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Kilohertz-frequency alternating currents (KFACs) have been indicated to minimize muscle atrophy and weakness. However, the optimal stimulation parameters still need to be determined. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of different KFACs on evoked torque, current efficiency, and perceived discomfort. DESIGN: KFACs with frequencies of 1 kHz (Aussie current) and 2.5 kHz (Russian current), along with two duty cycles (10% and 20%), were randomly applied to the triceps surae muscle of healthy participants using a crossover design. The NMES intensity, NMES-evoked torque, NMES efficiency, and NMES discomfort were measured in maximal and submaximal conditions. Statistical analyses were conducted using a two-way mixed-model ANOVA with repeated measures. Forty-four participants were included. RESULTS: Aussie currents produced higher evoked torque and efficiency in maximal and submaximal efforts, with higher perceived discomfort in maximal effort. Although the Australian current may cause greater discomfort at maximal efforts, it matches the Russian current in perceived discomfort at submaximal levels. The 20% duty cycle produced the highest efficiency in submaximal efforts. CONCLUSION: In both maximal and submaximal efforts, the Aussie current demonstrated superior NMES efficiency, yielding higher torque with lower amplitude than the Russian current. Clinicians should take these findings into consideration when prescribing KFACs to optimize clinical outcomes.

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The paper describes the development of an open-source, low-cost, wearable hand myoelectrical orthosis (neuro-orthosis) device for people with hand disabilities. The device uses functional electrical stimulation (FES) driven by myoelectrical signals (MES) to assist hand movements, enabling users to perform daily activities with greater ease and independence. The device comprises a forearm-wearable device developed using the 3D additive manufacturing principle, allowing user customization. Fixed non-disposable electrodes are attached to the myoelectrical orthosis, aiding the correct positioning for the user. The whole control system is stand-alone, and parameters can be controlled by Bluetooth communication, making the device wireless. The paper describes the MES-FES device's design, development, and testing, including its technical specifications, usability, and effectiveness. The open-source project aims to provide an accessible and affordable solution for people with spinal cord lesions while contributing to the growing research on noninvasive muscle-machine interfaces.

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This letter provides feedback on the article Effect of electrical stimulation on the fusion rate after spinal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The study highlights the clinical efficacy of electrical stimulation (ES) in enhancing fusion rates post-surgery. Future research should focus on identifying optimal ES parameters, long-term safety profiles, and its personalized application based on genetic and metabolic factors. Additionally, exploring the combination of ES with other regenerative therapies and evaluating its cost-effectiveness could further improve clinical outcomes.

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Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is a rehabilitation and assistive technique used for stroke survivors. FES systems mainly consist of sensors, a control algorithm, and a stimulation unit. However, there is a critical need to reassess sensing and control techniques in FES systems to enhance their efficiency. This SLR was carried out following the PRISMA 2020 statement. Four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library) from 2010 to 2024 were searched using terms related to sensing and control strategies in FES systems. A total of 322 articles were chosen in the first stage, while only 60 of them remained after the final filtering stage. This systematic review mainly focused on sensor techniques and control strategies to deliver FES. The most commonly used sensors reported were inertial measurement units (IMUs), 45% (27); biopotential electrodes, 36.7% (22); vision-based systems, 18.3% (11); and switches, 18.3% (11). The control strategy most reported is closed-loop; however, most of the current commercial FES systems employ open-loop strategies due to their simplicity. Three main factors were identified that should be considered when choosing a sensor for gait-oriented FES systems: wearability, accuracy, and affordability. We believe that the combination of computer vision systems with artificial intelligence-based control algorithms can contribute to the development of minimally invasive and personalized FES systems for the gait rehabilitation of patients with FDS.

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Introduction Dysphagia induced by radiotherapy in the head and neck region comprises a challenging scenario and sometimes difficult rehabilitation due to the severity of the adverse effects. Some resources such as electrical stimulation have emerged as an alternative to complement the therapeutic process, but there is still no consensus on its use. Objective The purpose of the present study was to evaluate, through a meta-analysis, the effect of electrical stimulation on the rehabilitation of dysphagia generated after head and neck cancer treatment. Data Synthesis Four randomized controlled trials with a total of 146 participants were included. The age of the participants was 58.37 ± 1.8 years old and there was a predominance of males. The time to start the intervention ranged from 50.96 ± 40.12 months after cancer treatment. The intervention showed great heterogeneity regarding the positioning of the electrodes, parameters, duration of the stimulus, number of sessions, and intensity. No difference was identified in the following aspects: oral transit time, hyoid elevation, penetration and/or aspiration after electrostimulation. The quality of the evidence ranged from very low to moderate and high risk of bias. Conclusion In this meta-analysis, we found weak evidence for small and moderate swallowing benefits in patients after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer in short-term clinical trials.

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OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on the cognitive function of individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: This systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression included randomized clinical trials published until 05/2022. We included studies conducted with individuals with AD of both sexes, aged between 55 and 85 years, treated with tDCS, TMS, or both. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies were included in the systematic review and sixteen in the meta-analysis. Meta-regression suggested a significant influence of anodic tDCS with current intensity of 1.5 mA on cognitive function. Significant results were found with treatment frequencies of three and five days a week for two weeks. Subgroup analysis found that anodic tDCS influences cognitive function, regardless of AD stage. Similar was observed for TMS using a frequency of 20 Hz and current intensity of 90% of the resting motor threshold. DISCUSSION: Anodal tDCS and 20 Hz TMS have demonstrated the ability to improve cognitive function in AD by modulating neural activity. These therapies are safe and well-tolerated, offering promise as adjuncts to available pharmacological treatments. Studies with greater methodological rigor and parameter standardization are warranted. Comprehensive investigations involving neuroimaging techniques may provide a better understanding of the interaction between induced electrical fields and the complex neural networks affected in AD, paving the way for more personalized and effective neurostimulation approaches.

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The search for increased performance and physical performance are linked to the use of ergogenic resources. The vertical jump is one of the measures commonly used to evaluate the performance of lower limbs in athletes. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive, safe, economically viable technique that can modulate cortical excitability, which can influence the increase in the performance of athletes in general. This study aimed to investigate whether the use of tDCS on the primary motor cortex (M1) improves the performance of soccer players. A cross-sectional study was conducted. Twenty-seven players were randomized into three groups: Active tDCS group (n = 9), Sham group (n = 9), and control group (n = 9). Stimulation was applied at 2 mA for 15 min using a cephalic mount. Visual Pain Scale (VAS) and Subjective Recovery Scale (SRS) were monitored before and after tDCS. In addition, the participants performed the Countermovement Jump (CMJ) before and after the stimulation intercalated with Heart Rate (HR) and Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE CR-10). No differences were found in any of the performance variables analyzed (p > 0.05) nor in the responses of HR (p > 0.05), RPE (p > 0.05), VAS (p > 0.05), and SRS (p > 0.05) between groups. The tDCS in M1 did not change the performance of the vertical jump, and there was no improvement in the subjective scales. New studies should also be developed with different stimulus intensities in different cortical areas and sports modalities.

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Painful trigeminal neuropathy is a complex clinical entity due to its severity and refractoriness to pharmacological and interventional management. We describe our experience in treating refractory painful trigeminal neuropathy (RPTN) with gasserian ganglion stimulation (GGS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six patients with RPTN were treated with GGS in our Unit between 2019 and 2022. The following data were collected: socio-demographic characteristics, triggering event, duration of the disease and treatment received prior to surgery, pre- and post-intervention visual analogue scale (VAS) score, follow-up time, and pre- and post-intervention functionality and quality of life. RESULTS: All patients were women who had received aggressive first-, second-, and third-line pharmacological, non-pharmacological, and interventional management before being referred for GGS. Patients reported a 50%-72% decrease in pain on VAS and improved functionality during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: GGS is a promising therapeutic alternative for patients with RPTN. Although the initial outcomes and experience are encouraging, RPTN is recommended on the basis of safety, reproducibility, and trends observed in clinical practice.

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INTRODUCTION: Shoulder pain after stroke, a complication with a prevalence of up to 16­84% usually occurs after 2­3 months and leads to patients withdrawing from rehabilitation programs, staying in the hospital longer, having less limb function and having a great negative impact on their quality of life. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of PEMF and NMES in reducing shoulder pain in patients with stroke. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective, randomized controlled trial included 51 patients with shoulder pain following stroke. The patients were randomly assigned to three groups (17 people in each group): Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF), Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) and Control group. The outcome measures were Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and Fugl Meyer Assessment­Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), Active and Passive Range of Motion (AROM/PROM) assessed at the baseline, six weeks into the intervention, and one week into the follow-up. RESULTS: VAS score for pain showed a mean change of 1.60, 1.60 and 4.94 in PEMF, NMES, and control respectively after 20 sessions. It showed pain was significantly improved in all the groups (p<0.001), but the effectiveness of the PEMF and NMES groups was superior to the control group. CONCLUSION: The current literature showed that PEMF & NMES are effective in improving post-stroke shoulder pain, spasticity, range of motion and motor function and a novel method for stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation.

INTRODUÇÃO: Dor no ombro após acidente vascular cerebral com prevalência de 16­84% geralmente ocorre após 2­3 meses e pode resultar na suspensão de programas de reabilitação, internações hospitalares mais longas e redução da função dos membros, prejudicando qualidade de vida dos pacientes com AVC. O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar o efeito da PEMF e da EENM na redução da dor no ombro em pacientes com acidente vascular cerebral. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Um estudo prospectivo, randomizado e controlado incluiu 51 pacientes com dor no ombro pós-AVC. Os pacientes foram divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos (17 pessoas em cada grupo): grupo Campo Eletromagnético Pulsado (PEMF), grupo Estimulação Elétrica Neuromuscular (EENM) e grupo Controle. As medidas de resultados foram na Escala Visual Analógica (VAS), Escala de Ashworth Modificada (MAS) e Avaliação de Fugl Meyer ­ Extremidade Superior (FMA-UE), Amplitude de Movimento (AROM/PROM) foram avaliadas no início do estudo, após seis semanas de tratamento, e após um acompanhamento semanal. RESULTADOS: A pontuação VAS para dor mostrada uma alteração média de 1,60, 1,60 e 4,94 na PEMF, EENM e Controle, respectivamente, após 20 sessões. Mostrou melhora significativa entre os três grupos (p<0,001), mas a eficácia do grupo PEMF e EENM foi superior ao grupo Controle. CONCLUSÃO: O presente estudo mostrou que PEMF e EENM são eficazes na melhora da dor no ombro pós-AVC, espasticidade, amplitude de movimento e função motora e um novo método para pacientes com AVC em reabilitação. Nossas descobertas indicam que a eficácia da EENM é claramente superior à do PEMF na manutenção da analgesia a longo prazo.

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This study aimed to evaluate the influence of medium voltage electrical stimulation (ES) at three different intensities, 200 V (Treatment 200 V, T200), 300 V (Treatment 200 V, T300), and 400 V (Treatment 400 V, T400) on the initial pH decline in post mortem muscle and the quality parameters on M. longissimus thoracis - Nellore beef, both throughout the ageing process and during frozen storage. The colour, cooking loss, and shear force parameters for samples of aged beef were determined. Additional parameters, like thaw loss, pH, and lipid oxidation were also analyzed for the frozen storage. The shear force and cooking loss decreased and colour parameters increased in Nellore beef ES compared with CON on ageing time (14 days). At frozen storage, quality parameters like pH, a*, and b* were reduced over time, and no negative effect on lipid oxidation was found. Electrical stimulation at 200 V demonstrated effectiveness for decreasing shear force to Nellore beef (M. longissimus thoracis) during frozen storage. The application of medium voltage electrical stimulation can contribute to improved quality and tenderness in Nellore beef, both during ageing and frozen storage conditions.

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BACKGROUND: Stroke necessitates interventions to rehabilitate individuals with disabilities, and the application of functional electrical stimulation therapy (FEST) has demonstrated potential in this regard. This study aimed to analyze the efficacy and effectiveness of cycling using FEST to improve motor function and lower limb activity in post-stroke individuals. METHODS: We performed a systematic review according to the recommendations of the PRISMA checklist, searching MEDLINE, Cochrane, EMBASE, LILACS, and PEDro databases by July 2022, without any date or language limitations. Studies were selected using the following terms: stroke, electrical stimulation therapy, cycling, and clinical trials. Randomized or quasi-randomized clinical trials that investigated the effectiveness of cycling using FEST combined with exercise programs and cycling using FEST alone for motor function and activity in subacute post-stroke individuals were included. The quality of included trials was assessed using the PEDro scores. Outcome data were extracted from eligible studies and combined in random-effects meta-analyses. The quality of evidence was determined according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. RESULTS: Five randomized clinical trials involving 187 participants were included. Moderate-quality evidence indicates that cycling using FEST combined with exercise programs promotes relevant benefits in trunk control (MD 9 points, 95% CI 0.36-17.64) and walking distance (MD 94.84 m, 95% CI 39.63-150.05, I = 0%), the other outcomes had similar benefits. Cycling using FEST alone compared to exercise programs promotes similar benefits in strength, balance, walking speed, walking distance, and activities of daily living. CONCLUSION: This systematic review provides low- to moderate-quality evidence that cycling using FEST may be an effective strategy to consider in improving motor function and activity outcomes for post-stroke individuals in the early subacute phase. REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (CRD42022345282).

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OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare trigger point (TrP) dry needling, TrP electroacupuncture and motor point electroacupuncture of the trapezius muscle for the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). METHODS: This randomised clinical trial included 90 patients divided into three groups. Group 1 was treated with dry needling of TrPs, group 2 with intramuscular electrical stimulation of TrPs, and group 3 with electroacupuncture of motor points and/or the spinal accessory nerve. Each group received seven treatment sessions. The outcomes were the pain score measured by visual analogue scale (VAS) and quality of life evaluated by the 12-item short form (SF-12) health questionnaire. We compared the pain outcome over serial time points using growth curve analysis methods. RESULTS: Participants in the three groups experienced significant improvements in pain scores over time. The average pain level of participants in group 3 across the repeated assessments was 0.98 units lower than in group 1 (mean difference (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.74-0.23)), p = 0.012). There were no significant differences in pain scores between participants in groups 1 and 2, and there were no significant differences in quality of life across the three groups at the end of the treatment period. CONCLUSION: Our results provide evidence that electrical stimulation of motor points and/or of the spinal accessory nerve may be superior in terms of pain relief (but not quality of life) to dry needling and possibly electrical stimulation of trigger points for the management of MPS involving the trapezius. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: TRIAL-RBR-43R7RF (Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry).

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ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Sensory function may be altered in chronic low back pain (CLBP), which may alter the perception of therapeutic currents. The aim of this study was to verify whether the risk of poor prognosis for CLBP pain influences the amplitude elicited at the sensory threshold (ST) in different modalities of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). METHODS: This is a quasi-experimental counterbalanced study with 40 subjects divided into four groups (n=10 each), according to the risk of poor prognosis for pain: no risk (control group - CG), low (LrG), medium (MrG), and high (HrG) risks. Four modalities of NMES were tested: two medium frequency currents (Aussie current [AC] and Russian current [RC]) and two low frequency currents (commonly known as functional electrical stimulation [FES]), with two phase durations of200 μs (FES_200) and 500 μs (FES_500), in the region of the lumbar multifidus muscles. All subjects were exposed to all current modalities with interval periods, and when the ST was reached, the amplitude of the current measured in mA was recorded. RESULTS: The currents that elicited the highest and lowest amplitude in the ST were FES_200 and AC, respectively. As for the risk of poor prognosis, the highest amplitudes were for the HrG and the lowest for the LrG. CONCLUSION: The amplitude of the current elicited in the ST tended to be higher among those with a higher risk of poor prognosis for pain and, among the currents, those of medium frequency elicited lower amplitudes.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A função sensorial é potencialmente alterada na presença de dor lombar crônica (DLC), o que pode alterar a percepção de passagem de correntes terapêuticas. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar se o risco de mau prognóstico para DLC influencia a amplitude elicitada no limiar sensorial (LS) em diferentes modalidades de estimulação elétrica neuromuscular (EENM). MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo quase-experimental contrabalanceado composto por 40 voluntários alocados em quatro grupos (n=10 cada), de acordo com o risco de mau prognóstico para dor: sem risco (grupo controle - GC), baixo risco (GBR), médio risco (GMR) e alto risco (GAR). Foram testadas quatro modalidades de EENM: duas correntes de média frequência (corrente Aussie [CA] e corrente Russa [CR]) e duas correntes de baixa frequência (comumente denominada estimulação elétrica funcional [FES]), com duas durações de fases 200 μs (FES_200) e 500 μs (FES_500) na região dos músculos multífidos lombares. Todos os voluntários foram submetidos a todas as modalidades de corrente, com períodos de intervalos, e ao ser atingido o LS, foi realizado o registro da amplitude da corrente medida em mA. RESULTADOS: As correntes que elicitaram a maior e a menor amplitude no LS foram, respectivamente, FES_200 e CA. Quanto ao risco de mau prognóstico, as maiores amplitudes foram do GAR e as menores do GBR. CONCLUSÃO: A amplitude da corrente elicitada no LS tendeu a ser mais alta entre aqueles com maior risco de mau prognóstico para dor e, dentre as correntes, aquelas de média frequência elicitaram amplitudes mais baixas.A amplitude da corrente elicitada no LS tendeu a ser mais alta entre aqueles com maior risco de mau prognóstico para dor e, dentre as correntes, aquelas de média frequência elicitaram amplitudes mais baixas.

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Abstract Introduction Dysphagia induced by radiotherapy in the head and neck region comprises a challenging scenario and sometimes difficult rehabilitation due to the severity of the adverse effects. Some resources such as electrical stimulation have emerged as an alternative to complement the therapeutic process, but there is still no consensus on its use. Objective The purpose of the present study was to evaluate, through a meta-analysis, the effect of electrical stimulation on the rehabilitation of dysphagia generated after head and neck cancer treatment. Data Synthesis Four randomized controlled trials with a total of 146 participants were included. The age of the participants was 58.37 ± 1.8 years old and there was a predominance of males. The time to start the intervention ranged from 50.96 ± 40.12 months after cancer treatment. The intervention showed great heterogeneity regarding the positioning of the electrodes, parameters, duration of the stimulus, number of sessions, and intensity. No difference was identified in the following aspects: oral transit time, hyoid elevation, penetration and/or aspiration after electrostimulation. The quality of the evidence ranged from very low to moderate and high risk of bias. Conclusion In this meta-analysis, we found weak evidence for small and moderate swallowing benefits in patients after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer in short-term clinical trials.

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Objective The present study sought to evaluate the benefits of intraoperative cortical stimulation (CS) for reducing morbidity in neurosurgery. Method A total of 56 patients were submitted to neurosurgical procedure with the aid of CS. Initially, surgical exposure and planned resection were based on anatomy and imaging exams, which were followed by CS. According to the findings, the patients were divided into two groups. In group 1 the previous surgical strategy had to be altered, while in group 2 the surgical planning did not suffer any interference. Patients were also divided into subgroups according to the underlying disease: gliomas or other etiologies. Transient and definitive deficits occurrence were compared between groups 1 and 2 and subgroups of etiologies. The real benefit of CS technique was calculated by a specific formula. Results There were 20 patients (37.5%) whose surgical strategy was changed based on CS findings. Furthermore, 65% of group 1 patients had transient deficit, in comparison to 30.5% of patients in group 2 (p » 0.013). As for the definitive deficit, it occurred in 15.0% of group 1 patients versus 8.3% of patients in group 2 (p » 0.643). Definitive deficits with no statistical difference (p » 0.074) were found in 17.2% of patients with gliomas, while none were found in the other etiologies subgroup. The rate of real benefit of intraoperative CS was 30.4%. Considering the subgroups of gliomas and other etiologies, the benefit rates were 25.7% and 38.1%, respectively. Conclusions The surgical decision was influenced by CS in 35.7% of the cases and prevented definitive deficit in 30% of patients.

Objetivos O presente estudo procurou avaliar os benefícios da estimulação cortical (EC) intraoperatória na redução da morbidade em neurocirurgias. Métodos Um total de 56 pacientes foram submetidos ao procedimento neurocirúrgico com ajuda da EC. Inicialmente, a exposição cirúrgica e o panejamento da ressecção eram baseados nos achados de anatomia e imagem, que eram seguidos pela EC. De acordo com os achados neurofisiológicos, os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos. No grupo 1, a estratégia cirúrgica teve que ser modificada, enquanto no grupo 2, o planejamento cirúrgico não foi alterado. Os pacientes foram ainda divididos em dois subgrupos de acordo com a doença subjacente: gliomas ou outras etiologias. A ocorrência de déficits transitórios e definitivos foram comparadas entre os grupos 1 e 2 e entre os subgrupos de etiologias. O benefício real da técnica de estimulação cortical foi calculado por uma fórmula específica. Resultados A estratégia cirúrgica foi alterada em 20 (37,5%) pacientes após a estimulação cortical. Além disso, 65% dos pacientes do grupo 1 tiveram déficits transitórios, em comparação com 30,5% dos pacientes do grupo 2 (p » 0,013). Quanto ao déficit definitivo, este ocorreu em 15% dos casos do grupo 1 contra 8,3% dos pacientes do grupo 2 (p » 0,643). Déficit definitivo sem diferença significativa (p » 0,074) foi observado em 17,2% dos pacientes com gliomas, enquanto nenhum foi encontrado no subgrupo de outras etiologias. A taxa de benefício real da EC intraoperatória foi de 30,4%. Considerando os subgrupos de gliomas e outras etiologias as taxas de benefício foram 25,7% e 38,1%, respectivamente. Conclusões A EC influenciou a decisão cirúrgica em 35,7% dos casos. Embora 90% dos pacientes não tenham cursado com déficits a longo prazo, a estimulação cortical preveniu tais déficits em cerca de um terço deles.

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Abstract Objective To evaluate the effect of the addition of dynamic cervical electrical stimulation (electro-massage, ES) to manual therapy (MT), compared to MT by itself, in individuals with myofascial temporomandibular pain. Methodology A total of 46 participants with bilateral myofascial temporomandibular pain for at least three months were distributed into two groups. Group 1 (n=21) received local MT consisting of soft tissue mobilization and release techniques over the neck and temporomandibular regions. Group 2 (n=25) received an ES procedure in the cervical region combined with the same intervention as group 1. All participants underwent a 2-week protocol. The primary outcomes were pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale), pressure pain threshold (PPT) at the masseter and upper trapezius muscles (algometer), and pain-free vertical mouth opening (manual gauge). The secondary outcome was active cervical range-of-movement. Measurements were taken at baseline, immediately after intervention, and at a 4-week follow-up. Results The ANOVA revealed significant changes over group*time, with better results for group 2 (large effect sizes) regarding pain intensity (p< 0.001; η2>0.14), pressure pain sensitivity and mouth opening (p<0.001; η2>0.14). Similar findings were observed for active cervical range-of-movement in all directions (p<0.001; η2>0.14), except rotation (p≥0.05). Conclusion Electrical stimulation therapy over the cervical region combined with a MT protocol over the neck and temporomandibular joint shows better clinical benefits than MT by itself in subjects with myofascial temporomandibular pain. Registration code: NCT04098952

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Extensive damage to peripheral nerves is a health problem with few therapeutic alternatives. In this context, the development of tissue engineering seeks to obtain materials that can help recreate environments conducive to cellular development and functional repair of peripheral nerves. Different hydrogels have been studied and presented as alternatives for future treatments to emulate the morphological characteristics of nerves. Along with this, other research proposes the need to incorporate electrical stimuli into treatments as agents that promote cell growth and differentiation; however, no precedent correlates the simultaneous effects of the types of hydrogel and electrical stimuli. This research evaluates the neural differentiation of PC12 cells, relating the effect of collagen, alginate, GelMA, and PEGDA hydrogels with electrical stimulation modulated in four different ways. Our results show significant correlations for different cultivation conditions. Electrical stimuli significantly increase neural differentiation for specific experimental conditions dependent on electrical frequency, not voltage. These backgrounds allow new material treatment schemes to be formulated through electrical stimulation in peripheral nerve tissue engineering.

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The electric stimulation (ES) of the cornea is a novel therapeutic approach to the treatment of degenerative visual diseases. Currently, ES is delivered by placing a mono-element electrode on the surface of the cornea that uniformly stimulates the eye along the electrode site. It has been reported that a certain degree of correlation exists between the location of the stimulated retinal area and the position of the electrode. Therefore, in this study, we present the development of a sectioned surface electrode for selective electric stimulation of the human cornea. The proposed device consists of 16 independent microelectrodes, a reference electrode, and 18 contact pads. The microelectrodes have a size of 200 µm × 200 µm, are arranged in a 4 × 4 matrix, and cover a total stimulation area of 16 mm2. The proposed fabrication process, based on surface micromachining technology and flexible electronics, uses only three materials: polyimide, aluminum, and titanium, which allow us to obtain a simplified, ergonomic, and reproducible fabrication process. The fabricated prototype was validated to laboratory level by electrical and electrochemical tests, showing a relatively high electrical conductivity and average impedance from 712 kΩ to 1.4 MΩ at the clinically relevant frequency range (from 11 Hz to 30 Hz). Additionally, the biocompatibility of the electrode prototype was demonstrated by performing in vivo tests and by analyzing the polyimide films using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The resulting electrode prototype is robust, mechanically flexible, and biocompatible, with a high potential to be used for selective ES of the cornea.

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AIMS: The carotid bodies are sensors that detect physiological signals and convey them to the central nervous system, where the stimuli are processed inducing reflexes through efferent pathways. Recent studies have demonstrated that electrical stimulation of the carotid sinus nerve (CSN) triggers the anti-inflammatory reflex under different conditions. However, whether this electrical stimulation attenuates colitis was never examined. This study aimed to evaluate if the electrical CSN stimulation attenuates the experimental colitis induced by intrarectal administration of acetic acid in rats. METHODS: Electrodes were implanted around the CSN to stimulate the CSN, and a catheter was inserted into the left femoral artery to record the arterial pressure. The observation of hypotensive responses confirmed the effectiveness of the electrical CNS stimulation. This maneuver was followed by a 4 % acetic acid or saline administered intrarectally. After 24 h, colons were segmented into distal and proximal parts for macroscopy, histological and biochemical assessment. KEY FINDINGS: As expected, the electrical CSN stimulation was effective in decreasing arterial pressure in saline and colitis rats. Moreover, electrical CSN stimulation effectively reduced colonic tissue lesions, colitis scores, and histopathologic parameters associated with colitis. In addition, the CSN stimulation also reduced the colonic mucosa pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 beta, and increased the anti-inflammatory interleukin-10, in rats submitted to colitis. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings indicated that electrical CSN stimulation breaks the vicious cycle of local colon inflammation in colitis, which might contribute to its better outcome.

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Permanent pacemakers are a frequently used therapeutic modality. Its use has had a great impact on the morbidity and mortality and quality of life of patients with heart rhythm disturbances, with an exponential increase observed in recent decades. The use of this strategy presents different phases, in which follow-up throughout the useful life of the device is a fundamental and determinant pillar of the efficacy and safety of this therapeutic modality. This review seeks to provide a clear and structured update of the fundamental aspects to consider in the follow-up of all patients with pacemakers. The follow-up of the patient with a pacemaker must follow a complete, systematic and periodic protocol, evaluating aspects and parameters related to the patient and the pacemaker, in order to ensure the proper and safe operation of the device adapted to the person.

Los marcapasos permanentes son una modalidad terapéutica de uso frecuente. Su empleo ha tenido un gran impacto en la morbimortalidad y calidad de vida de los pacientes con alteraciones del ritmo cardiaco, observándose en las últimas décadas un incremento exponencial. El empleo de esta estrategia presenta diferentes fases, que inician con la indicación de la estimulación, la selección del sistema de marcapaso apropiado, el procedimiento de implantación, la programación inicial y el seguimiento posterior, en la cual el seguimiento a lo largo de la vida útil del dispositivo es un pilar fundamental y determinante de la eficacia y seguridad de esta modalidad terapéutica. La presente revisión busca proporcionar una actualización clara y estructurada de los aspectos fundamentales a considerar en el seguimiento de todo paciente portador de marcapasos. El seguimiento del paciente con marcapasos debe seguir un protocolo completo, sistemático y periódico, evaluando aspectos y parámetros relacionado con el paciente y el marcapaso, con la finalidad de garantizar un funcionamiento adecuado y seguro del dispositivo adaptado a la persona.

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