Stimulation Treatment Research Articles

Safety and effectiveness of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on patients with depersonalization-derealization disorder: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundDepersonalization-derealization disorder (DPD) is a complex psychiatric condition marked by profound and often relentless feelings of detachment from one’s self and surroundings. Transcranial electrical stimulation (taVNS) holds promise as a potential therapeutic approach for DPD. This study aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of taVNS in treating DPD.MethodsDPD patients were recruited as research subjects and randomly allocated to the experimental and control groups, with the former receiving active-taVNS treatment and the latter receiving sham stimulation treatment for 6 weeks. The efficacy of taVNS in treating DPD was evaluated by comparing scores for DPD symptoms, depression and anxiety symptoms, cognitive function, and social function before and after treatment between the two groups. The safety of taVNS in treating DPD was assessed by comparing general safety assessment results between the two groups of DPD patients.DiscussionThis study will assess taVNS as a potential treatment for DPD, evaluating its safety, efficacy, and impact on patient outcomes and societal burden.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2300078183, Registered on 30 November, 2023, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=206119

A Systematic Review of the Current Clinical Practice Guidelines on Electrical Stimulation Treatment for Idiopathic Facial Paralysis: A Protocol for a Systematic Review and Synthesis of Recommendations

A Systematic Review of the Current Clinical Practice Guidelines on Electrical Stimulation Treatment for Idiopathic Facial Paralysis: A Protocol for a Systematic Review and Synthesis of Recommendations

The Characterization and Application of Flow Units in Tight Reservoirs Considering Stimulation Treatments

Block W is a typical tight oil reservoir, generally requiring artificial fracturing to achieve productivity. Consequently, conventional reservoir flow unit studies cannot objectively characterize the properties of tight oil reservoirs after fracturing. This paper integrates both the geological features and dynamic development characteristics of Block W, using Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) to select permeability, sand body thickness, mud content, and porosity as the key static parameters for defining flow units in tight oil reservoirs. The fluid injection intensity is selected as a critical artificial fracturing parameter. Based on these static and artificial fracturing parameters, a comprehensive characterization approach, the entropy weight–AHM method, is proposed to analyze flow units in tight oil reservoirs. The reliability of this method is validated through both production dynamics and geological features. Applied to Block W, this methodology establishes an evaluation standard for the compatibility of fracturing measures with reservoir characteristics and provides directions for adjusting stimulation treatments based on the compatibility levels. The findings deepen the understanding of the geological characteristics of the Block W tight oil reservoir and offer practical guidance for subsequent development adjustments. Additionally, this study serves as a valuable reference for characterizing flow units in tight reservoirs.

Interactions between excitatory neurons and parvalbumin interneurons in V1 underlie neural mechanisms of amblyopia and visual stimulation treatment

As the main cause of visual function deficits in children and adolescents worldwide, amblyopia causes serious impairment of monocular visual acuity and stereopsis. The recovery of visual functions from amblyopia beyond the critical period is slow and incomplete due to the limited plasticity of the mature cortex; notably, visual stimulation training seems to be an effective therapeutic strategy in clinical practice. However, the precise neural basis and cellular mechanisms that underlie amblyopia and visual stimulation treatment remain to be elucidated. Using monocular deprivation in juvenile mice to model amblyopia, we employed two-photon calcium imaging and chemogenetic techniques to investigate the visual responses of individual excitatory neurons and parvalbumin (PV+) interneurons in the primary visual cortex (V1) of amblyopic mice. We demonstrate that amblyopic mice exhibit an excitation/inhibition (E/I) imbalance. Moreover, visual stimulation decreases the response of PV+ interneurons, reactivates the ocular dominance plasticity of excitatory neurons, and promotes vision recovery in adult amblyopic mice. Our results reveal a dynamic E/I balance between excitatory neurons and PV+ interneurons that may underlie the neural mechanisms of amblyopia during cortical development and visual stimulation-mediated functional recovery from adult amblyopia, providing evidence for therapeutic applications that rely on reactivating adult cortical plasticity.

Prediction of methylphenidate treatment response for ADHD using conventional and radiomics T1 and DTI features: Secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundAttention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is commonly treated with methylphenidate (MPH). Although highly effective, MPH treatment still has a relatively high non-response rate of around 30%, highlighting the need for a better understanding of treatment response. Radiomics of T1-weighted images and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) combined with machine learning approaches could offer a novel method for assessing MPH treatment response. PurposeTo evaluate the accuracy of both conventional and radiomics approaches in predicting treatment response based on baseline T1 and DTI data in stimulant-naive ADHD participants. MethodsWe performed a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial (ePOD-MPH), involving 47 stimulant-naive ADHD participants (23 boys aged 11.4 ± 0.4 years, 24 men aged 28.1 ± 4.3 years) who underwent 16 weeks of treatment with MPH. Baseline T1-weighted and DTI MRI scans were acquired. Treatment response was assessed at 8 weeks (during treatment) and one week after cessation of 16-week treatment (post-treatment) using the Clinical Global Impressions − Improvement scale as our primary outcome. We compared prediction accuracy using a conventional model and a radiomics model. The conventional approach included the volume of bilateral caudate, putamen, pallidum, accumbens, and hippocampus, and for DTI the mean fractional anisotropy (FA) of the entire brain white matter, bilateral Anterior Thalamic Radiation (ATR), and the splenium of the corpus callosum, totaling 14 regional features. For the radiomics approach, 380 features (shape-based and first-order statistics) were extracted from these 14 regions. XGBoost models with nested cross-validation were used and constructed for the total cohort (n = 47), as well as children (n = 23) and adults (n = 24) separately. Exact binomial tests were employed to compare model performance. ResultsFor the conventional model, balanced accuracy (bAcc) in predicting treatment response during treatment was 63 % for the total cohort, 32 % for children, and 36 % for adults (Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUC-ROC): 0.69, 0.33, 0.41 respectively). Radiomics models demonstrated bAcc’s of 68 %, 64 %, and 64 % during treatment (AUC-ROCs of 0.73, 0.62, 0.69 respectively). These predictions were better than chance for both conventional and radiomics models in the total cohort (p = 0.04, p = 0.003 respectively). The radiomics models outperformed the conventional models during treatment in children only (p = 0.02). At post-treatment, performance was markedly reduced. ConclusionWhile conventional and radiomics models performed equally well in predicting clinical improvement across children and adults during treatment, radiomics features offered enhanced structural information beyond conventional region-based volume and FA averages in children. Prediction of symptom improvement one week after treatment cessation was poor, potentially due to the transient effects of stimulant treatment on symptom improvement.

Clinical study of a micro-implantable pulse generator for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain: 12-month results from the COMFORT-randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThere is paucity of data from randomized controlled trials supporting the use of peripheral nerve stimulation, a well-established therapy for the treatment of chronic pain. This study was undertaken, in...

Evaluation of tolerability and safety of transcranial electrical stimulation with gel particle electrodes in healthy subjects.

With the advancement of transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) technology, an increasing number of stimulation devices and treatment protocols have emerged. However, safety and tolerability remain critical concerns before new strategies can be implemented. Particularly, the use of gel particle electrodes brings new challenges to the safety and tolerability of tES, which hinders its widespread adoption and further research. Our study utilized a specially designed and validated transcranial electrical stimulation stimulator along with preconfigured gel particle electrodes placed at F3 and F4 in the prefrontal lobes. We aimed to assess the tolerance and safety of these electrodes in healthy subjects by administering different durations and types of tES. Each participant underwent ten sessions of either transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) or transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), with session durations varying. In the experiment, we collected various measurement data from participants, including self-report questionnaire data and behavioral keystroke data. Tolerability was evaluated through adverse events (AEs), the relationship of adverse events with tES (AEs-rela), the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and the Visual Analog Mood Scale-Revised (VAMS-R). Safety was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Skin Sensation Rating (SSR), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Stroop task. These data were analyzed to determine the impact of different parameters on the tolerability and safety of tES. There were no significant changes in the results of the MoCA and SAS scales before and after the experiment. However, significant differences were observed in VAS, SSR, AEs, and AEs-rela between tDCS and tACS. Additionally, fatigue increased, and energy levels decreased on VAMS-R with longer durations. No significant differences were found in other neuropsychological tests. Our study revealed significant differences in tolerability and safety between tDCS and tACS, underscoring the importance of considering the stimulation type when evaluating these factors. Although tolerance and safety did not vary significantly across different stimulation durations in this study, future research may benefit from exploring shorter durations to further assess tolerability and safety efficiently.

The cerebral and cognitive changes after intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) treatment for depression: study protocol for a randomized double-blind sham-controlled trial

BackgroundThe therapeutic use of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) delivered to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (LDLPFC) is a relatively new but promising treatment option for depression. There is a need for more knowledge on the mechanisms involved in its antidepressant effects.MethodsThis is a single-centre, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with two arms, iTBS and sham iTBS. Adult outpatients with unipolar major depressive disorder of at least moderate severity will undergo cognitive assessment with an N-back task (0-back and 2-back), functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging and assessment of depression severity before and after brain stimulation. Neuronavigated iTBS or sham stimulation will be targeted at the LDPFC once a day for 10 consecutive workdays. ITBS will be delivered with the parameters 120% of resting motor threshold, triplet 50 Hz bursts repeated at 5 Hz; 2 s on and 8 s off, 600 pulses per session with a total duration of 3 min 9 s. The severity of depression will be measured with the Montogomery Aasberg Depression Rating Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory – second edition.In the iTBS group relative to sham, we expect significant antidepressant effects and improved N-back performance, associated with increased integrity in white matter tracts functionally connected with the LDLPFC and emotion regulation areas within the rostral anterior cingulate cortices, alongside potential increases in cortical thickness in these regions. On functional imaging, we expect to observe increased brain activity in the LDPFC during the performance of the N-back condition with higher cognitive load (2-back) in the iTBS group relative to sham.DiscussioniTBS is a promising, time-efficient, and considered a safe treatment option for depression according to existing evidence. This trial aims to assess the neurocognitive impact of a 2-week, once-daily iTBS compared to sham iTBS, targeting the LDLPFC in depressed adult outpatients. The study investigates the relationships between changes in cerebral measures and cognitive performance on an N-back task in relation to the antidepressant effect following iTBS. This trial delves into the neurocognitive mechanisms of iTBS in depression, potentially offering novel scientific insights into its treatment effects and mechanisms of action.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT06534684. Retrospectively registered on August 1st 2024.

Stimulant medication and symptom interrelations in children, adolescents and adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Stimulant medication is effective in alleviating overall symptom severity of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), yet interindividual variability in treatment response and tolerability still exists. While network analysis has identified differences in ADHD symptom relations, the impact of stimulant medication remains unexplored. Increased understanding of this association could provide valuable insights for optimizing treatment approaches for individuals with ADHD. In this study, we compared and characterized ADHD symptom networks (including 18 ADHD symptoms) between stimulant-treated (n = 348) and untreated (n = 70) individuals with ADHD and non-ADHD controls (NACs; n = 444). Moreover, we compared symptom networks between subgroups defined by their stimulant treatment trajectory (early-and-intense use, late-and-moderate use). Stimulant-treated individuals with ADHD showed stronger associations between symptoms, compared with untreated individuals with ADHD and NACs. We found no differences in symptom networks between the stimulant treatment trajectory subgroups. Prospective longitudinal studies are needed to disentangle whether the identified differences stem from treatment or pre-existing factors.

Influence of geographical provenance, biostimulatory treatments and their interaction on the seed germination of Quercus robur L.

The hereby research aimed to identify the influence of several biostimulants on the germination capacity of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.), with the goal of enhancing the germination process, which is fundamental for the conservation and development of this ecologically and economically important species. Biological materials were collected from four different geographical provenances in Romania: Prejmer (Brașov), Racășa (Maramureș), Căpâlna (Alba), and Orăștie (Hunedoara). The main phenotypic characteristics of the seeds were analyzed, including length, diameter, and weight. Germination capacity was assessed using different biostimulants, compared with untreated seeds as a control. Results showed significant differences between the investigated provenances regarding morphological traits of seeds, respectively, seed length, diameter, and weight. Additionally, significant differences in germination capacity were noticed among the applied treatments and studied provenances. The treatment with Atonik biostimulant illustrated the best results within all provenances, followed by Nitrozym and Cropmax. The study offers useful information into enhancing the germination capacity of Q. robur, highlighting the significance of provenance and stimulation treatments for effective germination, significant for the conservation and sustainable management of this species.

Electroactivated SERS Nanoplatform for Rapid and Sensitive Detection and Identification of Tumor-Derived Exosome miRNA.

Exosomal miRNA expression derived from tumor cells provides a valuable and promising noninvasive modality for the early diagnosis and assessment of the efficacy of cancer treatment. However, accurate detection and identification of miRNA within exosomes have been challenging due to its low abundance and the complexity and tedious extraction with large sample volumes in the separation process. Here, we developed an electrically activated nanoplatform for rapid and sensitive detection and identification of exosome miRNA, through triggering miRNA release by opening exosomes that were captured on the electrode surface using a slightly applied electric field (50 mV), and simultaneously detected them with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) in situ. The method possessed superior specificity and sensitivity for exosomal miRNA detection, with a low detection concentration of 0.5 nM. The SERS sensor chips also showed a superior sensing performance of exosomal miRNA in complex body fluids such as urine and blood. We found that exosomal miRNA contents derived from tumor cells were significantly higher than those in normal cells, and importantly, the concentrations of exosomes secreted from three different cell lines were distinctly augmented after mild electrical stimulation (ES) treatment. Furthermore, the miRNA expression within exosomes was upregulated after the ES treatment of cells. The developed approach and SERS detection platform for exosomal miRNA are promising for noninvasive and precise screening, classification, and monitoring of cancer.

Balancing Growth and Defense: Nanoselenium and Melatonin in Tea (Camellia sinensis) Protection against Glufosinate.

Current crop stress resistance research suggests that the prominent stimulants nanoselenium (NSe) and melatonin (MT) might improve tea safety, quality, and stress resistance induced by the widely used nonselective herbicide glufosinate (GLU). Their biofortification effects on tea growth, antioxidant activity, and secondary metabolism pathways response to GLU remain unclear. Here, NSe, MT, and their combination NSe-MT effectively reduced 26.6-50.9% GLU and its metabolites in tea seedlings, balanced the photosystem, enhanced antioxidant defenses, and optimized reactive oxygen species scavenging mechanisms. Further, GLU-induced inhibition of glutamine synthetase (11.2-34.0%), ammonium toxicity (55.0-64.7%), and nitrogen metabolism disorders were alleviated. Stimulants exhibited different preferences in the accumulation of l-theanine (8.4-47%), gamma-aminobutyric acid (10.3-41.7%), and catechins (13.1-73.1%, excluding ECG), thereby influencing tea quality. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses validated that NSe-MT had a more pronounced impact on tender tea leaves than individual stimulant treatments. All stimulants reduced GLU-induced excessive jasmonic acid (29.8-50.5%) production and signaling responses, revealing their significance in crop physiological activities under herbicide or nitrogen stress. The reduction in aromatic amino acids helped mitigate GLU's interference with phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, leading to inhibited lignin production but enhanced nutritional flavonoid levels, such as catechins. NSe and NSe-MT demonstrated promising potential as herbicide safeners. These findings provided insights into GLU detoxification mechanisms in other nontarget crops as well.

A customizable and low-cost 3D-printed transwell device coupled with 3D cell culture for permeability assay

The permeability-based assay is commonly used to assess intestinal barrier function, and it relies on using a transwell insert as an essential compartment. The device consists of a semipermeable membrane that is attached at the bottom of the insert and splits the system into the apical and basolateral compartments. However, commercial inserts are standardized with different pore sizes based on the application and offer only a flat plane of two-dimensional cell culture. Herein, we present a simple, low-cost 3D-printed transwell device and a robust method to functionalize the inserts for paper-based 3D cell culture. This 3D-printed device was fabricated from a polylactic acid (PLA) filament, and a paper membrane used to support HT-29 cells for intestinal permeability assessment. A device showed good biocompatibility when culturing HT-29 cells for 48 and 72 h with 97 % and 98 % cell viability, respectively. Together with fluorescence images, cells were attached directly to the microfiber networks of a Matrigel-functionalized paper, indicating that the functionalized paper is biocompatible and bioactive. Furthermore, in a more appropriate culture microenvironment, SEM analyses revealed cellular features differentiating into mucus-secreting cells, evidenced by the formation of microvilli on the cell surface, which was further confirmed by immunofluorescence staining of villin-1. To demonstrate the usability of the 3D-printed transwell device, intestinal permeability was assessed using both chemical and biological stimulation treatments. The permeability results employing FITC-dextran validated the association between a different level of relative fluorescence intensity unit (RFU) and the orange color of live cells by CellTrackerTM. As a result, this 3D-printed transwell device provides a straightforward and cost-effective method for manufacturing a device for customization in many laboratory settings, making it a feasible alternative to marketed transwell devices that do not allow for customization.

Comparison of nonimplantable electrical stimulation in women with urinary incontinence: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

This study examined the effectiveness of various electrical stimulation methods in alleviating symptoms and enhancing the quality of life for women with urinary incontinence. We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, PEDro, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to August 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that meet following criteria were included, urinary continence in women, using various electric stimulation treatments and evaluated outcomes related to symptoms, quality of life. Thirty RCTs were subjected to risk of bias assessment, certainty of evidence, and network meta-analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using a random-effects model, with continuous variables expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Percutaneous tibial stimulation (SMD - 1.86, 95% CI - 2.77 to - 0.96) and intravaginal stimulation (SMD - 0.97, 95% CI - 1.55 to - 0.38) significantly reduced symptom severity. Additionally, percutaneous tibial, intravaginal, transcutaneous tibial, and trans-sacral stimulations improved quality of life. Percutaneous tibial stimulation was the most effective, followed by intravaginal stimulation. Despite moderate to low confidence in the evidence, large-scale RCTs are needed to evaluate long-term benefits of these treatment.

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Individualized Spots Based on Task functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Improves Swallowing Function in Poststroke Dysphagia.

Background: Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has not previously been used to localize the swallowing functional area in repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) treatment for poststroke dysphagia; Traditionally, the target area for rTMS is the hotspot, which is defined as the specific region of the brain identified as the optimal location for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). This study aims to compare the network differences between the TMS hotspot and the saliva swallowing fMRI activation to determine the better rTMS treatment site and investigate changes in functional connectivity related to poststroke dysphagia using resting-state fMRI. Methods: Using an information-based approach, we conducted a single case study to explore neural functional connectivity in a patient with poststroke dysphagia before, immediately after rTMS, and 4 weeks after rTMS intervention. A total of 20 healthy participants underwent fMRI and TMS hotspot localization as a control group. Neural network alterations were assessed, and functional connections related to poststroke dysphagia were examined using resting-state fMRI. Results: Compared to the TMS-induced hotspots, the fMRI activation peaks were located significantly more posteriorly and exhibited stronger functional connectivity with bilateral postcentral gyri. Following rTMS treatment, this patient developed functional connection between the brainstem and the bilateral insula, caudate, anterior cingulate cortex, and cerebellum. Conclusion: The saliva swallowing fMRI activation peaks show more intense functional connectivity with bilateral postcentral gyri compared to the TMS hotspots. Activation peak-guided rTMS treatment improves swallowing function in poststroke dysphagia. This study proposes a novel and potentially more efficacious therapeutic target for rTMS, expanding its therapeutic options for treating poststroke dysphagia.

Experimental Evaluation of Lactic Acid for Matrix Acidizing of Carbonates

Summary To improve the efficiency of standard hydrochloric acid (HCl) stimulation treatments, many alternative acid systems have been developed to mitigate corrosion, increase wormhole efficiency, and divert fluids for better acid coverage. However, these alternative systems come at a price compared with HCl, which is cheaper and sufficient in most applications. Lactic acid is an organic acid that is less corrosive and has reduced reactivity compared with HCl. The advantages and application of lactic acid have not been studied extensively like other alternative acids. To evaluate lactic acid as a viable alternative acid system, we conducted a series of linear coreflood matrix acidizing experiments using Indiana limestone rock samples with 40 wt% lactic acid at two temperatures over a range of injection rates. The goal was to characterize the wormholes created by lactic acid and identify the appropriate condition that lactic acid can outperform HCl. Coreflooding tests were also conducted at high temperatures and lower concentrations to observe a change in behavior and performance. Lactic acid performance was analyzed by comparing pore volumes (PVs) to breakthrough (PVbt) with previous HCl experiments. Because HCl exhibits low efficiency when injected below the optimal condition, lactic acid was found to be more efficient than HCl at injection rates below optimum for 40 wt%. At a temperature of 150°F, lactic acid maintained similar PVbt over the range of injection rates. Wormhole geometry from computed tomography (CT) imagery and pressure response data was studied to identify unique characteristics or behaviors of lactic acid. CT images of lactic acid-generated wormholes reveal a geometry vs. injection rate relationship that is contrary to the conventional understanding of wormhole growth patterns. The images show extensive branching in most low injection rate tests. The results are characterized as appearing to have self-diverting behavior. At an elevated temperature of 240°F, precipitation of lactic acid after reacting with calcium carbonate became visible. Pressure differential data across the core showed the pressure drop increased in nearly every experiment. When lower lactic acid concentrations were used, the pressure differential increase was not observed. Precipitation occurred during and immediately after most high-temperature experiments, and when the concentration is above 30 wt%, it is suspected to be plugging permeable channels. The study concludes that at a temperature of 150°F (relatively low compared with 240°F), lactic acid has advantages in wormhole efficiency when compared with HCl. Combined with less corrosiveness to the well tubulars and surface equipment, lactic acid can be a good chemical system for carbonate acidizing. For high-temperature formation, lower concentration lactic acid can be used as long as wormhole efficiency is not compromised. It is recommended that for each specific reservoir formation, the appropriate lactic acid concentration should be identified from laboratory tests to ensure the stimulation efficiency, avoid detrimental precipitation, and save operation costs.

Ultrasound Stimulation Modulates Microglia M1/M2 Polarization and Affects Hippocampal Proteomic Changes in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease.

The effectiveness of ultrasound stimulation in treating Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been reported in previous studies, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of ultrasound stimulation on the proportion and function of microglia of different phenotypes, as well as on the levels of inflammatory factors. Additionally, it revealed the alterations in proteomic molecules in the mouse hippocampus following ultrasound stimulation treatment, aiming to uncover potential new molecular mechanisms. Ultrasound stimulation was used to stimulate the hippocampus for 30 min per day for 5 days in the ultrasound stimulation-treated group. Amyloid plaque deposition was measured using immunofluorescence staining. M1 and M2 type microglia were labeled using immunofluorescent double staining, and the ratio was calculated. The levels of Aβ42, IL-10, and TNF-α were determined using ELISA kits. The quantitative proteomics method was employed to explore molecular changes in hippocampal proteins. Ultrasound stimulation treatment reduced the average fluorescence intensity of amyloid plaques and the concentration of Aβ42. Compared to the AD group, ultrasound stimulation resulted in a 14% reduction in the proportion of M1 microglia and a 12% increase in the proportion of M2 microglia. The concentration of the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 was significantly increased in the ultrasound stimulation-treated group. Proteomics analysis revealed 753 differentially expressed proteins between the ultrasound stimulation-treated and AD groups, with most being enriched in the oxidative phosphorylation pathway of mitochondria. Additionally, the activity of cytochrome c oxidase, involved in oxidative phosphorylation, was increased after ultrasound stimulation treatment. Ultrasound stimulation affects microglial polarization, reduces amyloid plaque load, and enhances levels of anti-inflammatory factors in APP/PS1 mice. Proteomics analysis reveals molecular changes in hippocampal proteins after ultrasound stimulation treatment. The mechanism behind ultrasound stimulation-induced modulation of microglial polarization may be related to changes in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation.

Hypoactivation of ventromedial frontal cortex in major depressive disorder: an MEG study of the Reward Positivity

BACKGROUNDThe Reward Positivity (RewP) is a sensitive and specific electrophysiological marker of reward receipt. These characteristics make it a compelling candidate marker of dysfunctional reward processing in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). We previously proposed that the RewP is a temporal nexus for multiple dimensions of reward value, and that a diminished RewP in depression might only reflect a deficit in some of these features. Specifically, we predicted a diminished ventromedial contribution in depression in the context of maintained reward learning. METHODSWe collected magnetoencephalographic (MEG) recordings of reward receipt in 43 individuals with MDD (35 female) and 38 healthy controls (21 female). MEG allows effective source estimation due to the absence of volume conduction that compromises electroencephalographic recordings. RESULTSThe MEG RewP analogue was generated by a broad set of cortical areas, yet only right ventromedial and right ventral temporal areas were diminished in MDD. These areas correlated with a principal component of anhedonia derived from multiple questionnaires. Compellingly, BA25 was the frontal region with the largest representation in both of these effects. CONCLUSIONSThese findings not only advance our understanding underlying the computation of the RewP, but they also dovetail with convergent findings from other types of functional source imaging in depression, as well as from deep brain stimulation treatments. Together, these discoveries suggest that the RewP may be a valuable marker for objective assessment of reward affect and its disruption in anhedonia.

Gas Production Prediction Model of Volcanic Reservoir Based on Data-Driven Method

Based on on-site construction experience, considering the time-varying characteristics of gas well quantity, production time, effective reservoir thickness, controlled reserves, reserve abundance, formation pressure, and the energy storage coefficient, a data-driven method was used to establish a natural gas production prediction model based on differential simulation theory. The calculation results showed that the average error between the actual production and predicted production was 12.49%, and the model determination coefficient was 0.99, indicating that the model can effectively predict natural gas production. Additionally, we observed that the influence of factors such as reserve abundance, the number of wells in operation, controlled reserves, the previous year’s gas production, formation pressure, the energy storage coefficient, effective matrix thickness, and annual production time on the annual gas production increases progressively as the F-values decrease. These insights are pivotal to a more profound understanding of gas production dynamics in volcanic reservoirs and are instrumental in optimizing stimulation treatments and enhancing resource recovery in such reservoirs and other unconventional hydrocarbon formations.

An Integrated Machine Learning Workflow to Estimate In Situ Stresses Based on Downhole Sonic Logs and Laboratory Triaxial Ultrasonic Velocity Data

AbstractThe optimum performance of various subsurface operations such as stimulation treatments, wellbore drilling, horizontal well placement, underground mining, and tunneling rely on accurate estimation of the in situ stresses. This study presents an integrated machine learning (ML) workflow for the reliable determination of the in situ stress in subsurface rock formations. The study workflow was completed in three phases. In the first phase, six supervised ML regression techniques were employed to develop the stress prediction models using laboratory true triaxial ultrasonic velocity tests (labTUV) data of subsurface rock samples retrieved from well 16A(78)‐32 located at the Utah FORGE geothermal site. In the second phase, subsurface geological formations were classified into rock facies using an unsupervised K‐means clustering algorithm. Finally, in the third phase, the optimized ML models were employed for predicting the in situ stresses in the corresponding rock facies in the well 16A(78)‐32 using field sonic logs. A comparison of evaluation metrics revealed the superior performance of ANN models for horizontal and vertical stress predictions with root mean squared error of 1.5, 0.6, and 1.7 MPa, and determination coefficient (R2) of 0.98, 0.98, and 0.96, for the testing/validation phases, respectively. The generalization capability of ML models was explored by uncovering the underlying physics. The mathematical expressions of constitutive relations were extracted from three ANN models. Further, a total of five rock facies were identified in the subsurface geological formations. The novel workflow would be capable of delivering reliable in situ stress profiles in subsurface geological formations without performing expensive field tests.