The Immediate Analgesic Effect and Impact on Gait Function of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Late-Stage Elderly Individuals with Knee Pain: Examination of Gait Function Using an IoT-Based Gait Analysis Device

Purpose: This study verified the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), which can be worn during walking and exercise, in elderly individuals with late-stage knee pain who exercise regularly. Methods: Thirty-two late-stage elderly individuals were evaluated for knee pain during rest, walking, and program exercises, with and without TENS. Gait analysis was performed using an IoT-based gait analysis device to examine the effects of TENS-induced analgesia on gait. Results: TENS significantly reduced knee pain during rest, walking, and programmed exercises, with the greatest analgesic effect observed during walking. The greater the knee pain without TENS, the more significant the analgesic effect of TENS. A comparison of gait parameters revealed a significant difference only in the gait cycle time, with a trend towards faster walking with TENS;however, the effect was limited. Conclusion: TENS effectively relieves knee pain in late-stage elderly individuals and can be safely applied during exercise. Pain management using TENS provides important insights into the implementation of exercise therapy in this age group.

Analysis of the Effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation of Acupoints Combined with Rehabilitation Training in The Treatment of Upper Limb Dysfunction After Stroke

Objective:To analyze the effect of combining transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation(TEAS)with rehabilitation training in patients with upper limb dysfunction after stroke(ULDAS).Methods:A total of 130 ULDAS patients who were hospitalized and rehabilitated in Wuxi Xinwu District Rehabilitation Hospital from May 2021 to May 2023 were selected and randomly divided into Group A(65 cases,rehabilitation training)and Group B(65 cases,rehabilitation training+TEAS).The effects of the two groups were compared.Results:After treatment,the upper limb functional indexes of Group B were better than those of Group A(P<0.05).The rate of muscle tone grades 0-4 in Group B was higher than those of Group A(P<0.05).Conclusion:The function of upper limbs and muscle strength of ULDAS patients improved by combining TEAS with rehabilitation training.

Research on the Different Frequencies of Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation for Postpartum Pelvic Girdle Pain

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of different frequencies of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation in treating postpartum pelvic girdle pain and promoting postpartum rehabilitation.Methods:From January to September 2022,300 patients with pelvic girdle pain after spontaneous delivery in a hospital in Shaanxi Province were selected and randomly divided into three groups,low frequency,high frequency,and alternating frequency,with 100 cases in each group.In addition to routine postpartum care and psychological counseling,the three groups received transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation at low-frequency(2 Hz,)high-frequency(100 Hz),and alternating frequency(2/100 Hz),respectively.The differences in initial pain,pain scores before and after treatment,satisfaction with analgesic effect,and postpartum rehabilitation effect were evaluated among the three groups of patients.Results:There was a significant correlation between maternal age and postpartum pelvic girdle pain(P<0.001),but no correlation was observed between newborn birth weight and postpartum pelvic girdle pain(P>0.05).After 1d/2d of treatment,the pain scores and rehabilitation effect of patients in the alternating-frequency group and low-frequency group were significantly better than those in the high-frequency group,and the postpartum curative effect of patients in the alternating-frequency group was the best,followed by the low-frequency group,and the high-frequency group;the differences were statistically significant(P<0.001).Among the three groups,the alternating-frequency group had the highest satisfaction with the analgesic effect and the highest rate of selecting the same analgesic regimen the next time;the differences were statistically significant(P<0.001).Conclusion:Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation at different frequencies is safe and effective in treating postpartum pelvic girdle pain and beneficial to postpartum rehabilitation.Sparse-dense wave stimulation is effective in treating postpartum pelvic girdle pain.It has the best effect in promoting postpartum rehabilitation and the highest patient satisfaction.Therefore,its application in clinical practice is highly recommended.

Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation in adult patients receiving gastrectomy/colorectal resection:A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND Acupuncture promotes the recovery of gastrointestinal function and provides analgesia after major abdominal surgery.The effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation(TEAS)remain unclear.AIM To explore the potential effects of TEAS on the recovery of gastrointestinal function after gastrectomy and colorectal resection.METHODS Patients scheduled for gastrectomy or colorectal resection were randomized at a 2:3:3:2 ratio to receive:(1)TEAS at maximum tolerable current for 30 min immediately prior to anesthesia induction and for the entire duration of surgery,plus two 30-min daily sessions for 3 consecutive days after surgery(perioperative TEAS group);(2)Preoperative and intraoperative TEAS only;(3)Preoperative and postoperative TEAS only;or(4)Sham stimulation.The primary outcome was the time from the end of surgery to the first bowel sound.RESULTS In total,441 patients were randomized;405 patients(58.4±10.2 years of age;247 males)received the planned surgery.The time to the first bowel sounds did not differ among the four groups(P=0.90;log-rank test).On postoperative day 1,the rest pain scores differed significantly among the four groups(P=0.04;Kruskal–Wallis test).Post hoc comparison using the Bonferroni test showed lower pain scores in the perioperative TEAS group(1.4±1.2)than in the sham sti-mulation group(1.7±1.1;P=0.04).Surgical complications did not differ among the four groups.CONCLUSION TEAS provided analgesic effects in adult patients undergoing major abdominal surgery,and it can be added to clinical practice as a means of accelerating postoperative rehabilitation of these patients.

Does the advantage of transcutaneous oximetry measurements in diabetic foot ulcer apply equally to free flap reconstruction?

BACKGROUND Transcutaneous oxygen pressure(TcpO2)is a precise method for determining oxygen perfusion in wounded tissues.The device uses either electrochemical or optical sensors.AIM To evaluate the usefulness of TcpO2 measurements on free flaps(FFs)in diabetic foot ulcers(DFUs).METHODS TcpO2 was measured in 17 patients with DFUs who underwent anterolateral thigh(ALT)-FF surgery and compared with 30 patients with DFU without FF surgery.RESULTS Significant differences were observed in the ankle-brachial index;duration of diabetes;and haemoglobin,creatinine,and C-reactive protein levels between the two groups.TcpO2 values were similar between two groups except on postoperative days 30 and 60 when the values in the ALT-FF group remained<30 mmHg and did not increase>50 mmHg.CONCLUSION Even if the flap is clinically stable,sympathectomy due to adventitia stripping during anastomosis and arteriovenous shunt progression due to diabetic polyneuropathy could lead to low TcpO2 values in the ALT-FF owing to its thick fat tissues,which is supported by the slow recovery of the sympathetic tone following FF.Therefore,TcpO2 measurements in patients with DFU who underwent FF reconstruction may be less accurate than in those who did not.

Effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation combined with palonosetron on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: a single.blind,randomized, controlled trial

Background: Chemotherapy?induced nausea and vomiting adversely affects the quality of life of patients who receive chemotherapy via intravenous infusion or transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE). This study aimed to investigate the clinical effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation(TEAS) on nausea and vomiting after TACE.Methods: A total of 142 patients who received TACE with cisplatin for primary or metastatic liver cancer were assigned to the active?acupuncture(n = 72) or placebo?acupuncture(n Hegu(LI4), Neiguan(P6), an= 70) groups using a covariate?adaptive randomization at a ratio of 1:1. The acupointsd Zusanli(ST36) were stimulated twice daily for 6 days. The effects of TEAS on nausea and vomiting were assessed by using occurrence rate and severity of these symptoms. Anorexia scale and M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory(MDASI) scores were secondary endpoints and were used to assess the effect of TEAS on patient appetite and quality of life. The safety of the treatments was also monitored.Results: Between the two groups, the differences in occurrence rates and severities of nausea and vomiting after TACE were not significant(all P > 0.05). From the second day after TACE, anorexia scores were significantly lower in the active?acupuncture group than in the placebo?acupuncture group and continued to decrease over time with treat?ment(all P values less than 0.01). On days 0, 1, and 2, the mean MDASI scores for the active?acupuncture group were slightly lower than those for the placebo?acupuncture group, but the differences were not statistically significant(all P > 0.05). No significant differences were found between the two groups in the occurrence rate of any adverse event(P > 0.05).Conclusion: TEAS appears to be a safe and effective therapy to relieve patients' gastrointestinal discomfort after chemotherapy.

Transcutaneous electroacupuncture alleviates postoperative ileus after gastrectomy: A randomized clinical trial

AIM To investigate the efficacy and safety of transcutaneouselectroacupuncture(TEA) to alleviate postoperative ileus(POI) after gastrectomy.METHODS From April 2014 to February 2017, 63 gastric cancer patients were recruited from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China. After gastrectomy, the patients were randomly allocated to the TEA(n = 33) or control(n = 30) group. The patients in the TEA group received 1 h TEA on Neiguan(ST36) and Zusanli(PC6) twice daily in the morning and afternoon until they passed flatus. The main outcomes were hours to the first flatus or bowel movement, time to nasogastric tube removal, time to liquid and semi-liquid diet, and hospital stay. The secondary outcomes included postoperative symptom assessment and complications.RESULTS Time to first flatus in the TEA group was significantly shorter than in the control group(73.19 ± 15.61 vs 82.82 ± 20.25 h, P = 0.038), especially for open gastrectomy(76.53 ± 14.29 vs 87.23 ± 20.75 h, P = 0.048). Bowel sounds on day 2 in the TEA group were significantly greater than in the control group(2.30 ± 2.61/min vs 1.05 ± 1.26/min, P = 0.017). Time to nasogastric tube removal in the TEA group was earlier than in the control group(4.22 ± 1.01 vs 4.97 ± 1.67 d, P = 0.049), as well as the time to liquid diet(5.0 ± 1.34 vs 5.83 ± 2.10 d, P = 0.039). Hospital stay in the TEA group was significantly shorter than in the control group(8.06 ± 1.75 vs 9.40 ± 3.09 d, P = 0.041). No significant differences in postoperative symptom assessment and complications were found between the groups. There were no severe adverse events related to TEA.CONCLUSION TEA accelerated bowel movements and alleviated POI after open gastrectomy and shortened hospital stay.

A randomized trial comparing the Tennant Biomodulator to transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and traditional Chinese acupuncture for the treatment of chronic pain in military service members

Background:The present investigation tested the efficacy of the Tennant Biomodulator,a novel pain management intervention that uses biofeedback-modulated electrical stimulation,to reduce chronic pain and its psychosocial sequelae in a sample of current and former military service members.The Tennant Biomodulator used on its most basic setting was compared to two commonly used,non-pharmacological pain treatments—traditional Chinese acupuncture and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation(TENS)—in a comparative efficacy,randomized,open-label trial.Methods:Participants included 100 active duty and retired service men and women with chronic pain undergoing treatment at the Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas,USA,randomly assigned to receive six,weekly sessions of either Tennant Biomodulator treatment,traditional Chinese acupuncture,or TENS,in addition to usual care.Recruitment was conducted between May 2010 to September 2013.Outcome measures were collected at intake,before and after each treatment session,and at a 1-month follow-up.Intent-to-treat analyses were used throughout,with mixed models used to investigate main effects of group,time,and group×time interactions with consideration given to quadratic effects.Outcomes measured included ratings of chronic pain,pain-related functional disability,and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)and depression.Results:On average,regardless of their treatment group,participants exhibited a 16%reduction in pain measured by the Brooke Army Medical Center’s Clinic Pain Log[F(1,335)=55.7,P<0.0001]and an 11%reduction in pain-related disability measured by the Million Visual Analog Scale[MVAS:F(1,84)=28.3,P<0.0001]from baseline to the end of treatment,but no one treatment performed better than the other,and the reductions in pain and pain-related disability were largely lost by 1-month follow-up.Symptoms of PTSD and depression did not change significantly as a function of time or group.Conclusions:Findings build on previous work suggesting that traditional Chinese acupuncture and TENS can reduce pain and its functional sequelae without risks associated with pharmacological pain management.The Tennant Biomodulator used on its most basic setting performs as well as these other interventions.Based on the present findings,large,randomized controlled trials on the Tennant Biomodulator are indicated.Future work should test this device using its full range of settings for pain-related psychological health.Trial registration:Clincialtrials.gov(NCT01752010);registered December 14,2012.

Efficacy and safety of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation combined with conventional rehabilitation training in acute stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial conducted for 1 year involving 60 patients

Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation(ta-VNS)is a novel noninvasive treat-ment for stroke that directly stimulates the peripheral auricular branch of the vagus nerve.There have been recent reports that ta-VNS combined with conventional rehabilitation training promotes the recovery of neurological function of patients with acute stroke.However,these were small-sample-sized studies on the recovery of neurological function in patients after percutaneous vagus nerve stimulation in the subacute and chronic phases after stroke.This double-blinded randomized controlled trial involved 60 acute ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke patients aged 18-80 years who received treatment in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University.The subjects were randomly assigned to receive ta-VNS or sham ta-VNS combined with conventional rehabilitation training.The follow-up results over 1 year revealed that ta-VNS combined with conventional rehabilitation training greatly improved the recovery of motor and sensory functions and emotional responses compared with sham ta-VNS combined with conventional rehabilitation training.There were no obvious side effects.These findings suggest that ta-VNS combined with conventional rehabilitation training for the treatment of acute ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke patients is safe and effective.

Lower Blepharoplasty Review, Transcon-junctival vs. Transcutaneous Approach

Currently in lower blepharoplasty, the transconjunctival approach indication has been limited to young patients without skin excess and prominence of bags;in our practice this access has become the preferred technique in most of our cases because it is simpler, faster, prevents bad scarring, produces less orbicularis muscle trauma, and decreases postoperative edema and possible retractions (ectropion) in patients with decreased lower palpebral tone. Objective: To identify important concepts when deciding this approach. Material and Methods: Retrospective review of 177 patients who underwent lower blepharoplasty by a single surgical group. Regarding techniques, the transconjunctival approach was selected in 42% of patients while the transcutaneous technique was preferred in 58%. Results: A lower rate of complications was observed by the transconjunctival approach, with greater patient satisfaction. Conclusions: In our experience, due to its simplicity and less traumatic effect on the patient, the transconjunctival approach is an ideal technique, except in cases where there is lower eyelid weakness and surgical resolution is needed.

Non-invasive transcutaneous electrical stimulation in the treatment of overactive bladder

We reviewed the literature on transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation(TENS)used as a therapy for overactive bladder(OAB)symptoms,with a particular focus on:stimulation site,stimuli parameters,neural structures thought to be targeted,and the clinical and urodynamic outcomes achieved.The majority of studies used sacral or tibial nerve stimulation.The literature suggests that,whilst TENS therapy may have neuromodulation effects,patient are unlikely to benefit to a significant extent from a single application of TENS and indeed clear benefits from acute studies have not been reported.In long-term studies there were differences in the descriptions of stimulation intensity,strategy of the therapy,and positioning of the electrodes,as well as in the various symptoms and pathology of the patients.Additionally,most studies were uncontrolled and hence did not evaluate the placebo effect.Little is known about the underlying mechanism by which these therapies work and therefore exactly which structures need to be stimulated,and with what parameters.There is promising evidence for the efficacy of a transcutaneous stimulation approach,but adequate standardisation of stimulation criteria and outcome measures will be necessary to define the best way to administer this therapy and document its efficacy.

The Safety and Efficacy of Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation (TENS) in Reducing Vaginal Delivery Labor Pain: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Labor analgesia remains the center of interest for both obstetricians and women. The safety of the traditional pharmacologic analgesics remains questionable due to their potential fetal and maternal complications. Therefore, several non-pharmacological modalities were evaluated for their safety and efficacy to relieve labor pain. Among these methods, transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS) gained much concern due to ease of use, low cost and high capacity for women self-titration. The study aims to investigate the efficacy of TENS in reducing labor pain associated with vaginal deliveries, and to determine the factors controlling the response to TENS. Methods: The study was a randomized, controlled clinical trial. A total of 390 women candidates for vaginal delivery were randomly allocated to 3 groups of intervention: paracetamol infusion, TENS, and intramuscular pethidine (130 women per group). The primary endpoint was pain intensity assessed on 10-point VAS scale and women satisfaction. Secondary endpoints included maternal or fetal complications. Results: VAS scores recorded during vaginal deliveries demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in TENS group compared to paracetamol at 15, 30 minutes, 1 and 2 hours, while pethidine arm demonstrated lower scores than TENS group (p < 0.001). The intermediate analgesic efficacy of TENS was preserved when evaluating episiotomy related pain scores. Analysis of differences between good and poor responders to TENS indicated that weight, BMI, education level and the stimulation characteristics were statistically different between the two subgroups (p < 0.001). Adverse maternal and fetal outcomes in TENS arm were comparable to paracetamol and significantly less than pethidine. Conclusion: TENS is a reliable labor pain analgesic with comparable efficacy and superior safety relative to pethidine. Clinicians should personalize TENS therapy according to women’s BMI and education level for optimized pain control.

Continuous transcutaneous monitoring of peripheral oxygen and carbon dioxide during infant cardiac surgery

Close monitoring of the balance between oxygen demand and supply is of great importance during cardiac cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery. This study was to compare conventional intermittent venous blood gas monitoring with continuous transcutaneous oxygen and carbon dioxide monitoring in infant patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB. According to paired data from 29 infant patients undergoing cardiac surgery we found that a positive correlation existed between the two techniques, with a correlation coefficient 0.9021 and 0.8021 for PO2 and PCO2 respectively. It’s concluded that transcutaneous monitoring and intermittent venous blood sampling had good correlation and transcutaneous monitoring may be used conveniently and safely clinically during CPB.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation during the Treatment of Painless Colonoscopy

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation combined with propofol infusion during the treatment of patients under colonoscopy.Methods:A total of 90 patients received painless colonoscopy were randomly divided into three groups:transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation combined with propofol group(group T),sufentanil combined with propofol group(group S)and propofol group(group P),with 30 cases in each group.The patients in group T were anesthetized with propofol after transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation of 30min at Hegu(LI4),Neiguan(PC6),Zusanli(ST36),Shangjuxu(ST37)and Sanyinjiao(SP6)on both sides,and the electrical stimulation lasted until the end of the operation.Group S and group P were pasted electrode slices at the same acupoint with group T,but no electrical stimulation was given.The other treatments were the same as those in group T.Group S was given sufentanil 0.1ug/kg at the beginning of anesthesia.The levels of blood pressure(MAP),heart rate(HR)and pulse oxygen saturation(SpO2)were continuously monitored at time points of entering operating room(T0),disappearance of eyelash reflex(T1),during operation(through the liver region T2)and immediately after operation(T3),and the total dosage of propofol,awakening time and incidence of adverse reactions in each group were recorded.Results:Compared with group P,the blood pressure and heart rate of the patients at T1 and T2 in group T were more stable(P<0.05),the awakening time after operation was significantly shorter(P<0.05),and the dosage of propofol was significantly lower than that in group P(P<0.05).The incidence of bradycardia,hypotension and respiratory depression decreased significantly(P<0.05).Compared with group S,the postoperative awakening time of group T was significantly shorter(P<0.05),and there was no significant difference in other indexes.Conclusion:Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation is effective during the treatment of analgesia under colonoscopy.It can reduce the dosage of anesthetics,reduce the incidence of postoperative adverse reactions and shorten the awakening time of patients.

Two-and Three-Layered Dissolving Microneedles for Transcutaneous Delivery of Model Vaccine Antigen in Rats

Purpose: Comparison of transcutaneous immunization of ovalbumin (OA) between two-and three-layered dissolving microneedles (MN) in rats. Methods: We prepared 500 μm long two-layered and three-layered dissolving microneedle (2-MN and 3-MN, respectively) arrays from chondroitin sulfate as the base, and OA as the model antigen. The 2-MN containing OA at the acral portion and 3-MN with OA at the second portion were administered to rat skin transcutaneously. As a positive control, OA solution was injected subcutaneously (sc). The OA delivery and diffusion in the rat skin were studied using confocal microscopy with fluorescein-conjugated OA (FL-OA). Results: The formulated positions of OA were 0-155 ± 5 μm for 2-MN and 175 ± 4 – 225 ± 5 μm for 3-MN. The administered doses of OA were 2.2 ± 0.1 μg, 12.0 ± 0.2 μg and 22.0 ± 0.2 μg for 2-MN, 1.8 ± 0.2 μg, 12.6 ± 0.7 μg, and 20.4 ± 0.3 μg for 3-MN, 10 μg, 100 μg and 1000 μg for sc injection. At 4 weeks after the first administration, 3-MN showed about 2.5-7.0 fold and 5.4 fold higher total Ig (G + A + M) antibody than 2-MN and sc injection of the OA solution. Conclusions: The 3-MN, which delivered OA to the epidermis, is a useful drug delivery system for transcutaneous antigen delivery.

Preliminary Validation of Transcutaneous CO₂Monitoring in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Ablation Using Jet Ventilation

Objectives: There is no data in the current medical literature on efficacy or accuracy of transcutaneous (tcPCO2) monitoring during jet ventilation for cardiac ablation. The use of tcPCO2 during cardiac ablation procedures offers the opportunity to compare end-tidal and transcutaneous methods of CO2 measurement before and after the use of the jet ventilation. Comparison of these measurements with arterial blood gas CO2 levels allows evaluation of the accuracy of the tcPCO2 technique for use during jet ventilation. Design: Observational study;patients served as their own controls. Setting: Cardiac electrophysiology laboratory. Participants: 15 adult patients (9 M), ASA III-IV, aged 26 to 82 years (median 66 years) undergoing radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation. Interventions: Jet ventilation (JV) versus conventional ventilation. Measurements and Main Results: Paired measurements of end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) and transcutaneous CO2 (tcPCO2) were recorded during periods of conventional ventilation. Paired measurements of arterial blood CO2 (PaCO2) levels and tcPCO2 were recorded during JV. ABG samples were drawn at the anesthesiologist’s discretion to assess the patient’s respiratory status. The level of agreement between the three methods was compared using the Bland Altman plot. We found that tcPCO2 values consistently provided a close approximation to PaCO2 levels. The mean difference between tcPCO2 and EtCO2 values in baseline and post-JV was on the order of 3 - 5 mmHg, with standard deviation of 4 - 6 mmHg. This is well within the range of variability that is accepted in clinical practice. Conclusions: These preliminary results suggest that tcPCO2 provides an acceptable estimate of CO2 concentration in arterial blood during JV, as well as prior to and following JV.

Correlation between Transcutaneous Bilirubinemia and Blood Bilirubinemia in Screening Term Newborn for Neonatal Jaundice at the Essos Hospital Centre (EHC), Yaoundé, Cameroon

Background: Early and non-invasive diagnosis of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia remains critical in dark skinned babies of low resource settings. Objective: To assess correlation/agreement between transcutaneous bilirubin (Tcb) and serum bilirubin (Tsb) values in full term neonates with jaundice. Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at the neonatology unit of the Essos Hospital Centre (EHC) from January to June 2019. All full-term neonates aged 0 to 7 days with suspected jaundice who did not receive phototherapy were eligible for the study. The enrolled neonates in the study were assessed clinically, then with the MBJ20 transcutaneous bilirubinometer (TcB). The MBJ20 transcutaneous bilirubinometer highest measurement over the forehead and the sternum were compared to TsB. Data were entered and then analysed with the CsPro7.2 and R (version 3.6.0) software. Correlation was captured by Bland & Alman plots and Concordance Correlation Coefficient (CCC) estimates. The Pearson correlation coefficient and Student test for paired data were used for descriptions purposes, and the significance level was 5%. Results: We recruited 88 neonates. The sex ratio of the babies included was 1.25 favouring males. Median Post-natal age was 3 days with 62% aged 72 hours or more. The mean TcB corresponding to the maximum average between frontal and sternal measurement was 153 mg/dl ± 48 and the average Tsb was 123.80 mg/dl ± 50.48. A good linear correlation was found between TcB and total serum bilirubin level r = 0.86 [0.80;0.91]. Positive correlation was noted between both (forehead and sternum) TcB measurements sites, namely r = 0.78 and r = 0.86. The Bland & Altman plot measured the bias at -29.68 mg/l (confidence interval at 95%, 21.14 - 80.50). The CCC estimate was 0.2 varying from -0.22 to 0.76 according to TcB measurement threshold and post-natal age. The ROC area under the curve value for a threshold < 100 mg/l equals 90% proving to be a good predictor for this threshold. Conclusion: A good linear correlation was found despite a poor agreement between TcB and Tsb. TcB method systematically overestimated the value of TsB.

Dual responsive block copolymer coated hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles for glucose-mediated transcutaneous drug delivery

A self-regulated anti-diabetic drug release device mimicking pancreatic cells is highly desirable for the therapy of diabetes. Herein, a glucose-mediated dual-responsive drug delivery system, which combines pH-and H_(2)O_(2)-responsive block copolymer grafted hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles(HMSNs)with microneedle(MN) array patch, has been developed to achieve self-regulated administration.The poly[4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)benzyl acrylate]-b-poly[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate](PPBEM-b-PDM) polymer serves as gate keeper to prevent drug release from the cavity of HMSNs at normoglycemic level. In contrast, the drug release rate is significantly enhanced upon H_(2)O_(2)and pH stimuli due to the chemical change of H_(2)O_(2)sensitive PPBEM block and acid responsive PDM block. Therefore, incorporation of anti-diabetic drug and glucose oxidase(GOx, which can oxidize glucose to gluconic acid and in-situ produce H_(2)O_(2)) into stimulus polymer coated HMSNs results in a glucose-mediated MN device after depositing the drug-loaded nanoparticles into MN array patch. Both in vitro and in vivo results show this MN device presents a glucose mediated self-regulated drug release characteristic, which possesses a rapid drug release at hyperglycemic level but retarded drug release at normoglycemic level. The result indicates that the fabricated smart drug delivery system is a good candidate for the therapy of diabetes.

QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS ON CHANGES OF HEPATIC HEMODYNAMICS AFTER TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRIC PULSE STIMULATION OF LOCAL POINTS BY USING COLOR DOPPLER ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS

Objective: To evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electric pulse stimulation (TEPS) on hepatic blood flow and parenchymal microcirculation in patients with fatty liver. Methods: A total of 31 fatty liver volunteer patients were observed in this study. Changes of color Doppler energy (CDE) images before and after TEPS of local points nearby the liver were recorded by using color Doppler ultrasound diagnostic apparatus (ACUSON 128XP/10C). Sum of color pixel area (SCPA), average of color value (ACV) and SCPA×ACV (integral) of the hepatic flow images were analyzed by an image processing system, single blind method and paired t-test. Programmed TEPS (0.5- 150 Hz / 2 000 Hz , 10- 25 V ) was applied to the right Qimen (期门 LR 14)-Jingmen (京门 GB 25), Fuai (腹哀 SP 16)-Ganshu (肝俞 BL 18) respectively for 15 min. Results: Compared with basic values of pretreatment, SCPA, ACV and SCPA×ACV increased significantly (t=2.71, P<0.02; t=3.42, P<0.01; and t=8.15, P<0.001) after TEPS, meaning improvement of hepatic blood flow supply. Conclusion: TEPS of acupoints near the liver can improve hepatic blood flow and hepatic parenchymal microcirculation in patients with fatty liver.

A novel artificial anal sphincter system based on transcutaneous energy transmission

For controlling anal incontinence,a new artificial anal sphincter system (AASS) with sensor feed-back based on transcutaneous energy transmission is developed.The device mainly comprises an artificialanal sphincter (AAS),a wireless power supply subsystem,and a communication subsystem.The artifi-cial anal sphincter comprises a front cuff and a sensor cuff placed around the rectum,a reservoir sited inabdominal cavity and a micropump controlling inflation and deflation of the front cuff.There are two pres-sure sensors in the artificial anal sphincter.One can measure the pressure in the front cuff to clamp therectum,the other in the sensor cuff can measure the pressure of the rectum.Wireless power supply sub-system includes a resonance transmit coil to transmit an alternating magnetic field and a secondary coil toreceive the power.Wireless communication subsystem can transmit the pressure information of the artifi-cial anal sphincter to the monitor,or send the control commands to the artificial anal sphincter.A proto-type is designed and the basic function of the artificial anal sphincter system has been tested through ex-periments.The results demonstrate that the artificial anal sphincter system can control anal incontinenceeffectively.