Long-term Monitoring Research Articles

Wireless-based portable device heart rate measurement as biomedical devices for stress detection

Stress can increase the heart rate, causing dangerous conditions that cause significant harm and even death. Therefore, managing stress well to control the heart rate is vital. Monitoring stress levels using biomedical devices is essential to prevent further damage to the individual. Regular monitoring facilitates the acquisition of individual stress levels through heart rate information. In this research, a MAX30100 sensor can produce Beats Per Minute (BPM) data, which show the stress experienced by a person during four daily activities (sitting, walking, running, and sleeping) and when watching a horror movie. This research underscores the potential of cost-effective wireless solutions to increase portability and facilitate real-time monitoring and remote surveillance. The researchers introduced an innovative methodology by reusing everyday consumer devices, initially intended for routine activities, to measure stress levels in a unique context—precisely in a controlled experiment involving a movie-watching scenario. The ultimate achievement of this research was creating a stationary heart rate monitoring device that is easy to access, easy to use, space-saving, and adept at effectively tracking stress indicators. BPM readings obtained from the MAX30100 sensor have scores similar to those obtained from the heart rate app. The researchers proposed the inclusion of other sensors, such as a photoplethysmograph, an electrocardiogram, and galvanic skin response, to provide a more holistic assessment of stress. Leveraging cloud technology for data storage enables long-term monitoring and in-depth analysis of stress patterns over time.

Improving the efficiency of adaptive management methods in multiple fishways using environmental DNA.

Dams and weirs impede the continuity of rivers and transit of migratory fish. To overcome this obstacle, fishways are installed worldwide; however, management after installation is important. The Miyanaka Intake Dam has three fish ladders with different flow velocities and discharges and has been under adaptive management since 2012. Fish catch surveys, conducted as an adaptive management strategy, place a heavy burden on fish. Furthermore, a large number of investigators must be mobilized during the 30-day investigation period. Thus, a monitoring method using environmental DNA that exerts no burden on fish and requires only a few surveyors (to obtain water samples) and an in-house analyst was devised; however, its implementation in a fishway away from the point of analysis and with limited flow space and its effective water sampling frequency have not been reported. Therefore, in 2019, we started a trial aiming to evaluate the methods and application conditions of environmental DNA surveys for the continuous and long-term monitoring of various fish fauna upstream and downstream of the Miyanaka Intake Dam. To evaluate the fish fauna, the results of an environmental DNA survey (metabarcoding method) for 2019 to 2022 were compared to those of a catch survey in the fishway from 2012 to 2022. The results confirmed the use of environmental DNA surveys in evaluating the contribution of fishways to biodiversity under certain conditions and introduced a novel method for sample collection.

Global introductions and environmental impacts of freshwater megafish.

Freshwater megafish species, such as sturgeons, salmonids, carps, and catfishes, have a maximum reported weight ≥30 kg. Due to their charisma and economic value, they have been widely introduced outside of their native ranges. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the introduction of freshwater megafish and an assessment of their environmental impacts. Of the 134 extant freshwater megafish species, 46% have been introduced to new environments, and of these, 69% have established self-sustaining alien populations. These introductions affect 59% of the world's main basins, with the USA and western Europe being particular hotspots of megafish introductions. The common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is the most widely introduced species. Using the Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa (EICAT and EICAT+) frameworks, we assessed the severity and type of negative and positive impacts posed by alien megafish on native species. Alien megafish caused negative impacts through nine different mechanisms, with predation being the most frequently reported mechanism, followed by herbivory and competition. Moreover, 58% of the alien megafish species with sufficient data to evaluate the severity of their impacts caused declining populations of native species, or worse, extirpations of native species populations. The positive environmental impacts of alien megafish were far less frequently documented. They include biotic interactions that benefit native species, and the provision of trophic resources or habitats. Widely introduced or extensively studied species are more likely to have documented severe impacts on native species. There is a clear trade-off between the economic benefits associated with megafish introductions and the severe adverse impacts they have on native biodiversity. Our study highlights the need for comprehensive risk assessments to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of megafish. More research and long-term monitoring schemes are required to inform management actions to protect biodiversity, particularly in the Global South.

Developing and Applying a Protocol for Long-Term Monitoring at Local Natural Areas

Developing and Applying a Protocol for Long-Term Monitoring at Local Natural Areas

Correlation of non-invasive parameters with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy findings for presence and grading of gastroesophageal varices in liver cirrhosis patients

ABSTRACT Background: Development of esophageal varices is one of the major complications of liver cirrhosis, and endoscopy is used to see the presence, grading, and long-term monitoring of esophageal varices which is an invasive and unpleasant procedure. There is no adequate data available showing noninvasive methods can be used for the same. Methods: Seventy patients with liver cirrhosis participated in the study. Factors like portal vein diameter, spleen size, platelet count, serum bilirubin, Child-Pugh score, prothrombin time (PT), and PT INR were observed and correlated endoscopically with the presence and grading of esophageal varices in all patients. Results: The platelet count, portal vein diameter, serum bilirubin, spleen bipolar diameter, and PT had statistically significant correlations with the presence of varices. Among them, platelet count, portal vein diameter, and serum bilirubin also had statistically significant correlations with the grading of varices. Monitoring of these noninvasive parameters can help in monitoring variceal growth. Conclusions: Noninvasive parameters can be used effectively to predict the presence and grading of esophageal varices and at the same time keep the rate of undiagnosed varices acceptably low. By using noninvasive parameters, patients can be benefited by decreasing the requirement of repeated endoscopic evaluation which is an unpleasant procedure and availability is also limited.

Widespread habitat loss leads to ecosystem-scale decrease in trophic function.

Natural and anthropogenic disturbances have led to rapid declines in the amount and quality of available habitat in many ecosystems. Many studies have focused on how habitat loss has affected the composition and configuration of habitats, but there have been fewer studies that investigate how this loss affects ecosystem function. We investigated how a large-scale seagrass die-off altered the distribution of energetic resources of three seagrass-associated consumers with varied resource use patterns. Using long-term benthic habitat monitoring data and resource use data from Bayesian stable isotope mixing models, we generated energetic resource landscapes (E-scapes) annually between 2007 and 2019. E-scapes link the resources being used by a consumer to the habitats that produce those resources to calculate a habitat resource index as a measurement of energetic quality of the landscape. Overall, our results revealed that following the die-off there was a reduction in trophic function across all species in areas affected by the die-off event, but the response was species-specific and dependent on resource use and recovery patterns. This study highlights how habitat loss can lead to changes in ecosystem function. Incorporating changes in ecosystem function into models of habitat loss could improve understanding of how species will respond to future change.

A Novel Frontier in the Geographic Distribution of the Japanese Sea Cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Selenka, 1867) (Stichopodidae: Holothuroidea) in the World

The natural distribution of the Japanese sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus Selenka, 1867), a sea cucumber species, is characterized by the Northwest Pacific. Long-term monitoring studies from 2020 to 2024 document a significant deviation from the known natural distribution of A. japonicus and its ability to extensively colonize the Gulf of Izmit, the easternmost part of the Sea of Marmara. This record is also the first documentation of the species from the Mediterranean Sea. Population data extracted from 67 samples allowed the determination of size and weight distribution, length-weight relationship, and condition factor. The study delves into the implications for fisheries management by evaluating the species’ dispersion beyond its natural range and its adaptation, shedding light on potential threats from illegal hookah diving fisheries. While its presence offers potential economic benefits through fishing income, its emergence as an invasive species can pose critical ecological risks to the receiving ecosystem.

Comparison of properties of brown coal and bio-mass-based substitute fuels

Due to the EU climate change strategy, there are many coal-fired heating plants looking for new fuel. One of the possibilities is biomass-based fuels. This term is quite general because the final technology can be different because of properties of different types of biomasses. The sustainable solution can be the use of biomass residues. This article is about long-term monitoring of the properties of brown coal, agglomerated herbaceous biomass from agricultural residues, and wood chips from harvesting residues. 702 samples of brown coal, 715 samples of plant pellets and 607 samples of wood chips were analyzed, which were supplied do commercial heating plant between the years 2021-2023. The water and ash content, lower heating value (LHV) and higher heating value (HHV), were analyzed. The mineral composition of the fuels was determined quarterly from mixed samples. In the case of water content, the lowest values were achieved for herbaceous pellets (11.35%), due to their previous drying. The moisture content of the wood chips fluctuated. The average was 36.34%, with a maximum deviation of up to 49.9%. The average water content in brown coal was around 28.63%. In detail, there is a seasonal influence of the weather. In the case of ash content determination, the values for brown coal and herbaceous pellets are similar (slightly above 5%), wood chips contain less ash (2.2%). The results for the wood chip samples fluctuated again. There were samples consisting of chipped logs (0.33% ash) and samples with a large proportion of forest soil (4.37%). The highest average HHV values were achieved for brown coal (18.98 MJ/kg), followed by herbaceous pellets (15.84 MJ/kg) and wood chips (11.02 MJ/kg). These differences may cause a decrease in steam output due to a limitation of space in the combustion chamber of the boiler after the retrofit. In the case of the content of nonmetallic elements, a different character of the biomass is evident, consisting of a higher oxygen content (38% vs 19%) and a lower carbon content (48% vs 68%). Biomass also contains less sulfur, but the high chlorine content of 0.12% compared to 0.02% in wood chips was determined in herbaceous pellet samples. For a heating plant, this means intensive chlorine corrosion or exceeding the emission limits of HCl. The solution can be in DSI technology. Brown coal contains more Ti, V, Li, Sr, Be, Na, Fe, and Al. The biomass contains more biogenic elements, especially Ca, K, P, and Zn, which allows the ash to be used for land application. For the combustion process, a significantly higher content of alkali has an adverse effect, causing a decrease of the melting temperature of ash, which can lead to technological problems, such as the formation of a material based on alkaline glass, which decreases heat transfer and combustion efficiency. Most often, this complication is solved by micro detonations and more frequent maintenance. The contents of Hg, Cd, and Tl in the samples were below the detection limit.

2011–2015年东洞庭湖洲滩典型植物群落样方调查数据集

The fixed sample plot investigation obtains the dynamic characteristics of ecosystem through long-term data accumulation and accurate space-time comparison, which provides a solid basis for long-term ecosystem research. In accordance with the unified monitoring specifications set forth by the Chinese Ecosystem Research Network (CERN), Dongting Lake Wetland Ecosystem Research Station conducts long-term positioning monitoring on the species composition and community characteristics of typical beach vegetation in the wetland ecosystem in response to the changing hydrological conditions of Dongting Lake. We processed the data of long-term monitoring sample plots of three typical wetland plant communities (Carex sp, Miscanthus lutarioriparius and Polygonum hydropiper) in Dongting Lake to obtain the dataset of sample survey of typical plant communities on East Dongting Lake beach from 2011 to 2015. This dataset covers a total of 14 indicators, including species name, Latin name, number of plants (clusters) (plants or clusters/quadrats), average height of leaf layer (cm), average height of reproductive branches (cm), coverage (%), phenological period, dominant species, number of plant species, density (plants or clusters/m2), leaf layer height (cm) of dominant species, reproductive branch height (cm) of dominant species, total coverage (%), and total dry weight of aboveground green parts (g/m2). This dataset comes with detailed background information to ensure its consistency across both spatial and temporal dimensions. Moreover, to ensure data accuracy and reliability, the dataset underwent comprehensive quality control throughout the entire process and is subject to expert review and verification. It can serve as an important source of background data for studying the process and succession trends of the beach wetland ecosystem in response to the hydrological conditions of Dongting Lake, and provide data support for vegetation remote sensing monitoring, biodiversity protection, wetland ecological restoration and adaptive management of Dongting Lake.

2011–2015年洞庭湖洲滩群落植物生态型、生活型和生长型组成数据集

Analyzing plant life-forms and ecotypes can provide deep insights into the relationship between plant community structure and environmental conditions, and plant life-forms play an important role in understanding the emergence, development, and succession laws of plant community. An investigation was made on the species life-forms and ecotypes of wetland plants in Dongting lake wetland. In accordance with the unified monitoring specifications of the Chinese Ecosystem Research Network (CERN), the Dongting Lake Wetland Ecosystem Observation and Research Station conducts long-term positioning monitoring on the species composition, species life-forms, growth forms and ecotypes of typical beach vegetation in the wetland ecosystem in response to the changing hydrological conditions of Dongting Lake. The dataset of long-term monitoring conducted on three typical plant communities (Carex sp., Miscanthus lutarioriparius and Polygonum hydropiper) in Dongting Lake wetland has been verified by experts to ensure the accuracy of the data. We then classified and processed the data to obtain the dataset of community composition of plant life-forms, growth forms and ecotypes on Dongting Lake beach (2011–2015). The dataset covers a total of 8 indicators, namely species name, Latin name, life-form, growth form, ecotype according to light intensity, ecotype according to water requirement, ecotype based on soil pH and ecotype according to responses sediment burial. This dataset comes with detailed background information to ensure its consistency across both spatial and temporal dimensions. This dataset comes with detailed background information about site information and site management records to ensure its consistency across both spatial and temporal dimensions. This dataset can provide support for the analysis of the classification of plant life forms and the composition and structure of ecotypes, and serve as valuable reference for further study of vegetation succession in Dongting Lake wetland.

Pre-study of the evaluation of ecological sessile succession and their relationship with bacteria on concrete artificial reef material

Artificial reefs are human-made structures built for promoting marine life. Long-term monitoring and research regarding the use of artificial reefs in terms of ecological and economic perspective is essential. In this study, the ecological succession and their relationship with bacteria on concrete artificial reef material was investigated. Heybeliada artificial reef site was selected as sampling area. After three years period, the visual examination of ecological succession and sessile marine bacteria count were performed on the concrete artificial reef material. All the results showed that the strength of the artificial reef material is also affected by the biofilm layer and the creatures in the microecosystem. Therefore, monitoring studies should be carried out to determine the service life of artificial reef materials as well as to reveal the existence of the ecosystem formed and developing in these areas qualitatively and quantitatively.

Idiopathic generalized epilepsies in the epilepsy monitoring unit: Systematic quantification of focal EEG and semiological signs

ObjectiveFocal seizure symptoms (FSS) and focal interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) are common in patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsies (IGEs), but dedicated studies systematically quantifying them both are lacking. We used automatic IED detection and localization algorithms and correlated these EEG findings with clinical FSS for the first time in IGE patients. Methods32 patients with IGEs undergoing long-term video EEG monitoring were systematically analyzed regarding focal vs. generalized IEDs using automatic IED detection and localization algorithms. Quantitative EEG findings were correlated with FSS. ResultsWe observed FSS in 75% of patients, without significant differences between IGE subgroups. Mostly varying/shifting lateralizations of FSS across successive recorded seizures were seen. We detected a total of 81,949 IEDs, whereof 19,513 IEDs were focal (23.8%). Focal IEDs occurred in all patients (median 13% focal IEDs per patient, range 1.1 – 51.1%). Focal IED lateralization and localization predominance had no significant effect on FSS. ConclusionsAll included patients with IGE showed focal IEDs and three-quarter had focal seizure symptoms irrespective of the specific IGE subgroup. Focal IED localization had no significant effect on lateralization and localization of FSS. SignificanceOur findings may facilitate diagnostic and treatment decisions in patients with suspected IGE and focal signs.

A Cross-Decadal Change in the Fish and Crustacean Community of Lower Yaquina Bay, Oregon, USA

Natural environmental change, anthropogenic development, and inter-annual variability can affect the ecology of estuarine fish and invertebrates. Yaquina Bay, Oregon, a well-studied estuary, has undergone intense development, as well as deep-draft dredging during the latter half of the 20th century, resulting in the alteration of ~45% of the lower estuary’s natural shoreline. In 1967, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) conducted a 21-month survey of Yaquina Bay to characterize the demersal fishes and epibenthic crustaceans that occupy the bay. From 2003 to 2005, we conducted a 25-month survey to replicate that work and provide a comparative snapshot of the demersal fish and epibenthic crustacean community in the bay. A comparison of the trawl survey datasets reveals a 91% decline in total catch per unit effort (CPUE) between surveys, as well as a decline in multiple measures of biodiversity. Furthermore, the fishes and crustaceans of Yaquina Bay have experienced a shift in species dominance from demersal fishes in the late 1960s to epibenthic crustaceans in the 2000s, marked most notably by a nine-fold increase in the Dungeness crab CPUE. While this work does not establish a causal relationship between changes in the demersal communities of this West Coast estuary and human or natural events, it does document substantial changes in both the diversity and total abundance of animals in that community over a three-plus decade period of development and environmental variability. Hence, this forms a second baseline for continued long-term monitoring.

Analysis of the Design and Implementation of a GIS System Incorporating Intelligent Recognition Models

The rapid economic growth, urbanization, and industrialization have led to a scarcity of land resources incoastal areas, exacerbating the conflict between humans and the environment. In order to promote economic development, attention has turned to the sea, and various coastal engineering projects have been undertaken, sparking a wave of land reclamation. However, while these efforts bring economic and social benefits, they also have implications for ecological relationships. To respond to and plan for changes in the coastline and land cover in a timely manner, this paper proposes and constructs a GIS system that integrates remote sensing image recognition models. The system combines geographic information system development technology with image recognition technology, streamlining the processing and identification of image data. This approach is particularly advantageous for marine management departments in their long-term monitoring and dynamic management of coastal lines, ensuring a more effective and efficient response.

SPHYNCS: Feasibility of long-term monitoring with Fitbit smartwatches in central disorders of hypersomnolence and extraction of digital biomarkers in narcolepsy.

The Swiss Primary Hypersomnolence and Narcolepsy Cohort Study (SPHYNCS) is a multicenter research initiative to identify new biomarkers in central disorders of hypersomnolence (CDH). Whereas narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) is well characterized, other CDH disorders lack precise biomarkers. In SPHYNCS, we utilized Fitbit smartwatches to monitor physical activity, heart rate, and sleep parameters over one year. We examined the feasibility of long-term ambulatory monitoring using the wearable device. We then explored digital biomarkers differentiating patients with NT1 from healthy controls (HC). A total of 115 participants received a Fitbit smartwatch. Using a compliance metric to evaluate the usability of the wearable device, we found an overall compliance rate of 80% over one year. We calculated daily physical activity, heart rate, and sleep parameters from two weeks of greatest compliance to compare NT1 (n=20) and HC (n=9) subjects. Compared to controls, NT1 patients demonstrated findings consistent with increased sleep fragmentation, including significantly greater wake-after-sleep onset (p=0.007) and awakening index (p=0.025), as well as standard deviation of time in bed (p=0.044). Moreover, NT1 patients exhibited a significantly shorter REM latency (p=0.019), and sleep latency (p=0.001), as well as a lower peak heart rate (p=0.008), heart rate standard deviation (p=0.039) and high-intensity activity (p=0.009) compared to HC. This ongoing study demonstrates the feasibility of long-term monitoring with wearable technology in patients with CDH and potentially identifies a digital biomarker profile for NT1. While further validation is needed in larger datasets, these data suggest that long-term wearable technology may play a future role in diagnosing and managing narcolepsy.

3D Analysis of Breast Morphological Changes after Vertical-Scar Reduction Mammoplasty: A Prospective Study.

In addition to symptom relief, the crucial objective of reduction mammoplasty is to achieve a stable and esthetically pleasing postoperative breast shape. However, the morphological changes in breasts following reduction mammoplasty have not been comprehensively understood. In this study, we applied three-dimensional (3D) scanning technology for long-term follow-up monitoring of breast morphological changes to discern their changing trends. Our goal was to provide a reliable basis for assessing postoperative effects and determining follow-up time points. This prospective study included patients undergoing vertical-scar reduction mammoplasty. We utilized a combination of linear measurements and 3D scanning to measure various parameters, including breast volume, breast volume distribution, nipple position, and scar length at various time points: pre-surgery, immediately post-surgery, 3-month postoperative, 6-month postoperative, and 1-year postoperative. A total of 115 patients were enrolled in this study. Throughout the initial 3 months of postoperative follow-up, there was a gradual reduction in breast volume, which tended to stabilize from 3 to 12months. The nipple position showed a gradual shift both laterally, inferiorly, and posteriorly. The volume of the lower and lateral part of the breast increased gradually. Notably, at 1year after surgery, the scar length was approximately 6.3% shorter compared to the immediate postoperative measurement. Our 3D analysis unveiled comprehensive changes in breast morphology: The overall breast volume shifted laterally and inferiorly, the nipple position moved laterally, inferiorly, and posteriorly, and there was a significant reduction in scar length. Concurrently, breast volume exhibited a gradual decrease and stabilization after 3months, establishing it as a suitable follow-up point for assessing postoperative results. Additionally, surgical plans can be formulated based on the overall trend of changes in breast volume and distribution, combined with methods such as three-dimensional scanning, to enhance surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Assessing the impacts of ice penetration on monitoring water levels of high-latitude and -altitude lakes from CryoSat-2 altimetry

The CryoSat-2 satellite provides high-precision and long-term monitoring of global lake levels, offering advantages for water resource management, ecological protection, and disaster warning. However, the lake ice penetration by radar electromagnetic waves of CryoSat-2 altimetry tends to result in underestimation of water levels for lakes in high latitudes and altitudes. By contrast, the laser altimetry of ICESat-2 enables us to obtain the height measurements from lake ice surface and the ice penetration impacts on lake levels can be nearly ignored in the ICESat-2 elevation product. After converting the CryoSat-2 and ICESat-2 altimetry data to the same datum and height reference system, the water level difference of (near-) synchronous observations between the two satellites could be mainly attributed to the influences by the lake ice penetration from CryoSat-2 data. In this study, totally 257 lakes in high-latitude (north of 50°N) and high-altitude (the Tibetan Plateau, TP) regions that are covered by both CryoSat-2 and ICESat-2 satellite tracks are examined to explore the characteristics of ice penetration impacts on water level measurements. The altimetry data during unfreezing seasons (June to October) are used to correct the systematic height biases of these two satellite measurements, thus their water level differences during freezing seasons (November to May of the following year) are deemed as the influences of ice penetration on lake level measurements by CryoSat-2 radar altimetry. The results show that the maximum underestimation depth of water level for each lake varies within the range of 0.01–3.47 m, with an average of 0.90 m. Particularly in North America with a dense distribution of lakes, the underestimation of lake levels by CryoSat-2 gradually ascends with increasing latitude. CryoSat-2 underestimates lake levels in Europe and the TP less than in North America. Among different months, the lake ice leads to the maximum underestimation on the water level by CryoSat-2 altimetry in March. The spatial and temporal characteristics of lake ice impacts on the water level measurements by CryoSat-2 altimetry would be an essential reference for quantifying and reducing the uncertainties of satellite radar altimetry for monitoring inland water dynamics.

High temporal resolution data reveal low bat and insect activity over managed meadows in central Europe

Increasing agriculture and pesticide use have led to declines in insect populations and biodiversity worldwide. In addition to insect diversity, it is also important to consider insect abundance, due to the importance of insects as food for species at higher trophic levels such as bats. We monitored spatiotemporal variation in abundance of nocturnal flying insects over meadows, a common open landscape structure in central Europe, and correlated it with bat feeding activity. Our most important result was that insect abundance was almost always extremely low. This was true regardless of management intensity of the different meadows monitored. We also found no correlation of insect abundance or the presence of insect swarms with bat feeding activity. This suggests that insect abundance over meadows was too low and insect swarms too rare for bats to risk expending energy to search for them. Meadows appeared to be poor habitat for nocturnal flying insects, and of low value as a foraging habitat for bats. Our study highlights the importance of long-term monitoring of insect abundance, especially at high temporal scales to identify and protect foraging habitats. This will become increasingly important given the rapid decline of insects.

A wireless, implantable bioelectronic system for monitoring urinary bladder function following surgical recovery

Partial cystectomy procedures for urinary bladder-related dysfunction involve long recovery periods, during which urodynamic studies (UDS) intermittently assess lower urinary tract function. However, UDS are not patient-friendly, they exhibit user-to-user variability, and they amount to snapshots in time, limiting the ability to collect continuous, longitudinal data. These procedures also pose the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections, which can progress to ascending pyelonephritis due to prolonged lower tract manipulation in high-risk patients. Here, we introduce a fully bladder-implantable platform that allows for continuous, real-time measurements of changes in mechanical strain associated with bladder filling and emptying via wireless telemetry, including a wireless bioresorbable strain gauge validated in a benchtop partial cystectomy model. We demonstrate that this system can reproducibly measure real-time changes in a rodent model up to 30 d postimplantation with minimal foreign body response. Studies in a nonhuman primate partial cystectomy model demonstrate concordance of pressure measurements up to 8 wk compared with traditional UDS. These results suggest that our system can be used as a suitable alternative to UDS for long-term postoperative bladder recovery monitoring.

In vivo assessment of early effects of diamond-tipped microdermabrasion through the lens of line-field confocal optical coherence tomography.

Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure that has gained popularity for skin rejuvenation by causing repetitive intraepidermal injury to stimulate the proliferation of fibroblasts and collagen production. Various clinical studies have demonstrated microdermabrasion's effectiveness in skin rejuvenation; however, most of these studies rely on clinical observation and scoring by observers rather than histologic or microscopic analysis. In our single-center prospective study, we used line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT), to non-invasively visualize the early effects of one microdermabrasion treatment on the facial epidermal and dermal structure. Using LC-OCT, this study aims to elucidate the microscopic and histological effects of microdermabrasion on epidermal and dermal structures, including epidermal thickness, as well as collagen and vascular patterns. Eight volunteers (Fitzpatrick skin types II-V) underwent one treatment of microdermabrasion. LC-OCT and VISIA imaging were performed before and 10 min after microdermabrasion, and at 48-h follow-up. Subjective evaluations of skin texture and adverse reactions were assessed 1 week posttreatment via a telephone call. Compared to LC-OCT images before treatment, images captured after one treatment of microdermabrasion showed a decrease in thickness and number of undulations in the stratum corneum. In the superficial dermis, enhancement in fibrillar collagen, as demonstrated by an increased prominence of crisscrossing hyper-refractile strands, was visualized. This was consistent with subjective and objective improvement in facial rhytids calculated by VISIA skin analysis. Treatment monitoring with LC-OCT demonstrated consistent histopathological changes with clinical visual improvement. Therefore, LC-OCT, has the potential to enable long-term histopathological monitoring of microdermabrasion and other cosmetic procedures without biopsy.