Electrode Position Research Articles

Research on characteristics of decoupled electroaerodynamic thruster with auxiliary electrode

AbstractPrevious research has demonstrated that the decoupled method improves the performance of the electroaerodynamic (EAD) thruster and that the overall characteristics of the EAD thruster are influenced by the ionization and acceleration processes. In this study, a decoupled EAD thruster structure is proposed, and the influence of the auxiliary electrode is experimentally explored. The characteristics of electrical discharge imaging and thrust performance are studied in detail to demonstrate the performance of the decoupled EAD thruster. The experimental results demonstrate that the auxiliary electrode significantly influences the characteristics of the ionization and acceleration processes, and the condition of L1 = 5 mm is the best position of the auxiliary electrode for this experiment. There is an optimal auxiliary electrode arrangement that can improve the performance of the EAD thruster.

Test-retest reliability of high-resolution surface electromyographic activities of facial muscles during facial expressions in healthy adults: A prospective observational study.

Surface electromyography (sEMG) is a standard method for psycho-physiological research to evaluate emotional expressions or in a clinical setting to analyze facial muscle function. High-resolution sEMG shows the best results to discriminate between different facial expressions. Nevertheless, the test-retest reliability of high-resolution facial sEMG is not analyzed in detail yet, as good reliability is a necessary prerequisite for its repeated clinical application. Thirty-six healthy adult participants (53% female, 18-67 years) were included. Electromyograms were recorded from both sides of the face using an arrangement of electrodes oriented by the underlying topography of the facial muscles (Fridlund scheme) and simultaneously by a geometric and symmetrical arrangement on the face (Kuramoto scheme). In one session, participants performed three trials of a standard set of different facial expression tasks. On one day, two sessions were performed. The two sessions were repeated two weeks later. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and coefficient of variation statistics were used to analyze the intra-session, intra-day, and between-day reliability. Fridlund scheme, mean ICCs per electrode position: Intra-session: excellent (0.935-0.994), intra-day: moderate to good (0.674-0.881), between-day: poor to moderate (0.095-0.730). Mean ICC's per facial expression: Intra-session: excellent (0.933-0.991), intra-day: good to moderate (0.674-0.903), between-day: poor to moderate (0.385-0.679). Kuramoto scheme, mean ICC's per electrode position: Intra-session: excellent (0.957-0.970), intra-day: good (0.751-0.908), between-day: moderate (0.643-0.742). Mean ICC's per facial expression: Intra-session: excellent (0.927-0.991), intra-day: good to excellent (0.762-0.973), between-day: poor to good (0.235-0.868). The intra-session reliability of both schemes were equal. Compared to the Fridlund scheme, the ICCs for intra-day and between-day reliability were always better for the Kuramoto scheme. For repeated facial sEMG measurements of facial expressions, we recommend the Kuramoto scheme.

NiOx electrochemical sensor fabricated via electrodeposition and spin‐coating

AbstractNiOx thin films were prepared on an Au substrate using the electrodeposition (ED), spin‐coating (SP), and ED after SP (SP/ED) techniques to realize their application as an electrochemical sensor for the selective detection of trace substances. The results indicated that the electrodeposited films had nanoparticles formed as coarse‐grain morphology, and the spin‐coated films had a uniform layer with ∼60 nm thickness. The thin film prepared by the SP/ED technique showed the highest electrochemical activity, and it was used to record a linear sweep voltammogram to measure the target substance, monosodium glutamate (MSG), and glucose, from low concentrations (2 nM) to high concentrations (200 μM). Within the range of concentrations, high R2 values of ≥0.99 were observed for both target substances, confirming that the SP/ED thin films can be used as an electrochemical sensor with high reliability.

Stomach Geometry Reconstruction Using Serosal Transmitting Coils and Magnetic Source Localization.

Bioelectric slow waves (SWs) are a key regulator of gastrointestinal motility, and disordered SW activity has been linked to motility disorders. There is currently a lack of practical options for the acquisition of the 3D stomach geometry during research studies when medical imaging is challenging. Accurately recording the geometry of the stomach and co-registering electrode and sensor positions would provide context for in-vivo studies and aid the development of non-invasive methods of gastric SW assessment. A stomach geometry reconstruction method based on the localization of transmitting coils placed on the gastric serosa was developed. The positions and orientations of the coils, which represented boundary points and surface-normal vectors, were estimated using a magnetic source localization algorithm. Coil localization results were then used to generate surface models. The reconstruction method was evaluated against four 3D-printed anatomically realistic human stomach models and applied in a proof of concept in-vivo pig study. Over ten repeated reconstructions, average Hausdorff distance and average surface-normal vector error values were 4.7 ±0.2 mm and 18.7 ±0.7° for the whole stomach, and 3.6 ±0.2 mm and 14.6 ±0.6° for the corpus. Furthermore, mean intra-array localization error was 1.4 ±1.1 mm for the benchtop experiment and 1.7 ±1.6 mm in-vivo. Results demonstrated that the proposed reconstruction method is accurate and feasible. The stomach models generated by this method, when co-registered with electrode and sensor positions, could enable the investigation and validation of novel inverse analysis techniques.

Looking at Patent Law: Patenting an Iron Slurry Electrode Redox Flow Battery-A Case Study

In this installment of the “Looking at Patent Law” series, we present a case study of the prosecution events of U.S. Patent No. 9,559,375 directed towards “Iron Flow Battery”. This invention aligns with several divisions of the Electrochemical Society (ECS), including Industrial Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Engineering (IE&EE), Battery (BATT), Energy Technology (ETD) and Electrodeposition (ELDP). The case study begins with a brief synopsis of the background of the invention followed by 1) summary of key drawings and the specification of the invention, 2) inventor assignment and power of attorney designations, 3) submission of the Invention Disclosure Statement (IDS) and associated Duty of Candor, 4) summary of the non-final office action (NF-OA) and rejection, and 5) applicant response and allowance of the patent application. The case study illustrates overcoming lack of “novelty” and “obviousness” rejections by combining the limitation of dependent claims with the independent claim. With this case study, we hope to de-mystify the patent prosecution process and better prepare electrochemical and solid-state scientists, engineers and technologists to interact with their patent counsel regarding their inventions.

Transnasal endoscopy-guided percutaneous access to the sphenopalatine ganglion for neurostimulation in the treatment of primary headache: operative technique and feasibility.

Cluster headache is considered a trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia and may present with characteristic symptoms of sympathetic/parasympathetic activation on the affected side of the face, such as nasal discharge, tearing, and conjunctival injection. Invasive therapies targeting the sphenopalatine ganglion have been performed in these headache syndromes and can have a medication-sparing effect, especially in refractory, difficult-to-manage cases. The gate control theory of pain suggests that electric pulses delivered to nerve tissues can modulate neuronal activity, thus aiding in management of nociceptive or neuropathic pain, and studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of sphenopalatine ganglion neurostimulation. Within this context, we sought to assess the feasibility of a new surgical technique for neurostimulation of the sphenopalatine ganglion in a cadaver dissection model. The technique was developed through dissection of two cadaver heads. We divided the procedure into two stages: an endonasal endoscopic approach to expose the sphenopalatine ganglion and confirm electrode placement, and a cervicofacial approach to introduce the electrode array and position the internal pulse-generator unit. Computed tomography was performed to confirm implant placement at the end of the procedure. The pulse-generator unit was successfully placed through a retroauricular incision, as is already standard for cochlear implant placement. This should reduce the incidence of perioperative sequelae, especially pain and swelling in the oral region, which are a common complication of previous approaches used for this purpose. Control imaging confirmed proper electrode placement. The device used in this study allows the patient to modulate the intensity of the stimulus, reducing or even obviating the need for drug therapy. The novel technique described herein, based on percutaneous access guided by transmaxillary endoscopy, can provide great precision in electrode array positioning and decreased perioperative morbidity, combining the advantages of endoscopic approaches with those of the retroauricular route.

A Robust eLORETA Technique for Localization of Brain Sources in the Presence of Forward Model Uncertainties.

In this paper, we present a robust version of the well-known exact low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (eLORETA) technique, named ReLORETA, to localize brain sources in the presence of different forward model uncertainties. We first assume that the true lead field matrix is a transformation of the existing lead field matrix distorted by uncertainties and propose an iterative approach to estimate this transformation accurately. Major sources of the forward model uncertainties, including differences in geometry, conductivity, and source space resolution between the real and simulated head models, and misaligned electrode positions, are then simulated to test the proposed method. ReLORETA and eLORETA are applied to simulated focal sources in different regions of the brain and the presence of various noise levels as well as real data from a patient with focal epilepsy. The results show that ReLORETA is considerably more robust and accurate than eLORETA in all cases. Having successfully dealt with the forward model uncertainties, ReLORETA proved to be a promising method for real-world clinical applications. eLORETA is one of the localization techniques that could be used to study brain activity for medical applications such as determining the epileptogenic zone in patients with medically refractory epilepsy. However, the major limitation of eLORETA is sensitivity to the uncertainties in the forward model. Since this problem can substantially undermine its performance in real-world applications where the exact lead field matrix is unknown, developing a more robust method capable of dealing with these uncertainties is of significant interest.

Brain connectivity dynamics during listening to music and potential impact on task performance.

To analyze brain connectivity dynamics during listening to music and estimate the potential impact on task performance. Fifteen participants (13 males and 2 females) participated in this study based on their interest in Indian classical music. Measurements of the influence of Indian music on task performance were obtained by assessing brain activation using EEG signals. Brain connectivity analysis was performed to visualize the connections between brain regions under various experimental conditions. Visual Go/No Go Stimuli was used to evaluate visual spatial attention during operation by evaluating misses, committed errors, and reaction times. In Task 1 (listening to music only), it was reported that there was a change in the positions of the electrodes (F3, F7) located in the left frontal lobe. The energy of the relative beta component was significantly higher only at F7 during task 1 (p = 0.005). Event-related desynchronization alpha and theta synchronization were significant (p = 0.005) at all electrode sites in the bilateral frontal lobes (F3, F4, F7 and F8) while listening to music and performing tasks (task 2). When the task without music (task 3) was performed, the energy of the relative alpha component was significantly higher at the Fp2 electrode position (p = 0.005). It is noteworthy that the energy of the theta component was significantly lower at the location of the Fp2 electrode (p = 0.005). The frontal asymmetry index score measures were significantly high at F4/F3 and F8/F7 during task 1. The connectivity map of theta synchronization showed a robust association between Fp2 and F8 which was in turn connected to P4 and O2 during Task 2. Results indicated an increased omission and commission errors during Task 3.

Transcranial focused ultrasound modulates the emergence of learned helplessness via midline theta modification

BackgroundHelplessness and hopelessness are states closely related to depressive disorders. They ensue following the anticipated absence of valid behavioral options to alleviate an aversive state. One neural structure involved in the detection of such options, is the cingulate cortex (CC), which conveys the evaluation of behavior against the value of its outcome. Accordingly, CC-related EEG measures are thought to correlate to feedback evaluation but also to anxious and conflict-related states, signaling the need for further adaptation to current requirements. Against this background, this study investigated the role of CC functioning in the emergence and prevention of helpless/hopeless states by applying low-intensity transcranial focused ultrasound (litFUS) neuromodulation prior to a learned helplessness task. MethodIn a randomized controlled double blind experimental setup with 55 participants, litFUS was used to inhibit the right lateral prefrontal cortex (lPFC), a region closely connected to CC modulation. Participants were instructed to play 8 games of chess against a computer that was unbeatable to them, while an EEG was recorded. Theta oscillation in midline electrodes, playing performance and self-rate measures on cognitive, affective and physiological parameters were assessed. ResultsThe results show a considerable influence of litFUS neuromodulation of the lPFC on midline theta activity (Fz and Pz electrode position) which in turn correlated to several psychological variables including self-report data on emotion, cognition, and arousal as well as behavioral measures (playing performance). LimitationsDue to the small sample size and sample characteristics, results cannot be generalized to the field of clinical application. A replication of results in larger samples and in context of other sonication parameters is needed to increase the robustness of results and to maximize the efficacy of litFUS application. ConclusionsWe conclude that the development of learned helplessness/hopelessness could be positively influenced in its course by litFUS neuromodulation of the right lPFC. In line with previous results, especially the posterior midline electrode Pz seems to be an interesting target for further research in this field as theta activity at this electrode is correlated to control perception and motivated behavior. To our knowledge, this is the first study to use neuromodulation to monitor and manipulate the development of helplessness in the laboratory.

EMG Amplitude-Force Relationship of Lumbar Back Muscles during Isometric Submaximal Tasks in Healthy Inactive, Endurance and Strength-Trained Subjects.

Previous data suggest a correlation between the cross-sectional area of Type II muscle fibers and the degree of non-linearity of the EMG amplitude-force relationship (AFR). In this study we investigated whether the AFR of back muscles could be altered systematically by using different training modalities. We investigated 38 healthy male subjects (aged 19-31 years) who regularly performed either strength or endurance training (ST and ET, n = 13 each) or were physically inactive (controls (C), n = 12). Graded submaximal forces on the back were applied by defined forward tilts in a full-body training device. Surface EMG was measured utilizing a monopolar 4 × 4 quadratic electrode scheme in the lower back area. The polynomial AFR slopes were determined. Between-group tests revealed significant differences for ET vs. ST and C vs. ST comparisons at the medial and caudal electrode positions, but not for ET vs. C. Further, systematic main effects of the "electrode position" could be proven for ET and C groups with decreasing x2 coefficients from cranial to caudal and lateral to medial. For ST, there was no systematic main effect of the "electrode position". The results point towards training-related changes to the fiber-type composition of muscles in the strength-trained participants, particularly for their paravertebral region.

Wafer Type Ion Energy Monitoring Sensor for Plasma Diagnosis

We propose a wafer-type ion energy monitoring sensor (IEMS) that can measure the spatially resolved distribution of ion energy over the 150 mm plasma chamber for the in situ monitoring of the semiconductor fabrication process. The IEMS can directly be applied to the semiconductor chip production equipment without further modification of the automated wafer handling system. Thus, it can be adopted as an in situ data acquisition platform for plasma characterization inside the process chamber. To achieve ion energy measurement on the wafer-type sensor, the injected ion flux energy from the plasma sheath was converted into the induced currents on each electrode over the wafer-type sensor, and the generated currents from the ion injection were compared along the position of electrodes. The IEMS operates without problems in the plasma environment and has the same trends as the result predicted through the equation.

Electrode array positioning after cochlear reimplantation from single manufacturer

Objective To investigate whether revision surgery with the same device results in a change in three key indicators of electrode positioning: scalar location, mean modiolar distance (), and angular insertion depth (AID). Methods Retrospective analysis of a cochlear implant database at a university-based tertiary medical center. Intra-operative CT scans were obtained after initial and revision implantation. Electrode array (EA) position was calculated using auto-segmentation techniques. Initial and revision scalar location, , and AID were compared. Results Mean change in for all ears was −0.07 mm (SD 0.24 mm; P = 0.16). The mean change in AID for all ears was −5° (SD 67°; P = 0.72). Three initial implantations with pre-curved EAs resulted in a translocation from Scala Tympani (ST) to Scala Vestibuli (SV). Two remained translocated after revision, while one was corrected when revised with a straight EA. An additional five translocations occurred after revision. Conclusions In this study examining revision cochlear implantation from a single manufacturer, we demonstrated no significant change in key indicators of EA positioning, even when revising with a different style of electrode. However, the revision EA is not necessarily confined by the initial trajectory and there may be an increased risk of translocation.

Purification of Cu–Zn melt based on the migration behavior of lead and bismuth under pulsed electric current

The recovery and regeneration of waste brass can alleviate the pressure of ore resource demand, and can also obtain considerable economic profits from the regenerated alloy products. However, excessive lead and bismuth residues in brass will lead to severe high temperature brittleness of the alloy, and chemical separation will complicate the separation process due to the difference in activity between elements. In this study, the physical separation of Pb and Bi from brass was realized by applying pulse current based on the electrical conductivity difference between Pb, Bi and brass melt, overcoming the limitation of using metal activity difference for oxidation refining. For 10 kg melt, the distribution of current line is adjusted by designing current intensity, frequency and electrode position to explore the migration behavior of Pb and Bi in brass melt under the action of pulse current. After pulse current treatment, Pb and Bi accumulate on the surface of the melt, especially at the bottom of the melt, forming a region rich in Pb or Bi. Based on the numerical calculation, Pb and Bi migrate in the direction perpendicular to the current line driven by the current density gradient, and the migration direction is the direction of the current density gradient decreasing. Pulse current separation technology has the characteristics of shortening the recovery steps, green energy saving, which provides a new solution for the difficult recycling of scrap copper and has great commercial value.

The Electric-Thermal Uneven Characteristics Simulation of Wide Mg Alloy Strip and Electroplastic Rolling Experiment

In order to solve the problem of wide magnesium strip uneven deformation in electroplastic rolling, an uneven field measurement device was designed. The device simulates the actual electro-thermal characteristics and provides as even and constant field conditions as possible for high-efficiency wide Mg strip rolling. Firstly, the effect of electrode position and distance on the electric field unevenness of magnesium strip is observed by setting the electric rolling condition, to provide the optimal electrical-thermal field quantity coupling conditions required by electric rolling. Secondly, in order to reveal the changing trend of the transient field in the actual rolling, the three-dimensional electric field of wide magnesium strip are simulated by the finite element method. The results show that the even temperature field and stable stress field required by the EPR of a wide Mg strip can be guaranteed to the greatest extent by setting electric field parameter Online. The case proves that the continuous EPR of Mg strip with a thickness of less than 0.13 mm without heat treatment can be realized by fine control of the EPR process.

An angiosome-centred approach for TcpO2 electrode positioning.

Background: The latest guidelines propose a TcpO2 value of 30 mmHg to help to confirm the diagnosis of chronic limb threatening ischemia. However, placement of electrodes is not standardised. The relevance of an "angiosome-centred" approach for TcpO2 electrode positioning has never been evaluated. We therefore retrospectively analysed our TcpO2 results to study the impact of electrode placement on the different angiosomes of the foot. Patients and methods: Patients consulting the vascular medicine department laboratory for suspicion of CLTI using TcpO2 electrodes placement on the different angiosome arteries of the foot (first inter metatarsal space, lateral edge of the foot and plantar side of the foot) were included. As the mean intra-individual variation is reported to be 8 mmHg, a variation of mean TcpO2 for the 3 locations ≤8 mmHg was considered to be not clinically significant. Results: Thirty-four patients (34 ischemic legs) were analysed. The mean TcpO2 was higher at the lateral edge of the foot (55 mmHg) and plantar side of the foot (65 mmHg) than at the first intermetatarsal space (48 mmHg). There was no clinically significant variation of mean TcpO2 according to anterior/posterior tibial artery patency and fibular artery patency. This was present when stratifying on the number of patent arteries. Conclusions: The present study suggests that multi-electrode TcpO2 is not useful to assess tissue oxygenation in the different angiosomes of the foot to guide surgical decision; first intermetatarsal electrode alone would be preferred. TcpO2 seems rather to evaluate overall tissue oxygenation of the foot. Electrode location on the plantar side of the foot may overestimate results and lead to misinterpretation.

Precise Sensitivity Calculation Method of SAW-Based Pressure Sensor

In this work, we propose a precise sensitivity calculation method for a surface acoustic wave (SAW)-based pressure sensor. The Tiersten–Sinha perturbation theory and finite-element method (FEM) were used to analyze the mechanical properties of a diaphragm based on piezoelectric material and achieved the pressure sensitivity distribution. Many factors affecting the pressure sensitivity could be taken into consideration by this method, including the material, the dimension of the diaphragm, as well as the position of electrodes. To prove the theoretical prediction, SAW pressure-sensing devices in ST and AT quartz diaphragm at two different thicknesses are prepared, and electrodes are patterned at different positions on the surface defined as type I and type II. Measured results confirmed the excellent consistency between theoretical and experimental results. For the group of 0.45-mm diaphragm, comparing the theoretical and the experimental results, errors of the type I and type II ST quartz sensors are 3.92% and 2.63%, and the error of the type I AT quartz sensor is only 0.96%. For the group of 0.3-mm diaphragm, errors of type I ST and AT quartz are 6.3% and 1.6%, respectively.

Optimization Framework for Temporal Interference Current Tibial Nerve Stimulation in Tibial Nerves Based on In-Silico Studies

Compared to the existing noninvasive methods, temporal interference (TI) current stimulation is an emerging noninvasive neuromodulation technique that can improve the ability to focus an electrical field on a target nerve. Induced TI field distribution depends on the anatomical structure of individual neurons, and thus the electrode and current optimization to enhance the field focus must reflect these factors. The current study presents a TI field optimization framework for focusing the stimulation energy on the target tibial nerve through extensive electrical simulations, factoring in individual anatomical differences. We conducted large-scale in-silico experiments using realistic models based on magnetic resonance images of human subjects to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed methods for tibial nerve stimulation considering overactive bladder (OAB) treatment. The electrode position and current intensity were optimized for each subject using an automated algorithm, and the field-focusing performance was evaluated based on the maximum intensity of the electric fields induced at the target nerve compared with the electric fields in the neighboring tissues. Using the proposed optimization framework, the focusing ability increased by 12% when optimizing the electrode position. When optimizing both the electrode position and current, this capability increased by 11% relative to electrode position optimization alone. These results suggest the significance of optimizing the electrode position and current intensity for focusing TI fields at the target nerve. Our electrical simulation-based TI optimization framework can be extended to enable personalized peripheral nerve stimulation therapy to modulate peripheral nerves.

Bilateral deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus: Targeting differences between the first and second side

Introduction and objectivesDeep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a recognized treatment for drug-refractory Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the therapeutic success depends on the accuracy of targeting. This study aimed to evaluate potential accuracy differences in the placement of the first and second electrodes implanted, by comparing chosen electrode trajectories, STN activity detected during microelectrode recording (MER), and the mismatch between the initially planned and final electrode positions on each side. Materials and methodsIn this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed data from 30 patients who underwent one-stage bilateral DBS. For most patients, three arrays of microelectrodes were used to determine the physiological location of the STN. Final target location depended also on the results of intraoperative stimulation. The choice of central versus non-central channels was compared. The Euclidean vector deviation was calculated using the initially planned coordinates and the final position of the tip of the electrode according to a CT scan taken at least a month after the surgery. ResultsThe central channel was chosen in 70% of cases on the first side and 40% of cases on the second side. The mean length of high-quality STN activity recorded in the central channel was longer on the first side than the second (3.07±1.85mm vs. 2.75±1.94mm), while in the anterior channel there were better MER recordings on the second side (1.59±2.07mm on the first side vs. 2.78±2.14mm on the second). Regarding the mismatch between planned versus final electrode position, electrodes on the first side were placed on average 0.178±0.917mm lateral, 0.126±1.10mm posterior and 1.48±1.64mm inferior to the planned target, while the electrodes placed on the second side were 0.251±1.08mm medial, 0.355±1.29mm anterior and 2.26±1.47mm inferior to the planned target. ConclusionThere was a tendency for the anterior trajectory to be chosen more frequently than the central on the second side. There was also a statistically significant deviation of the second electrodes in the anterior and inferior directions, when compared to the electrodes on the first side, suggesting that another cause other than brain shift may be responsible. We should therefore factor this during planning for the second implanted side. It might be useful to plan the second side more anteriorly, possibly reducing the number of MER trajectories tested and the duration of surgery.

Toward neural health measurements for cochlear implantation: The relationship among electrode positioning, the electrically evoked action potential, impedances and behavioral stimulation levels.

Estimating differences in neural health across different sites within the individual cochlea potentially enables clinical applications for subjects with a cochlear implant. The electrically evoked compound action potential (ECAP) is a measure of neural excitability that possibly provides an indication of a neural condition. There are many factors, however, that affect this measure and increase the uncertainty of its interpretation. To better characterize the ECAP response, its relationship with electrode positioning, impedances, and behavioral stimulation levels was explored. A total of 14 adult subjects implanted with an Advanced Bionics cochlear electrode array were prospectively followed up from surgery to 6 months postoperative. Insertion depth, distance to the modiolus, and distance to the medial wall were assessed for each electrode by postoperative CT analysis. ECAPs were measured intraoperatively and at three visits postoperatively on all 16 electrodes using the NRI feature of clinical programming software and characterized using multiple parameters. Impedances and behavioral stimulation levels were measured at every fitting session. Patterns in ECAPs and impedances were consistent over time, but high variability existed among subjects and between different positions in the cochlea. Electrodes located closer to the apex of the cochlea and closer to the modiolus generally showed higher neural excitation and higher impedances. Maximum loudness comfort levels were correlated strongly with the level of current needed to elicit a response of 100 μV ECAP. Multiple factors contribute to the ECAP response in subjects with a cochlear implant. Further research might address whether the ECAP parameters used in this study will benefit clinical electrode fitting or the assessment of auditory neuron integrity.

Anteriolateral versus anterior-posterior electrodes in external cardioversion of atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.

The efficacy of anteriolateral versus anterior-posterior electrode positions in the success of atrial fibrillation's (AF) electrical cardioversion is unclear. Our aim is to perform a meta-analysis to compare the success rate of both electrode positions.PUBMED, WOS, OVID, and SCOPUS were searched. Inclusion criteria were clinical trials that compared anterior-lateral with anterior-posterior electrodes in external cardioversion of AF. After the full-text screening, 11 trials were included in the analysis. The total number of patients included in the study is 1845. The pooled analysis showed a statistically significant association between anterior-lateral electrode and increased cardioversion rate of AF (odds ratio [OR] = 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02-1.92, p = .04). Subgroup analysis revealed a statistically significant association between the anterior-lateral electrode and increased cardioversion rate of AF in subgroups of less than five shocks, patients with 60 years old or more and patients with left atrial (LA) diameter >45 mm (OR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.17-2.54, p = .006), (OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.18-2.54, p = .005), and (OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.04-3.34, p = .04), respectively. Anteriolateral electrode is more effective than anterior-posterior electrode in external cardioversion of AF, particularly in patients who have received less than 5 shocks, are 60 years old or older and have a LA diameter greater than 45 mm.