and shelf stability using physiochemical characteristics (texture, pH, color, Aw). The “Spice Bar” (Triple-C Savory Snack Bar) had a brown-colored appearance (top and bottom). For the bar with 2.5% spices, L*a*b* values were 37.57, 9.13 and 17.72. The spice bar with 5% spices was slightly darker with L*a*b* values of 38.65, 9.07 and 23.38. The specific textures of the two bars were very similar with the 2.5% spice bar having a specific texture of 98.6 (N/g) and the 5% bar with a specific texture of 97.9 (N/g). Water activity for the bars ranged from 0.48-0.51 over the 4-week testing period. Though results for sensory evaluation showed high consumer acceptance for both varieties of the spice bar, 90% of the panel preferred the 2.5% spice infused bar over the 5% spice infused bar. Developing a spicy granola or cereal bar may increase consumer options for savory snacks on-the-go with possible health benefits.

Does modifying the timing of meal intake improve cardiovascular risk factors? Protocol of an Australian pilot intervention in night shift workers with abdominal obesity

IntroductionShift work is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Shift workers who are awake overnight and sleep during the day are misaligned with their body’s endogenous circadian rhythm....

Early visual ERPs show stable body-sensitive patterns over a 4-week test period.

Event-related potential (ERP) studies feature among the most cited papers in the field of body representation, with recent research highlighting the potential of ERPs as neuropsychiatric biomarkers. Despite this, investigation into how reliable early visual ERPs and body-sensitive effects are over time has been overlooked. This study therefore aimed to assess the stability of early body-sensitive effects and visual P1, N1 and VPP responses. Participants were asked to identify pictures of their own bodies, other bodies and houses during an EEG test session that was completed at the same time, once a week, for four consecutive weeks. Results showed that amplitude and latency of early visual components and their associated body-sensitive effects were stable over the 4-week period. Furthermore, correlational analyses revealed that VPP component amplitude might be more reliable than VPP latency and specific electrode sites might be more robust indicators of body-sensitive cortical activity than others. These findings suggest that visual P1, N1 and VPP responses, alongside body-sensitive N1/VPP effects, are robust indications of neuronal activity. We conclude that these components are eligible to be considered as electrophysiological biomarkers relevant to body representation.

Chemical Stability of Plerixafor after Opening of Single-Use Vial.

The addition of the immunostimulant plerixafor to the current standard-of-care regimens of granulocyte colony-stimulating growth factor with or without chemotherapy has improved clinical results in terms of successful stem cell mobilization and the outcomes of stem cell transplant in various settings. With this medical innovation has come an added financial cost for institutions where stem cell transplants are routinely performed, and there may be a further financial burden when the contents of partial vials of the drug are wasted, given that plerixafor vials (Mozobil, Sanofi-Aventis Canada Inc) are currently deemed suitable only for single use. To determine whether the portion of plerixafor remaining in an opened vial of the Mozobil product after administration of a single dose is chemically stable, by comparison with the original product. Stability testing of partial drug contents of an opened vial, stored at room temperature or under refrigeration (4°C), was conducted using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis. The mean concentration of plerixafor (μmol/L), standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and bias were determined on days 2, 3, 11, 17, 24, and 31. Method validation included determination of precision, sensitivity, recovery, dilution linearity, and carryover. Throughout the 4-week testing period, measured plerixafor concentration in aliquots stored at room temperature and under refrigeration, tested in series over time, appeared similar. The mean residual drug concentration after initial opening was slightly, but not significantly, higher for the sample designated for storage at room temperature than the one designated for refrigerated storage (40.4 versus 39.9 μmol/L; p = 0.37). Residual plerixafor after initial opening of a vial of the Mozobil product remained chemically stable for at least 2 weeks both at room temperature and under refrigeration. The results of this study provide in vitro evidence to support multiple uses, instead of single use, of vials of this drug in an aseptic, controlled environment.

Fast Dissolving Dendrimer Nanofiber Mats as Alternative to Eye Drops for More Efficient Antiglaucoma Drug Delivery.

Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers have been investigated as a potential platform for a number of ocular drugs, but only in aqueous solution. In this work we have developed fast dissolving dendrimer-based nanofibers (DNF) as a topical delivery vehicle for the glaucoma drug brimonidine tartrate (BT). The safety and drug release kinetics of these nanofiber mats were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. DNF caused no toxicity at therapeutic levels in cultured cells or ocular irritation in animal tests using a normotensive rat model. Intra-ocular pressure response was equivalent between DNF and BT solution in a single dose test, but DNF showed improved efficacy with daily dosing over a 3-week test period. This study indicates electrospun dendrimer nanofibers are a viable alternative to aqueous solutions as a more efficient method of administering antiglaucoma drug topically.

Clinical effectiveness of currently available low-vision devices in glaucoma patients with moderate-to-severe vision loss.

PurposeThe aim of this trial is to study the effectiveness of currently available low-vision devices in glaucoma patients with moderate-to-severe vision loss.DesignThis is a randomized pilot clinical trial.ParticipantsSixteen low-vision glaucoma patients participated in this study.MethodsPatients with a best-corrected visual acuity between 20/70 and 20/400 in the better eye and a diagnosis of stable primary or secondary open-angle glaucoma were randomized to a low-vision treatment group or a nonintervention control group. A telephone interview was conducted before and after the 4-week testing period to assess functional vision. Patients placed in the treatment group received a low-vision examination and used various currently available low-vision aids. Patients placed in the control group received a low-vision examination only. Changes in patients’ reading ability and overall visual ability were chosen as the primary outcomes. Other visual functioning domains (mobility, visual information processing and visual motor skills) were considered as secondary outcomes.ResultsTen patients in the treatment group showed a significant improvement in reading ability and overall visual ability compared to the control group. The difference in mean score for reading ability was 2.52 logits (2.02; P<0.05) and overall visual ability was 0.78 logits (0.64; P<0.05). However, no significant improvement was noted in the other visual functioning domains involving mobility and visual motor skills.ConclusionCurrently available low-vision devices primarily enhance central vision with limited benefits to functional activities relying on peripheral vision.

Cycling Sacral Root Neuromodulation: Pilot Study to Assess the Effectiveness of This Mode in Neuromodulator Programming for the Treatment of Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

Aim: There is lack of evidence of the role of sacral root neuromodulation (SNM) in the management of chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS). We evaluated the effectiveness of cycling sacral root neuromodulation (CSNM) in the management of CPPS in patients non responders to conservative treatment. Methods: A prospective, single center, cohort study was carried out on all patients with CPPS refractory to conventional treatment, who underwent test stimulation using the tined lead between February 2012 and March 2016. During test stimulation the tine lead was positioned along the third sacral nerve, on the side where they reported more pain. Success was defined as >50% improvement of pain and concurrent urinary symptoms. After a successful SNM test period of 4 weeks, patients received a permanent implant. We also included 9 more patients already with a permanent implant and partial responders to continuous mode in neuromodulator programming. To assess pain and quality of life, all patients filled-in a VAS scale and SF-36 and McGill questionnaires, at baseline, after the 4-week test period ad after the permanent implant. Results: Overall 22 consecutive adult patients were suitable to undergo a cycling test stimulation; 19 out of them (86.3%) underwent a permanent implant after a satisfactory test phase, using a codified cycling mode of programming. Eighteen naive patients out of nineteen (94.7%) maintained the benefits of the test stimulation at a mean follow up of 21.3 months. VAS scale, McGill and SF-36 questionnaires scores improved significantly in all domains with a 95% satisfaction rate; 7 out of the 9 already implanted patients (77.7%) significantly improved their pain control. Conclusion: CSRN appears to be effectiveness in treating CPPS in both naive and previous implanted partial responder patients.

Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor improves long-term memory in APP/PS1 transgenic mice modeling Alzheimer's disease as well as in wild-type mice

Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) protects and repairs dopamine neurons in animal models of Parkinson's disease, which motivated us to investigate its therapeutic effect in an animal model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We employed an established APP/PS1 mouse model of AD and gave intrahippocampal injections of CDNF protein or CDNF transgene in an AAV2 viral vector to 1-year-old animals. We performed a behavioral test battery 2 weeks after the injections and collected tissue samples after the 3-week test period. Intrahippocampal CDNF-therapy improved long-term memory in both APP/PS1 mice and wild-type controls, but did not affect spontaneous exploration, object neophobia or early stages of spatial learning. The memory improvement was not associated with decreased brain amyloid load or enhanced hippocampal neurogenesis. Intracranial CDNF treatment has beneficial effects on long-term memory and is well tolerated. The CDNF molecular mechanisms of action on memory await further studies.

Optimization of blood gas analysis in intensive care units : Reduction of preanalytical errors and improvement of workflow

Point of care testing with blood gas analysis (BGA) is an important factor for intensive care medicine. Continuous efforts to optimize workflow, improve safety for the staff and avoid preanalytical mistakes are important and should reflect quality management standards. In a prospective observational study it was investigated whether the implementation of a new system for BGA using labeled syringes and automated processing of the specimens leads to improvements compared to the previously used procedure. In a 4-week test period the time until receiving the final results of the BGA with the standard method used in the clinical routine (control group) was compared to the results in a second 4-week test period using the new labeled syringes and automated processing of the specimens (intervention group). In addition, preanalytical mistakes with both systems were checked during routine daily use. Finally, it was investigated whether a delay of 10 min between taking and analyzing the blood samples alters the results of the BGA. Preanalytical errors were frequently observed in the control group where non-deaerated samples were recorded in 87.3 % but in the intervention group almost all samples (98.9 %) were correctly deaerated. Insufficient homogenization due to omission of manual pivoting was seen in 83.2 % in the control group and in 89.9 % in the intervention group; however, in the intervention group the samples were homogenized automatically during the further analytical process. Although a survey among the staff revealed a high acceptance of the new system and a subjective improvement of workflow, a measurable gain in time after conversion to the new procedure could not be seen. The mean time needed for a complete analysis process until receiving the final results was 244 s in the intervention group and 201 s in the control group. A 10-min delay between taking and analyzing the blood samples led to a significant and clinically relevant elevation of the values for partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) in both groups compared to the results when analyzing the samples immediately (118.4 vs. 148.6 mmHg in the control group and 115.3 vs. 123.7 mmHg in the intervention group). When using standard syringes the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) was significantly lower (40.5 vs. 38.3 mmHg) whereas no alterations were seen when using the labeled syringes. The implementation of a new BGA system with labeled syringes and automated processing of the specimens was possible without any difficulties under daily clinical routine conditions in this 10-bed intensive care unit (ICU). A gain of time could not be measured but a reduction in preanalytical errors using the labeled syringes with automated processing was found. Delayed analysis of blood samples can lead to significant changes in pO2 and pCO2 depending on the type of syringe used.

Effect of Yacon Tuber (&lt;i&gt;Smallanthus sonchifolius&lt;/i&gt;)-derived Fructooligosaccharides on the Intestinal Flora and Immune System of OVA-sensitized BALB/c Mice

Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) tuber contains fructooligosaccharides (FOS). FOS are known as prebiotics that beneficially affect the host, i.e., improve the intestinal flora balance and enhance the immunomodulatory potential. In this study, we investigated the effect of a yacon extract rich in FOS (YOS) on the intestinal flora and immune system of BALB/c mice sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin in comparison with an extract with acid-degraded FOS (YAH). During the 4-week test period, the amount of YOS intake was lower than that of YAH; however, a significant increase in body weight was not shown among any of the test groups. Sneezing events were observed in OVA-treated mice. It was found that administration of yacon FOS improved the intestinal flora. Further, it was suggested that administration of yacon-derived FOS could epidemiologically improve the Th1/Th2 cytokine balance through its prebiotic effect on the number of beneficial bacteria in the animal gut.

Utility of the T2 Mood Tracker mobile application among army warrior transition unit service members.

Many military personnel returning from deployment experience increases in psychological symptoms, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and mood changes. Patient health diaries are commonly used for self-reporting over time away from the clinic. "T2 Mood Tracker" is an application ("app") for smartphones and other mobile devices that enables users to rate their moods, to self-monitor across time, and to report their emotional experiences to health providers. We designed T2 Mood Tracker to track symptoms associated with deployment-related behavioral health issues, including PTSD, Head Injury, Stress, Depression, Anxiety, and General Well-Being. We field-tested T2 Mood Tracker with a small sample of redeployed soldiers under treatment for behavioral health issues at a Warrior Transition Unit. Participants used the app an average of 10 different days over the 2- to 3-week test period. Consensus was that T2 Mood Tracker was easy to use, useful and beneficial. The majority said they would use the app in the future, would recommend it to other service members, and would use the app to share their mood information with a provider. Warrior Transition Unit providers were enthusiastic about the potential of T2 Mood Tracker as a tool for use with their patients.

Short-term testosterone manipulations do not affect cognition or motor function but differentially modulate emotions in young and older male rhesus monkeys

Human aging is characterized by declines in cognition and fine motor function as well as improved emotional regulation. In men, declining levels of testosterone (T) with age have been implicated in the development of these age-related changes. However, studies examining the effects of T replacement on cognition, emotion and fine motor function in older men have not provided consistent results. Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) are excellent models for human cognitive aging and may provide novel insights on this issue. We tested 10 aged intact male rhesus monkeys (mean age=19, range 15–25) on a battery of cognitive, motor and emotional tasks at baseline and under low or high T experimental conditions. Their performance was compared to that of 6 young males previously tested in the same paradigm (Lacreuse et al., 2009; Lacreuse et al., 2010). Following a 4-week baseline testing period, monkeys were treated with a gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (Depot Lupron, 200μg/kg) to suppress endogenous T and were tested on the task battery under a 4-week high T condition (injection of Lupron+T enanthate, 20mg/kg, n=8) or 4-week low T condition (injection of Lupron+oil vehicle, n=8) before crossing over to the opposite treatment. The cognitive tasks consisted of the Delayed Non-Matching-to-Sample (DNMS), the Delayed Response (DR), and the Delayed Recognition Span Test (spatial-DRST). The emotional tasks included an object Approach-Avoidance task and a task in which monkeys were played videos of unfamiliar conspecifics in different emotional context (Social Playbacks). The fine motor task was the Lifesaver task that required monkeys to remove a Lifesaver candy from rods of different complexity.T manipulations did not significantly affect visual recognition memory, working memory, reference memory or fine motor function at any age. In the Approach-Avoidance task, older monkeys, but not younger monkeys, spent more time in proximity of novel objects in the high T condition relative to the low T condition. In both age groups, high T increased watching time of threatening social stimuli in the Social Playbacks. These results suggest that T affects some aspects of emotional processing but has no effect on fine motor function or cognition in young or older male macaques. It is possible that the duration of T treatment was not long enough to affect cognition or fine motor function or that T levels were too high to improve these outcomes. An alternative explanation for the discrepancies of our findings with some of the cognitive and emotional effects of T reported in rodents and humans may be the use of a chemical castration, which reduced circulating gonadotropins in addition to T. Further studies will investigate whether the luteinizing hormone LH mediates the effects of T on brain function in male primates.

An investigation into the stability and sterility of citric acid solutions used for cough reflex testing.

Citric acid is used in cough reflex testing in clinical and research settings to assess reflexive cough in patients at risk of swallowing disorders. To address a lack of knowledge in this area, this study investigated the stability and sterility of citric acid solutions. Triplicate solutions of citric acid (0.8M) in isotonic saline were stored at 4±2°C for up to 28days and analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Microbiological sterility of freshly prepared samples and bulk samples previously used for 2weeks within the hospital was determined using a pour plate technique. Microbial survival in citric acid was determined by inoculating Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, or Candida albicans into citric acid solution and monitoring the number of colony-forming units/mL over 40min. Citric acid solutions remained stable at 4°C for 28days (98.4±1.8% remained). The freshly prepared and clinical samples tested were sterile. However, viability studies revealed that citric acid solution allows for the survival of C. albicans but not for S. aureus or E. coli. The microbial survival study showed that citric acid kills S. aureus and E. coli but has no marked effect on C. albicans after 40min. Citric acid samples at 0.8M remained stable over the 4-week testing period, with viable microbial cells absent from samples tested. However, C. albicans has the ability to survive in citric acid solution if inadvertently introduced in practice. For this reason, in clinical and research practice it is suggested to use single-use aliquots prepared aseptically which can be stored for up to 28days at 4°C.

Sacral neuromodulation for fecal incontinence and constipation in adult patients with anorectal malformation--a feasibility study in patients with or without sacral dysgenesis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate both the feasibility and effectiveness of sacral neuromodulation for fecal incontinence and constipation in adult patients who had undergone surgical repair of anorectal malformations (ARM). Patients with ARM with or without sacral dysgenesis who presented with fecal incontinence, constipation, or combined symptoms were treated with sacral nerve stimulation (SNS). Success of SNS was assessed by scores preoperatively and after a 3-week test period: Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score (CCI), Surgical Working Group for Coloproctology (CACP) continence score, German version of the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale, and Cleveland Clinic Constipation Score (CCCS). The follow-up results of the patients who received a definitive pacemaker were used to evaluate the long-term effect of SNS in patients with ARM. Four patients with fecal incontinence and one patient with constipation (two males, three females; median age 24 years [13; 31]) were treated with SNS between May 2012 and May 2013. Four patients had a normal sacrum; one patient had a sacral dysgenesis. Preoperatively and after the test phase, median CACP continence scores were 8 [1; 10] and 11.5 [3; 16], median CCI 14 [12; 19] and 13 [11; 17], and median Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale improved in all categories. For constipation, CCCSs were 16 and 7. Sacral neuromodulation is a feasible treatment modality for adult patients with ARM with a normally developed sacrum. Patients with sacrum dysgenesis are not suited for SNS because a definitive quadripolar electrode could not be anchored in the absence of a sacral bone.

The Design and Development of a High-Throughput Magneto-Mechanostimulation Device for Cartilage Tissue Engineering

To recapitulate the in vivo environment and create neo-organoids that replace lost or damaged tissue requires the engineering of devices, which provide appropriate biophysical cues. To date, bioreactors for cartilage tissue engineering have focused primarily on biomechanical stimulation. There is a significant need for improved devices for articular cartilage tissue engineering capable of simultaneously applying multiple biophysical (electrokinetic and mechanical) stimuli. We have developed a novel high-throughput magneto-mechanostimulation bioreactor, capable of applying static and time-varying magnetic fields, as well as multiple and independently adjustable mechanical loading regimens. The device consists of an array of 18 individual stations, each of which uses contactless magnetic actuation and has an integrated Hall Effect sensing system, enabling the real-time measurements of applied field, force, and construct thickness, and hence, the indirect measurement of construct mechanical properties. Validation tests showed precise measurements of thickness, within 14 μm of gold standard calliper measurements; further, applied force was measured to be within 0.04 N of desired force over a half hour dynamic loading, which was repeatable over a 3-week test period. Finally, construct material properties measured using the bioreactor were not significantly different (p=0.97) from those measured using a standard materials testing machine. We present a new method for articular cartilage-specific bioreactor design, integrating combinatorial magneto-mechanostimulation, which is very attractive from functional and cost viewpoints.