Microfluidic Chip with Low Constant-Current Stimulation (LCCS) Platform: Human Nucleus Pulposus Degeneration In Vitro Model for Symptomatic Intervertebral Disc

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a major cause of low back pain (LBP) in the lumbar spine. This phenomenon is caused by several processes, including matrix degradation in IVD tissues, which is mediated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and inflammatory responses, which can be mediated by interactions among immune cells, such as macrophages and IVD cells. In particular, interleukin (IL)-1 beta (β), which is a master regulator secreted by macrophages, mediates the inflammatory response in nucleus pulposus cells (NP) and plays a significant role in the development or progression of diseases. In this study, we developed a custom electrical stimulation (ES) platform that can apply low-constant-current stimulation (LCCS) signals to microfluidic chips. Using this platform, we examined the effects of LCCS on IL-1β-mediated inflammatory NP cells, administered at various currents (5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 μA at 200 Hz). Our results showed that the inflammatory response, induced by IL-1β in human NP cells, was successfully established. Furthermore, 5, 10, 20, and 100 μA LCCS positively modulated inflamed human NP cells’ morphological phenotype and kinetic properties. LCCS could affect the treatment of degenerative diseases, revealing the applicability of the LCCS platform for basic research of electroceuticals.

Recording of neural signals, neural activation, and signal processing

This chapter discusses recording of electrophysiological signals in the context of clinical neurophysiology. We first discuss the interpretation of signals and differences between signals in terms of their underlying (electro)physiology. As a most prominent aspect of applied electrophysiology, the biophysics of volume conduction in extracellular space is discussed. We also present some basics of advanced procedures to analyse neurophysiological data. Aspects of electrical stimulation are treated too, including recent developments in diagnostic and therapeutic constant current stimulation. We finally discuss the background of hazardous electric currents and the safety of bioelectric equipment. Aspects that are relevant in the digitization and post-processing of data are briefly reviewed.

The Design of Sleep Disorder Therapeutic Apparatus Based on CES

Study the design approach of a micro electric current stimulator, realize to aid in the treatment of insomnia. According to the system analysis of patients with sleep, automatic regulation of stimulation parameters Settings. This way of treatment without side effects caused by drug treatment of insomnia.System uses the low power technology, suitable for battery power for a long time work. Main technical indexes: through the way of bi-phase constant current stimulation; stimulus current: 0 ~ 1mA; exciting frequency: 0.1 ~ 100 Hz; stimulating pulse width: 50 ~ 1000 ms.

Heuristic map of myotomal innervation in humans using direct intraoperative nerve root stimulation

Object Considerable overlap exists in nerve root innervation of various muscles. Knowledge of myotomal innervation is essential for the interpretation of neurological examination findings and neurosurgical decision-making. Previous studies relied on cadaveric dissections, animal studies, and cases with anomalous anatomy. This study investigates the myotomal innervation patterns of cervical and lumbar nerve roots through in vivo stimulation during surgeries for spinal decompression. Methods Patients undergoing cervical and lumbar surgeries in which nerve roots were exposed in the normal course of surgery were included in the study. Electromyography electrodes were placed in the muscle groups that are generally accepted to be innervated by the roots under study. These locations included levels above and below the spinal levels undergoing decompression. After decompression, a unipolar neural stimulator probe was placed directly on the nerve root sleeve and constant current stimulation in increments of 0.1 mA was performed. Current was raised until at least a 100 μV amplitude–triggered electromyographic response was noted in 1 or more muscles. All muscles that responded were recorded. Results A total of 2295 nerve root locations in 129 patients (mean age 57 ± 15 years, 47 female [36%]) were stimulated, and 1589 stimulations met quality criteria and were analyzed. Four hundred ninety-five stimulations were performed on roots contributing to the cervical and brachial plexus from C-3 to T-1 (31.2%), and 1094 (68.8%) were roots in the lumbosacral plexus between L-1 and S-2. The authors were able to construct a statistical map of the contributions of each cervical and lumbosacral nerve root for the set of muscle groups monitored in the protocol. In many cases the range of muscles innervated by a specific root was broader than previously described in textbooks. Conclusions This is the largest data set of direct intraoperative nerve root stimulations during decompressive surgery, demonstrating the relative contribution of root-level motor input to various muscle groups. Compared with classic neuroanatomy, a significant number of roots innervate a broader range of muscles than expected, which may account for the variability of presentation between patients with identical number and location of compressed roots.