Fast Activity Research Articles

Impaired Incretin Homeostasis in Nondiabetic Moderate-to-Severe CKD.

Key Points Total incretin levels and incretin response during oral glucose tolerance testing were significantly higher among patients with moderate-to-severe nondiabetic patients with CKD compared with healthy people.Unlike in healthy individuals, increased incretin response was not correlated with insulin response and coincided with persistently greater glucagon levels to oral glucose tolerance testing in CKD.Disruption in the incretin system and glucagon dynamics may contribute to metabolic complications in moderate-to-severe CKD. Background Incretins are regulators of insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis metabolized by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4). CKD may modify incretin release, metabolism, or response. Methods We performed 2-hour oral glucose tolerance testing in 59 people with nondiabetic CKD (eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2) and 39 matched controls. We measured total area under the curve and incremental area under the curve (iAUC) of plasma total glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and total glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). Fasting DPP-4 levels and activity were measured. Linear regression was used to adjust for demographic, body composition, and lifestyle factors. Results Mean (SD) eGFR was 38±13 and 89±17 ml/min per 1.73 m2 in patients with CKD and controls, respectively. GLP-1 total area under the curve and GIP iAUC were higher in patients with CKD than controls with a mean of 1531±1452 versus 1364±1484 pM×min and 62,370±33,453 versus 42,365±25,061 pg×min/ml, respectively. After adjustment, CKD was associated with 15,271 pM×min/ml greater GIP iAUC (95% confidence intervals [CIs], 387 to 30,154) compared with controls. Adjustment for covariates attenuated associations of CKD with higher GLP-1 iAUC (adjusted difference, 122; 95% CI, −619 to 864). Plasma glucagon levels were higher at 30 minutes (mean difference, 1.6; 95% CI, 0.3 to 2.8 mg/dl) and 120 minutes (mean difference, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.2 to 1.5 mg/dl) in patients with CKD compared with controls. There were no differences in insulin levels or plasma DPP-4 activity or levels between groups. Conclusions Overall, incretin response to oral glucose is preserved or augmented in moderate-to-severe CKD, without apparent differences in circulating DPP-4 concentration or activity. However, neither insulin secretion nor glucagon suppression is enhanced.

Multimodal and quantitative analysis of the epileptogenic zone network in the pre-surgical evaluation of drug-resistant focal epilepsy

Surgical resection for epilepsy often fails due to incomplete Epileptogenic Zone Network (EZN) localization from scalp electroencephalography (EEG), stereo-EEG (SEEG), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Subjective interpretation based on interictal, or ictal recordings limits conventional EZN localization. This study employs multimodal analysis using high-density-EEG (HDEEG), Magnetoencephalography (MEG), functional-MRI (fMRI), and SEEG to overcome these limitations in a patient with drug-resistant MRI-negative focal epilepsy. A 17-year-old with drug-resistant epilepsy underwent evaluation. HDEEG, MEG, fMRI, and SEEG were used, with a novel HDEEG-cap facilitating simultaneous EEG-MEG and EEG-fMRI recordings. Electrical and magnetic source imaging were performed, and fMRI data were analysed for homogenous regions. SEEG analysis involved spike detection, spike timing analysis, ictal fast activity quantification, and Granger-based connectivity analysis. Non-invasive sessions revealed consistent interictal source imaging results identifying the EZN in the right anterior cingulate cortex. EEG-fMRI highlighted broader activation in the right cingulate cortex. SEEG analysis localized spikes and fast activity in the right anterior and posterior cingulate gyri. Multi-modal analysis suggested the EZN in the right frontal lobe, primarily involving the anterior and mid-cingulate cortices. Multi-modal non-invasive analyses can optimise SEEG implantation and surgical decision-making. Invasive analyses corroborated non-invasive findings, emphasising the importance of individual-case quantitative analysis across modalities in complex epilepsy cases.

High entropy 2D metals sulfides: Fast synthesis, exfoliation and electrochemical activity in overall water splitting at alkaline pH

Novel simple and efficient method for synthesis of 2D high entropy sulfides of iron group metals is described. The method utilizes inorganic salts as precursors and CS2 as a sulfurizing agent, which makes it possible to achieve high entropy composition through combination of freezing of the precursor solution, subsequent freeze-drying step, sulfurization, and exfoliation in liquid nitrogen. The created material was investigated as a catalyst for electrochemical water splitting at different pH. Measured overpotentials at 10 and 100 mA*cm−2 current densities for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) were found to be 49 and 315 mV respectively, while for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) theoverpotentials required for reaching 10 and 100 mA*cm−2 current densities were 370 and 591 mV respectively, both in 1 M KOH solution. The Tafel slopes for HER were found to be 235, 105, and 111 mV/dec in basic, neutral, and acidic conditions, respectively, while only 63 mV/dec for OER in basic conditions. The calculated values of the turnover frequency were 0.62 s−1 for HER and 0.10 s−1 for OER. We also confirmed the key role of high entropy in the catalytic activity of the material by excluding individual elements from the composition of the HES.

Electroencephalographic and Cardiovascular Assessments of Isoflurane-Anesthetized Dogs.

This study investigated the use of frontal electroencephalography (EEG) to monitor varying levels of isoflurane anesthesia in dogs. The patient state index (PSI), burst suppression ratio (SR), and waveforms, were continuously recorded while mean arterial blood pressure (MBP), heart rate, responses to electric stimuli, and subjective anesthetic "depth" were assessed every 3 min. At deep anesthesia (2.5× MAC - 3.2%), the PSI (6.5 ± 10.8) and MBP (45.6 ± 16.4 mmHg) were the lowest, and SR was the highest (78.3 ± 24.0%). At 1× MAC (1.3%), the PSI and MBP increased significantly to 47.8 ± 12.6 and 99.8 ± 13.2, respectively, and SR decreased to 0.5 ± 2.5%. The EEG was predominantly isoelectric at 2×-2.5× MAC, indicating unconsciousness and unresponsiveness. As anesthesia lightened, waveforms transitioned to flatter and faster activity patterns with a response to noxious stimuli, suggesting regained consciousness. The PSI and MBP exhibited a stronger correlation (ρ = 0.8098, p = 0.001) than the relationship of PSI with heart rate (ρ = -0.2089, p = 0.249). Five of the six dogs experienced rough recovery, possibly due to high SR and low MBP. These findings suggest that EEG monitoring in dogs can be a valuable tool for the real-time tracking of brain states and can be used to guide the management of isoflurane anesthesia.

Rapid recovery after total hip arthroplasty: direct anterior approach combined with PENG block and lateral cutaneous femoral nerve block

Introduction The "gold" standard for the treatment of late stages of coxarthrosis is total hip arthroplasty. Direct anterior approach (DAA) refers to minimally invasive surgical interventions in orthopaedics. Extended anesthetic measures in combination with low-traumatic surgical techniques may reduce postoperative pain and accelerate patient's recovery.The purpose of the study was to compare the recovery times of patients after hip arthroplasty using DAA in combination with PENG block, lateral cutaneous femoral nerve (LCFN) block and without extended anesthetic measures.Materials and methods A prospective randomized comparative clinical study was performed, which involved 62 patients divided into two groups: the study one (n = 29) and the control one (n = 33). In both groups, arthroplasty was performed using DAA. Patients of the study group underwent PENG block and LCFN block. The patients in the control group did not receive extended anesthesia. The evaluation criteria were pain assessment using the visual analogue scale (VAS), administration of painkillers, patient’s mobility and the length of hospital stay.Results The VAS score for pain in the study group were lower than in the control group after 6 hours — 3.7 (3.4; 4.1) and 4.3 (4.2; 4.8); 24 hours after surgery — 3.5 (3.3; 3.6) and 4.1 (3.9; 4.5) (p < 0.001). After 48 hours, the indices were comparable: 3.5 (3.1; 4.1) and 3.7 (3.6; 3.9) (p = 0.19). The rate of requests for pain relief in the first 24 hours was lower in the study group than in the control group: 2 (1; 2) and 3 (2; 3) cases (p = 0.003). The results of the manual muscle test after 6 hours and 24 hours were comparable (p > 0.05). The time interval between the end of the operation and the first walking on crutches was shorter in the study group — 3.1 hours (2.9; 3.4) and 3.98 hours (3.8; 4.2) (p < 0.001). The length of hospital stay was shorter in the study group: 1.5 (1.2; 2) and 2.5 (2; 3) days (p < 0.001).Discussion Lower postoperative pain allows faster activation of patients, thus improving the results of the early rehabilitation period.Conclusion The use of PENG block and LCFN block in arthroplasty with the use of DAA has clinical effectiveness in the first 24 hours, and helps to accelerate the postoperative recovery of patients.

Independent Occurrence of Two Cases of Lennox — Gastaut Syndrome and Neurofibromatosis in the Family: A Clinical Observation

Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE) are the most difficult problem in epileptology. Lennox — Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy with onset in childhood, manifested by: frequent polymorphic seizures, including tonic axial ones; severe cognitive impairment; slow activity (with a frequency of <2.5–3.0 Hz) sharp-slow wave in the interictal period on the electroencephalogram, as well as runs of fast activity with a frequency of 10–20 Hz, often associated with tonic seizures; and resistance to therapy. Presumably genetic or forms with an unknown cause account for 20–30 % of cases of LGS, but a family history of epilepsy among patients with LGS is observed in only 2.5 %.The purpose of this work was to describe a familial case of LGS in two siblings.Materials and methods. A retrospective description of the medical history of 3 siblings born in a consanguineous marriage was performed.Results and discussion. There was a similarity in the course of the disease in the two brothers, absolute resistance to drug antiepileptic therapy and temporary effectiveness of hormonal therapy for LGS with a decrease in the duration of the effect from course to course. In addition, the rare parallel existence in this family of another autosomal dominant disease — neurofibromatosis type 1 — is shown.Conclusion. A detailed description of LGS within one family will not only expand doctors’ knowledge of this disease and the difficulties of its treatment, but also improve understanding of the genetic mechanisms of the development of DEE.

Electrodeposition Decoration of Pd0 on F‐Co(OH)2 Nanoarrays with Intentionally Introduced Pd2+ Species for Efficient Electrocatalytic Hydrodechlorination of 2,4‐dichlorophenol

Developing a Pd‐based catalyst possessing high efficiency and low mass loading remains a big obstacle for the large‐scale application of electrocatalytic hydrodechlorination (EHDC) of chlorophenols (CPs). Herein, high dispersion Pd nanoparticles imbedded in Pd2+ hydroxide species are decorated on the surface of F‐Co(OH)2 nanowire arrays with a newly developed electrodeposition and hydrolysis coupled process. EHDC of 2,4‐dichlorophenol (2,4‐DCP) with the as‐obtained Pd/F‐Co(OH)2/NF‐a exhibits superior performance than other control samples in this work and literature reports. A 100% removal of 2,4‐DCP is accomplished within 120 min, featuring fast reaction kinetics (kobs = 5.0 × 10‐2 min‐1) and mass activity (MA = 22.2 min‐1 g‐1Pd). Mechanism investigation shows that the intentionally introduced Pd2+ sites play a pivotal role in the adsorption of 2,4‐DCP, while high dispersion of Pd facilitates the generation of active H*, thus promoting the catalytic performance. This work presents a valuable example for designing high‐performance Pd‐based EHDC catalysts by composition tuning.

Activities for detection, disclosure and investigation of criminal offenses

The purpose of the article is a scientific analysis of the activity of detection, disclosure and investigation of criminal offenses. Such activity is a specific type of professional socially useful activity carried out by subjects (investigator, inquirer, operational unit employee, detective, etc.) with the aim of establishing the truth, based on procedural evidence in criminal proceedings. It has been proven that the construction of a coherent, logically consistent, comprehensive system of scientific knowledge, which characterizes the activity of detection, disclosure and investigation of criminal offenses, is still ongoing in criminology. It is concluded that the successful detection of criminal offenses can be carried out only when the subject of activity adheres to the principles of ensuring the necessary effectiveness. For the successful implementation of such principles, not only forensic knowledge is needed, but also the creation of a certain integrated system of detection of criminal offenses. The structure of detection of criminal offenses is proposed, which can become the theoretical basis of such a system. The author came to the conclusion that in criminology, a criminal offense is considered to be solved on the condition that the factual circumstances essential for the resolution of the proceedings, as well as the person who committed this offense, are established. The detection of a crime is not something separate from the investigation or something that complements it, but should be considered as its informational, cognitive, technological aspect, which distinguishes a complex of forensic operations, methods, techniques and means for a consistent, step-by- step solution to the strategic and tactical tasks of the pre-trial investigation of criminal offenses It is shown that the structure of activities for the investigation of criminal offenses includes the following main elements: the subject of activity (makes all decisions on carrying out certain procedural actions); functions of the subject of activity (search and cognitive functions are recognized as the main ones); the purpose of the activity (establishing the truth in criminal proceedings and creating appropriate conditions for the correct application of the law); procedural tasks, which are solved in the form of tactics (detection of the crime, exposure of the guilty, provision of compensation for the damage caused by the offense, etc.); general object of activity (cognition by the subject of activity of an event with signs of a criminal offense); subject of activity (forensically significant information). The mechanism of direct implementation of the activity of detecting disclosure and investigation of criminal offenses is analyzed. Its exploratory and cognitive, problem-solving, situational and sometimes urgent character was established. It has been proven that from the point of view of criminology, establishing the truth during the detection, disclosure and investigation of a criminal offense means mentally recreating (according to the collected factual data) the investigated event in its essential legally significant features, with the subsequent reflection of its mental model-image in the relevant procedural documents . It was concluded that effective, i.e., fast, rational, high-quality and productive activities for the detection, disclosure and investigation of criminal offenses are impossible without proper organizational support, which means the creation of the necessary conditions (prerequisites) for the subject to optimally achieve the goal of this activity.

Development and characterization of novel fast-dissolving pentobarbital suppositories for pediatric procedural sedation and comparison with lipophilic formulations

For pediatric radiological procedures (RP), pentobarbital sodium (PNa) can be used orally or rectally to replace intravenous anesthesia. Since no commercial PNa suppositories exist, they must be prepared by compounding pharmacies. This study aims to develop fast-dissolving PNa suppositories for fast pharmacological activity during RP. We prepared gelatin (G), gelatin/polyethylene glycol 4000 (GP), and polyethylene glycol 4000 (P) suppositories, with and without pH adjustment, and assessed their dosage uniformity (DU), softening time, rupture resistance, and in-vitro dissolution. An optimal formulation was selected, and PNa release was compared to that of fat-based suppositories using dissolution tests. Additionally, the quality control process (analytical performance, safety/eco-friendliness and productivity/practical effectiveness) of these formulas were compared using a RGB method. All hydrophilic formulas (HF) met the DU requirement (AV < 8 %) except for P (AV 15.62 ± 4 %). pH adjustment enhanced G and GP suppositories resistance to 2.2 ± 0.2 kg and 2.0 ± 0.3 kg, respectively, and allowed 100 % release of PNa in under 10 min. In contrast, lipophilic formulas released less than 80 % of PNa at best after 120 min. These results show the biopharmaceutical suitability of HF for RP compared to lipophilic ones, but a pharmacokinetic study is needed to confirm data.

The temporal specificity of BOLD fMRI is systematically related to anatomical and vascular features of the human brain.

The ability to detect fast responses with functional MRI depends on the speed of hemodynamic responses to neural activity, because hemodynamic responses act as a temporal low-pass filter which blurs rapid changes. However, the shape and timing of hemodynamic responses are highly variable across the brain and across stimuli. This heterogeneity of responses implies that the temporal specificity of fMRI signals, or the ability of fMRI to preserve fast information, could also vary substantially across the cortex. In this work we investigated how local differences in hemodynamic response timing affect the temporal specificity of fMRI. We used ultra-high field (7T) fMRI at high spatiotemporal resolution, studying the primary visual cortex (V1) as a model area for investigation. We used visual stimuli oscillating at slow and fast frequencies to probe the temporal specificity of individual voxels. As expected, we identified substantial variability in temporal specificity, with some voxels preserving their responses to fast neural activity more effectively than others. We investigated which voxels had the highest temporal specificity, and tested whether voxel timing was related to anatomical and vascular features. We found that low temporal specificity is only weakly explained by the presence of large veins or cerebral cortical depth. Notably, however, temporal specificity depended strongly on a voxel's position along the anterior-posterior anatomical axis of V1, with voxels within the calcarine sulcus being capable of preserving close to 25% of their amplitude as the frequency of stimulation increased from 0.05Hz to 0.20Hz, and voxels nearest to the occipital pole preserving less than 18%. These results indicate that detection biases in high-resolution fMRI will depend on the anatomical and vascular features of the area being imaged, and that these biases will differ depending on the timing of the underlying neuronal activity. While we attribute this variance primarily to hemodynamic effects, neuronal nonlinearities may also influence response timing. Importantly, this spatial heterogeneity of temporal specificity suggests that it could be exploited to achieve higher specificity in some locations, and that tailored data analysis strategies may help improve the detection and interpretation of fast fMRI responses.

Comparative Electroencephalographic Profile of a New Anesthetic and Anticonvulsant That Is Selective for the GABAAR Slow Receptor Subtype

BACKGROUND: Anesthetics like propofol increase electroencephalography (EEG) power in delta frequencies (0.1–4 Hz), with a decrease of power in bandwidths &gt;30 Hz. Propofol is nonselective for gamma amino butyric acid type A receptor subtypes (GABAAR) as it enhances all 3 GABAAR subtypes (slow, fast, and tonic). Our newly developed anesthetic class selectively targets GABAAR-slow synapses to depress brain responsiveness. We hypothesized that a selective GABAAR-slow agonist, KSEB 01-S2, would produce a different EEG signature compared to the broad-spectrum GABAAR agonist (propofol), and tested this using rat EEG recordings. METHODS: Male rats were studied after Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUC) approval from the US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense and the University of Michigan. Rats were anesthetized using isoflurane (3%–5% induction, 1%–3% maintenance) with oxygen at 0.5 to 1.0 L/min. Stainless steel screws were placed in the skull and used to record subcranial cortical EEG signals. After recovery, either propofol or KSEB 01-S2 was administered and effects on EEG signals were analyzed. RESULTS: As previously reported, propofol produced increased power in delta frequencies (0.1–4 Hz) compared to predrug recordings and produced a decrease in EEG power &gt;30 Hz but no significant changes were seen within ±20 seconds of losing the righting reflex. By contrast, KSEB 01-S2 produced a significant increase in theta frequency percent power (median 14.7%, 16.2/13.8, 75/25 confidence interval; to 34.7%, 35/31.8; P &lt; .015) and a significant decrease in low gamma frequency percent power (16.9%, 18.6/15.8; to 5.45%, 5.5/5.39; P &lt; .015) for all rats at ± 20 seconds of loss of consciousness (LOC). Both anesthetics produced a flattening of chaotic attractor plots from nonlinear dynamic analyses, like that produced by volatile and dissociative anesthetics at LOC. CONCLUSIONS: KSEB 01-S2 produced a markedly different EEG pattern, with a selective increase observed in the theta frequency range. KSEB 01-S2 also differs markedly in its activity at the GABAAR-slow receptor subtype, suggesting a possible mechanistic link between receptor subtype specificity and EEG frequency band signatures. Increased theta together with depressed gamma frequencies is interesting because GABAAR slow synapses have previously been suggested to underlie theta frequency oscillations, while fast synapses control gamma activity. These reciprocal effects support a previous model for theta and nested gamma oscillations based on inhibitory connections between GABAAR fast and slow interneurons. Although each anesthetic produced a unique EEG response, propofol and KSEB 01-S2 both increased slow wave activity and flattened chaotic attractor plots at the point of LOC.

Synthesis of low-entangled UHMWiPP using Hf-pyridyl amido catalyst activated by trityl tetrakis (pentafluorophenyl) borate

Recently we demonstrated that low entangled ultra-high molecular weight isotactic polypropylene having molecular weight up to 2.4 million g/mol can be synthesized using a Hf-pyridyl amido catalyst activated by dimethylanilinium tetrakis (pentafluorophenyl)borate. Herein, we used an aprotic borate (trityl tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate) to activate a Hf-pyridyl amido catalyst leading to a fast and ease catalyst activation even at lower temperatures, thus yielding exceptionally high molecular weight (up to 7.7 million g/mol) having improved tacticity (mmmm up to 98.5 %) and peak melting temperature (up to 165 °C). Thus synthesized polymers show extremely slow equilibration process by rheological characterization, indicating the low entangled state. These polymers can be processed in solid-state, without melting, into uniaxial drawn tapes having high tensile strength (1.46 N/tex) and tensile modulus (33 N/tex). The superior mechanical properties enable the tapes to be used as reinforcing material for commercial polypropylene grades, opening the possibilities of making one-component easy-to-recycle composites.

Air-stable, well-defined palladium–BIAN–NHC chloro dimer: Highly efficient N-Heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyst platform for Buchwald–Hartwig C–N cross-coupling reactions

Buchwald-Hartwig amination has become the fundamental method for constructing molecular architectures throughout chemical research, including the synthesis of pharmaceutical agents, natural products, fine chemicals, and advanced materials. Herein, we report air-stable, well-defined palladium–BIAN–NHC chloro dimer, [Pd(BIAN–NHC)(μ-Cl)Cl]2, for Buchwald-Hartwig C–N cross-coupling reactions of aryl halides. This rapidly activating catalyst framework merges the reactive properties of palladium chloro dimers, [Pd(NHC)(μ-Cl)Cl]2, with the structural features of acenaphthoimidazol-2-ylidenes. [Pd(BIAN–NHC)(μ-Cl)Cl]2 is the most reactive Pd(II)–NHC precatalyst to date, undergoing fast activation under both inert atmosphere and aerobic conditions. The catalyst shows an excellent reactivity in Buchwald-Hartwig amination of aryl halides (59 examples), including challenging substrates, diamination and direct functionalization of pharmaceuticals. The steric protection enables high reactivity under both inert atmosphere and aerobic conditions. [Pd(BIAN–IPr)(μ-Cl)Cl]2 should be routinely utilized for the synthesis of C–N bonds to make valuable amines, where it replaces the most commonly deployed at present IPr (IPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-isopropyl)imidazol-2-ylidene).

Manufacturing of a 3D-printed electrode cost-effective based on carbon black and polylactic acid for detection of flunixin anti-inflammatory

This study presents the manufacturing and application of a 3D-printed sensor based on CB/PLA for detecting the anti-inflammatory drug flunixin (FXN). The proposed sensor features a simple design and accessible construction process with fast production (∼25 min), fast activation (∼400 s), low cost (∼0.044 USD), and stands out for its sensitivity (0.083 µA µmol l-1) and low detection limit (0.30 µmol l-1). Furthermore, the sensor presents allowed the determination of the FXN in real samples such as pharmaceutical formulations (tablet and injectable), tap and river water without pretreatment. The selectivity obtained was satisfactory in the presence of metal ions and organic compounds. The results showed that the use of 3D printing technology with fast surface treatment made it possible to study the anti-inflammatory behavior of FXN in a satisfactory way. Therefore, it is pertinent to use 3D technology in electrochemical analyses of potential antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals.

Determination of the silicon content of geological materials by reactor fast neutron activation analysis

Determination of the silicon content of geological materials by reactor fast neutron activation analysis

Generalized paroxysmal fast activity in a cohort of patients with epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia

ObjectiveThis study aimed to analyze and summarize the characteristics of generalized paroxysmal fast activity (GPFA) via electroencephalography (EEG) in patients with epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia (EEM) and to determine its relationship with clinical outcome. MethodsPatients with EEM were selected from our EEG database. The collected data included detailed clinical information, factors that triggered GPFA, and the relationship between GPFA and eyelid myoclonia seizures. The clinical data and EEG characteristics of patients with and without GPFA were compared. ResultsForty-seven patients with EEM were identified according to the clinical criteria, of whom 18 (38.3%) exhibited GPFA. GPFA can occur ictally or interictally. The difference in the response to antiseizure medication (ASM) between EEM patients with and without GPFA suggested that patients who had GPFA on EEG might have easier seizure control. ConclusionIn our study, 38.3% of EEM patients had GPFA on EEG. GPFA is an EEG pattern in individuals with EEM that can cause eyelid myoclonia. EEM patients with GPFA on their EEG had easier seizure control than those without GPFA. SignificanceThis study summarized the incidence and electroclinical features of GPFA in a cohort of patients with EEM.

A New Process for Efficient Non-Destructive Metal-Activated Composite Plating of Ni-P-Al2O3 on Titanium Base and Its Performance Research

A new high efficient and non-destructive mental activation process of electroless composite plating was proposed. The process utilized electromagnetic induction equipment to heat the titanium alloy substrate and used its energy to complete the activation process, which could successfully attach the nickel nanoparticles firmly to the surface of the titanium alloy; at the same time, the process pre-activated Al2O3 nanoparticles and added the activated nanoparticles to the plating solution. In the process of plating, the activated titanium substrate was used as the catalytic center of electroless nickel plating (ENP) for electroless composite plating. The new activation process avoided complicated traditional processes such as acid etching and zinc dipping. Such traditional processes require huge doses of chemicals, including various strong acids, so improper waste liquid treatment will cause harm to the environment. The important parameters of the process were optimized by orthogonal experiments. A scanning electron microscope (SEM), an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), thermal shock experiments and friction and wear experiments were used to characterize and analyze the surface morphology, composition, binding force and friction coefficient of the coating, and analyze the coating quality by measuring the plating rate and the thickness of the coating. The results showed that the rate of electroless composite plating increased with the increase in Al2O3 nanoparticle concentration. When the concentration of Al2O3 nanoparticles reached 1.5 g/L, the ENP rate decreased with the increase in Al2O3 nanoparticle concentration. The adhesion of the sample was evaluated by the scratch test, which showed that the binding grade of the sample was 0, and the Vickers hardness was 688.5 HV. Results showed that the coating produced by this new process has excellent performance. Therefore, the process is an environmentally friendly and fast activation composite plating process.

Multifocal microscopy for functional imaging of neural systems.

Rapid acquisition of large imaging volumes with microscopic resolution is an essential unmet need in biological research, especially for monitoring rapid dynamical processes such as fast activity in distributed neural systems. We present a multifocal strategy for fast, volumetric, diffraction-limited resolution imaging over relatively large and scalable fields of view (FOV) using single-camera exposures. Our multifocal microscopy approach leverages diffraction to image multiple focal depths simultaneously. It is based on a custom-designed diffractive optical element suited to low magnification and large FOV applications and customized prisms for chromatic correction, allowing for wide bandwidth fluorescence imaging. We integrate this system within a conventional microscope and demonstrate that our design can be used flexibly with a variety of magnification/numerical aperture (NA) objectives. We first experimentally and numerically validate this system for large FOV microscope imaging (three orders-of-magnitude larger volumes than previously shown) at resolutions compatible with cellular imaging. We then demonstrate the utility of this approach by visualizing high resolution three-dimensional (3D) distributed neural network at volume rates up to 100Hz. These demonstrations use genetically encoded indicators to measure functional neural imaging both in vitro and in vivo. Finally, we explore its potential in other important applications, including blood flow visualization and real-time, microscopic, volumetric rendering. Our study demonstrates the advantage of diffraction-based multifocal imaging techniques for 3D imaging of mm-scale objects from a single-camera exposure, with important applications in functional neural imaging and other areas benefiting from volumetric imaging.

The Study of Calcium Chloride Effect on Silver Nanoparticles Capping with Roselle Extract Granule against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans

Abstract Objectives The primary aim of this research is to investigate the influence of calcium chloride on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles coated with roselle extract and enclosed within alginate and calcium chloride (SNP-Ro-CaCl2) beads, designated as SNP-Ro-CaCl2 beads. Additionally, the study aims to assess their antimicrobial activity. Materials and Methods For the preparation of SNP-Ro-CaCl2 beads, SNPs and alginate gel were mixed, followed by dropping in three different concentrations of CaCl2 solution (1%, 3%, and 5% w/v). The morphological structure of the SNP-Ro-CaCl2 beads was analyzed using a stereoscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Over a period of 14 days, the release of SNPs was monitored using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. Additionally, the activity against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans was evaluated using the disk diffusion technique. Statistical Analysis The data for this experiment were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Scheffe's method. Results The results revealed that varying concentrations of calcium chloride had distinct crosslinking effects on alginate, resulting in different voids and porosity within the SNP-Ro-CaCl2 beads. In the SNP-Ro-1% CaCl2 beads, the inner element exhibited higher porosity, facilitating faster activation and greater efficiency in releasing SNPs. Regarding activity against A. actinomycetemcomitans after 14 days, SNP-Ro-1% CaCl2 beads showed a larger inhibition zone diameter compared to other concentrations, while no statistically significant difference in the inhibition zone diameter was observed between SNP-Ro-3% CaCl2 and SNP-Ro-5% CaCl2 beads. Additionally, it was observed that the antimicrobial effectiveness diminished after 17 days through testing of the lifetimes of the three concentrations. Conclusions This study developed a method for depositing SNP-Ro into alginate gel and crosslinking it with CaCl2 to produce small beads for the sustained release of SNP-Ro in periodontal lesions. Consequently, the SNP-Ro-CaCl2 beads have the potential to be developed as adjunctive locally delivered antimicrobial agents in periodontal therapy.

Effects of Single-Joint Type Hybrid Assistive Limb in Knee Rehabilitation on Reduction of Pre-motor Time and Increased Rate of Fast Muscle Activation for Anterior Cruciate Regiment (ACL) Reconstruction.

Changes in muscle characteristics after post-anterior cruciate regiment (ACL) reconstruction are common. Knee robotic-assisted therapy using hybrid assistive limb (HAL) single-joint training for recovery from ACL injury has the potential to optimize muscle activity; however, its neurophysiological effects remain unclear. Thus, this study aimed to explore the electrophysiological parameters. This prospective, nonrandomized, controlled trial was conducted between December 2021 and January 2024. The patients were divided into two groups: the HAL group and the control group, each including five patients who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction. Knee HAL single-joint training was conducted once weekly for three sessions. Three electrophysiological measures were examined related to knee neuromuscular responses pre-motor time, peak amplitude time, and neuromuscular rate of electromyography rise (RER) using surface electromyography (EMG). The pre-motor time and peak amplitude time were assessed in both groups at each session pre- and post-intervention.Bothgroups were evaluated for RERat postoperative weeks 17 and 21. Regarding the interaction of pre-motor time within each group, the interaction of pre-motor time within each group, the effect size of vastus medialis (VM) was larger in the HAL group. The peak amplitude time of EMG, the overall estimated marginal means, and the HAL group exhibited a significant difference in the VM (p=0.019), while vastus lateralis (VL) showed no significant difference but a larger effect size (d=0.61). The RERrevealed a significant difference in semitendinosus-RER30ms in the HAL group (p=0.044). Theknee HAL training for post-ACL reconstruction patients may influence neurophysiological outcomes.