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Kurz P, Danner G, Lembelembe J, Nair HKR, Martin R. Activation of healing and reduction of pain by single-use automated microcurrent electrical stimulation therapy in patients with hard-to-heal wounds. Int Wound J 2023; 20:2053-2061. [PMID: 36601702 PMCID: PMC10333020 DOI: 10.1111/iwj.14071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence shows that Electrical Stimulation Therapy (EST) accelerates healing and reduces pain, but EST has yet to become widely used. One reason is the historical use of complex, clinic-based EST devices. This evaluation assessed the early response of different hard-to-heal wounds to a simple, wearable, single-use, automated microcurrent EST device (Accel-Heal, Accel-Heal Technologies Limited - Hever, UK). Forty wounds (39 patients: 18 female - 21 male), mean age 68.9 ± 14.0 years comprised of: seven post-surgical, three trauma, 12 diabetic foot (DFU), 10 venous (VLU), four pressure injuries (PI), four mixed venous or arterial ulcers (VLU/arterial) received automated microcurrent EST for 12 days. Early clinical responses were scored on a 0-5 scale (5-excellent-0-no response). Pain was assessed at 48 h, seven days, and 14 days on a 0-10 visual analogue scale (VAS). Overall, 78% of wounds showed a marked positive clinical response (scores of 5 and 4). Sixty eight percent of wounds were painful with a mean VAS score of 5.5. Almost every patient (96%) with pain experienced reduction within 48 h. All patients with painful wounds experienced pain reduction after seven days: 2.50 VAS (45% reduction) and further pain reduction after 14 days: 1.83 VAS (33%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kurz
- WPM Wund Pflege Management GmbHBad PirawarthAustria
| | | | - Jean‐Paul Lembelembe
- Department, Geriatrics & Wound Day HospitalClinique des AugustinesMalestroitFrance
| | | | - Robin Martin
- Robin Martin PhD Scientific ConsultingFoggathorpeUK
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Chen RP, Wang QH, Li MY, Su XF, Wang DY, Liu XH, Li ZL. Progress in diagnosis and treatment of acute injury to the anterior talofibular ligament. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:3395-3407. [PMID: 37383912 PMCID: PMC10294195 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i15.3395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Injury to the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) is a common acute injury of the lateral foot ligament. Untimely and improper treatment significantly affects the quality of life and rehabilitation progress of patients. The purpose of this paper is to review the anatomy and the current methods of diagnosis and treatment of acute injury to the ATFL. The clinical manifestations of acute injury to the ATFL include pain, swelling, and dysfunction. At present, non-surgical treatment is the first choice for acute injury of the ATFL. The standard treatment strategy involves the “peace and love” principle. After initial treatment in the acute phase, personalized rehabilitation training programs can be followed. These may involve proprioception training, muscle training, and functional exercise to restore limb coordination and muscle strength. Static stretching and other techniques to loosen joints, acupuncture, moxibustion massage, and other traditional medical treatments can relieve pain, restore range of motion, and prevent joint stiffness. If the non-surgical treatment is not ideal or fails, surgical treatment is feasible. Currently, arthroscopic anatomical repair or anatomical reconstruction surgery is commonly used in clinical practice. Although open Broström surgery provides good results, the modified arthroscopic Broström surgery has many advantages, such as less trauma, rapid pain relief, rapid postoperative recovery, and fewer complications, and is more popular with patients. In general, when treating acute injury to the ATFL, treatment management and methods should be timely and reasonably arranged according to the specific injury scenario and attention should be paid to the timely combination of multiple therapies to achieve the best treatment results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Run-Peng Chen
- School of Nursing, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, Shandong Province, China
| | - Qing-Hua Wang
- School of Nursing, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ming-Yue Li
- School of Nursing, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiao-Fang Su
- School of Nursing, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, Shandong Province, China
| | - Dong-Yang Wang
- School of Nursing, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, Shandong Province, China
- Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Xing-Hui Liu
- Department of Office, Shandong Vheng Data Technology Co., Ltd, Yantai 264003, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zhi-Li Li
- Department of Office, Shandong Vheng Data Technology Co., Ltd, Yantai 264003, Shandong Province, China
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Schröder P, Molsberger A, Drabik A, Karst M, Merk H. Percutaneous Bioelectric Current Stimulation (PBCS) in the Treatment of Chronic Achilles tendinopathy. Protocol for a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Randomized Multicenter Trial (Preprint). JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e40894. [DOI: 10.2196/40894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Das R, Langou S, Le TT, Prasad P, Lin F, Nguyen TD. Electrical Stimulation for Immune Modulation in Cancer Treatments. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 9:795300. [PMID: 35087799 PMCID: PMC8788921 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.795300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is becoming a very common treatment for cancer, using approaches like checkpoint inhibition, T cell transfer therapy, monoclonal antibodies and cancer vaccination. However, these approaches involve high doses of immune therapeutics with problematic side effects. A promising approach to reducing the dose of immunotherapeutic agents given to a cancer patient is to combine it with electrical stimulation, which can act in two ways; it can either modulate the immune system to produce the immune cytokines and agents in the patient's body or it can increase the cellular uptake of these immune agents via electroporation. Electrical stimulation in form of direct current has been shown to reduce tumor sizes in immune-competent mice while having no effect on tumor sizes in immune-deficient mice. Several studies have used nano-pulsed electrical stimulations to activate the immune system and drive it against tumor cells. This approach has been utilized for different types of cancers, like fibrosarcoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, human papillomavirus etc. Another common approach is to combine electrochemotherapy with immune modulation, either by inducing immunogenic cell death or injecting immunostimulants that increase the effectiveness of the treatments. Several therapies utilize electroporation to deliver immunostimulants (like genes encoded with cytokine producing sequences, cancer specific antigens or fragments of anti-tumor toxins) more effectively. Lastly, electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve can trigger production and activation of anti-tumor immune cells and immune reactions. Hence, the use of electrical stimulation to modulate the immune system in different ways can be a promising approach to treat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritopa Das
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, United States
| | - Sofia Langou
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, United States
| | - Thinh T. Le
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, United States
| | - Pooja Prasad
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, United States
| | - Feng Lin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, United States
| | - Thanh D. Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, United States
- Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, United States
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Walters R, Kasik J, Ettel C, Ortiz R. Evaluation of Sustained Acoustic Medicine for Treating Musculoskeletal Injuries in Military and Sports Medicine. Open Orthop J 2022; 16:e187432502211210. [PMID: 36694709 PMCID: PMC9869494 DOI: 10.2174/18743250-v16-e221130-2022-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Musculoskeletal injuries are common in collegiate, professional, and military personnel and require expedited recovery to reduce lost work time. Sustained acoustic medicine (SAM) provides continuous long-duration ultrasound at 3MHz and 132mW/cm2. The treatment is frequently prescribed to treat acute and chronic soft tissue injuries and reduce pain. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of SAM treatment for musculoskeletal injuries and accelerated recovery. Methods An 18-question electronic survey and panel discussion were conducted on Athletic Trainers (ATs) using SAM treatment in professional, collegiate, and military sports medicine. The survey included both qualitative and quantitative questions. In addition, a panel discussion discussed SAM effectiveness with expert ATs. Power calculation of sampling and statistical evaluation of data was utilized to generalize the results. Results Survey respondents (n=97) and panelists (n=142) included ATs from all National Athletic Trainers Association districts. SAM was primarily used for musculoskeletal injuries (83.9%, p<0.001) with a focus on healing tendons and ligaments (87.3%, p<0.001). SAM treatment was also used on joints (44.8%), large muscle groups (43.7%), and bone (41.4%). SAM provided clinical improvement in under 2 weeks (68.9%, p<0.001) and a 50% reduction in pain medication (63%, p<0.001). In addition, patients were highly receptive to treatment (87.3%, p<0.001), and ATs had a high level of confidence for improved function and returned to work after 30-days of SAM use (81.2%, p<0.001). Conclusion SAM is an effective, safe, easy-to-use, noninvasive, comfortable, and versatile therapeutic for healing musculoskeletal injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rod Walters
- NATA Hall of Fame, Walters Inc. Consultants in Sports Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - John Kasik
- Atheltic Training and Sports Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Cassie Ettel
- Atheltic Training, Jacksonville Jaguars, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Ralph Ortiz
- Cayuga Medical Center, Medical Pain Consultants, Dryden, NY, USA,Address correspondence to this author at the Cayuga Medical Center, Medical Pain Consultants, Dryden, NY, USA; Tel: 6078449979;
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Lu C, Kolbenschlag J, Nüssler AK, Ehnert S, McCaig CD, Čebron U, Daigeler A, Prahm C. Direct Current Electrical Fields Improve Experimental Wound Healing by Activation of Cytokine Secretion and Erk1/2 Pathway Stimulation. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11111195. [PMID: 34833071 PMCID: PMC8625131 DOI: 10.3390/life11111195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence that cell behaviors can be influenced by the direct current electric fields (EFs). Some behaviors may influence wound healing directly. This study aimed to investigate the effects of EF (200 mV/mm) on immortalized nontumorigenic human epidermal (HaCaT) cells. We established a setup that can transmit an EF and maintain a stable cell culture environment. An EF was applied to HaCaT cells, and scratch-assays were performed as a model of wound healing to observe cell migration. Proliferation was evaluated by mitochondrial activity, total protein, and DNA content. Secretion of healing-associated cytokines was evaluated via cytokine arrays, and Western blot was applied to investigate signaling pathway alterations. Compared with the control group, the migration of cells exposed to EFs significantly increased (p < 0.01). After 7 days, the changes in proliferation also increased significantly (p < 0.05). The cytokine arrays revealed that granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) was the most abundant factor secreted by HaCaT following EF exposure. The signals for phospho-Erk1/2 showed a significant (p < 0.0001) increase following EF exposure. The results demonstrate that exposure of HaCaT cells to EFs has positive effects on migration, proliferation, and cytokine secretion—three important steps in wound healing—and these effects may be partially mediated by activation of the Erk1/2 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Lu
- Department of Hand-, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Trauma Clinic Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstr. 95, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (C.L.); (J.K.); (U.Č.); (A.D.)
| | - Jonas Kolbenschlag
- Department of Hand-, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Trauma Clinic Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstr. 95, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (C.L.); (J.K.); (U.Č.); (A.D.)
| | - Andreas K. Nüssler
- Siegfried Weller Research Institute, Department of Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Trauma Clinic Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstr. 95, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (A.K.N.); (S.E.)
| | - Sabrina Ehnert
- Siegfried Weller Research Institute, Department of Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Trauma Clinic Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstr. 95, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (A.K.N.); (S.E.)
| | - Colin D. McCaig
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK;
| | - Urška Čebron
- Department of Hand-, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Trauma Clinic Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstr. 95, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (C.L.); (J.K.); (U.Č.); (A.D.)
| | - Adrien Daigeler
- Department of Hand-, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Trauma Clinic Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstr. 95, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (C.L.); (J.K.); (U.Č.); (A.D.)
| | - Cosima Prahm
- Department of Hand-, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Trauma Clinic Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstr. 95, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (C.L.); (J.K.); (U.Č.); (A.D.)
- Correspondence:
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Milne J, Swift A, Smith J, Martin R. Electrical stimulation for pain reduction in hard-to-heal wound healing. J Wound Care 2021; 30:568-580. [PMID: 34256596 DOI: 10.12968/jowc.2021.30.7.568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite treatment advances over the past 30 years, the societal impact of hard-to-heal wounds is increasingly burdensome. An unresolved issue is wound pain, which can make many treatments, such as compression in venous leg ulcers, intolerable. The aim of this review is to present the evidence and stimulate thinking on the use of electrical stimulation devices as a treatment technology with the potential to reduce pain, improve adherence and thus hard-to-heal wound outcomes. METHOD A literature search was conducted for clinical studies up to August 2020 reporting the effects of electrical stimulation devices on wound pain. Devices evoking neuromuscular contraction or direct spinal cord stimulation were excluded. RESULTS A total of seven publications (three non-comparative and four randomised trials) were identified with four studies reporting a rapid (within 14 days) reduction in hard-to-heal wound pain. Electrical stimulation is more widely known for accelerated healing and is one of the most evidence-based technologies in wound management, supported by numerous in vitro molecular studies, five meta-analyses, six systematic reviews and 30 randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Despite this wealth of supportive evidence, electrical stimulation has not yet been adopted into everyday practice. Some features of electrical stimulation devices may have hampered adoption in the past. CONCLUSION As new, pocket-sized, portable devices allowing convenient patient treatment and better patient adherence become more widely available and studied in larger RCTs, the evidence to date suggests that electrical stimulation should be considered part of the treatment options to address the challenges of managing and treating painful hard-to-heal wounds.
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8
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Gallego-Sendarrubias GM, Arias-Buría JL, Úbeda-D’Ocasar E, Hervás-Pérez JP, Rubio-Palomino MA, Fernández-de-las-Peñas C, Valera-Calero JA. Effects of Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Countermovement Jump and Squat Performance Speed in Male Soccer Players: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10040690. [PMID: 33578911 PMCID: PMC7916648 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10040690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been suggested that Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS) can increase muscle strength. No previous study has investigated changes in performance in semiprofessional soccer players. This study compares the effects of adding two sessions of PENS to a training program versus the single training program over sport performance attributes (e.g., jump height and squat speed) in healthy soccer players. A cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted on twenty-three semiprofessional soccer players who were randomized into an experimental (PENS + training program) or control (single training program) group. The training program consisted of endurance and strength exercises separated by 15-min recovery period, three times/week. The experimental group received two single sessions of PENS one-week apart. Flight time and vertical jump height during the countermovement jump and squat performance speed were assessed before and after each session, and 30 days after the last session. Male soccer players receiving the PENS intervention before the training session experienced greater increases in the flight time, and therefore, in vertical jump height, after both sessions, but not one month after than those who did not receive the PENS intervention (F = 4.289, p = 0.003, η 2 p: 0.170). Similarly, soccer players receiving the PENS intervention experienced a greater increase in the squat performance speed after the second session, but not after the first session or one month after (F = 7.947, p < 0.001, η 2 p: 0.275). Adding two sessions of ultrasound-guided PENS before a training strength program improves countermovement jump and squat performance speed in soccer players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gracia María Gallego-Sendarrubias
- Department of Physical Therapy, Universidad Camilo José Cela, Villanueva de la Cañada, 28692 Madrid, Spain; (G.M.G.-S.); (E.Ú.-D.); (J.P.H.-P.)
| | - José Luis Arias-Buría
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain; (J.L.A.-B.); (C.F.-d.-l.-P.)
- Cátedra Institucional en Docencia, Clínica e Investigación en Fisioterapia, Terapia Manual, Punción Seca y Ejercicio Terapéutico, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Madrid, Spain
| | - Edurne Úbeda-D’Ocasar
- Department of Physical Therapy, Universidad Camilo José Cela, Villanueva de la Cañada, 28692 Madrid, Spain; (G.M.G.-S.); (E.Ú.-D.); (J.P.H.-P.)
| | - Juan Pablo Hervás-Pérez
- Department of Physical Therapy, Universidad Camilo José Cela, Villanueva de la Cañada, 28692 Madrid, Spain; (G.M.G.-S.); (E.Ú.-D.); (J.P.H.-P.)
| | | | - César Fernández-de-las-Peñas
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain; (J.L.A.-B.); (C.F.-d.-l.-P.)
- Cátedra Institucional en Docencia, Clínica e Investigación en Fisioterapia, Terapia Manual, Punción Seca y Ejercicio Terapéutico, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Valera-Calero
- Department of Physical Therapy, Universidad Camilo José Cela, Villanueva de la Cañada, 28692 Madrid, Spain; (G.M.G.-S.); (E.Ú.-D.); (J.P.H.-P.)
- Correspondence:
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McCaig CD. Epithelial Physiology, Ovarian Follicles, Nerve Growth Cones, Vibrating Probes, Wound Healing, and Cluster Headache: Staggering Steps on a Route Map to Bioelectricity. Bioelectricity 2020; 2:411-417. [DOI: 10.1089/bioe.2020.0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Colin D. McCaig
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland
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Hayes AJ, Melrose J. Electro‐Stimulation, a Promising Therapeutic Treatment Modality for Tissue Repair: Emerging Roles of Sulfated Glycosaminoglycans as Electro‐Regulatory Mediators of Intrinsic Repair Processes. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202000151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J. Hayes
- Bioimaging Research Hub Cardiff School of Biosciences Cardiff University Cardiff Wales CF10 3AX UK
| | - James Melrose
- Raymond Purves Bone and Joint Research Laboratory Kolling Institute Northern Sydney Local Health District Faculty of Medicine and Health University of Sydney Royal North Shore Hospital St. Leonards NSW 2065 Australia
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
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Percutaneous Application of Galvanic Current in Rodents Reverses Signs of Myofascial Trigger Points. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:4173218. [PMID: 32565858 PMCID: PMC7275229 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4173218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
An increase in the spontaneous release of acetylcholine (ACh) at the motor endplate is directly related to the generation of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). In this study, percutaneous electric fields were applied to an animal model of MTrPs with high levels of spontaneous ACh release. All experiments were performed on Swiss mice and Sprague Dawley rats. For evaluating the spontaneous neurotransmission, intracellular recordings were performed, and the frequency of miniature endplate potentials was evaluated. Electromyographic recordings were also conducted to evaluate the endplate noise. Finally, the number and strength of local twitch responses (LTR) were evaluated using ultrasound recordings. The protocols used for the electric currents were 0.4 mA for five seconds and four repetitions (protocol 1), 1.5 mA for five seconds and three repetitions (protocol 2), and 3 mA for three seconds and three repetitions (protocol 3). After a subcutaneous injection of neostigmine (NTG), a great increase was observed in the frequency of mEPPs, together with an elevated endplate noise. Protocols 2 and 3 were the most effective. Protocol 3 could completely reverse the action of NTG at both three hours and 24 hours, respectively. The application of percutaneous currents produced both an increase in the number (144%) and in the speed (230% faster) of LTR compared with dry needling. In conclusion, higher doses of electrical current are more effective for decreasing MTrPs findings in an animal model.
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Molsberger A, McCaig CD. Percutaneous Bioelectric Current Stimulation for Chronic Cluster Headache - A Possible Transformative Approach to Cluster Headache. J Pain Res 2020; 13:817-828. [PMID: 32425586 PMCID: PMC7186886 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s242093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cluster headache (CH) is considered to be a catastrophic disease presenting the most severe human pain condition. Available pharmacological treatments are hampered by unwanted side effects, and there is an urgent need for non-pharmacological treatment alternatives. We present a novel therapeutic approach for chronic CH, having evolved from an episodic CH, using a non-invasive percutaneous bioelectric current stimulation (PBCS), which generates static electric fields in the range of the naturally occurring electric potentials. Patients and Methods This study employed a retrospective data analysis of 20 cases of chronic cluster headache (CCH) patients, four of those having had cluster-related surgery (SPG, ONS). All patients were treated with PBCS between 2014 and 2018. Data of these patients were analyzed with respect to frequency of CH attacks and triptan application and followed up for one (20 cases) or two (12 cases) years. Results Four weeks after the first PBCS treatment, cluster headache attacks were reduced from 2.8 to 1.7 per day and triptan application decreased from 2.5 to 1.5 times/day. Six non-responders, 4 of which had pre-CH surgery, did not show any reaction to PBCS, while 14 responders improved within 4 weeks from 2.2 to 0.7 attacks/day and 2.0 to 0.4 triptan applications/day. A 50% or greater reduction of attack frequency was observed in 10 patients after 4 weeks and in 11 patients after 12 weeks. One year after the first treatment, 13/20 patients experienced a reduction of attack frequency of 50% or more, while remarkably 10 patients were completely free of attack. After 2 years, 8 of 12 patients experienced a reduction of attack frequency of 50% or more and 7 of those were completely symptom-free. No serious adverse effects were observed. Conclusion PBCS is a promising transformative treatment approach for CCH patients. Drug consumption was reduced significantly, and the CCH may revert back to an episodic cluster headache with increasingly long times of remission. Responders can be clearly differentiated from non-responders. The data support the need for randomized controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albrecht Molsberger
- Department of Orthopedics, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany, Clinic for Headache, Pain and Locomotive Disorders, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Colin D McCaig
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland
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13
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Performance of a glucose-reactive enzyme-based biofuel cell system for biomedical applications. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10872. [PMID: 31350441 PMCID: PMC6659637 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47392-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
A glucose-reactive enzyme-based biofuel cell system (EBFC) was recently introduced in the scientific community for biomedical applications, such as implantable artificial organs and biosensors for drug delivery. Upon direct contact with tissues or organs, an implanted EBFC can exert effects that damage or stimulate intact tissue due to its byproducts or generated electrical cues, which have not been investigated in detail. Here, we perform a fundamental cell culture study using a glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) as an anode enzyme and bilirubin oxidase (BOD) as a cathode enzyme. The fabricated EBFC had power densities of 15.26 to 38.33 nW/cm2 depending on the enzyme concentration in media supplemented with 25 mM glucose. Despite the low power density, the GDH-based EBFC showed increases in cell viability (~150%) and cell migration (~90%) with a relatively low inflammatory response. However, glucose oxidase (GOD), which has been used as an EBFC anode enzyme, revealed extreme cytotoxicity (~10%) due to the lethal concentration of H2O2 byproducts (~1500 µM). Therefore, with its cytocompatibility and cell-stimulating effects, the GDH-based EBFC is considered a promising implantable tool for generating electricity for biomedical applications. Finally, the GDH-based EBFC can be used for introducing electricity during cell culture and the fabrication of organs on a chip and a power source for implantable devices such as biosensors, biopatches, and artificial organs.
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Aplin FP, Fridman GY. Implantable Direct Current Neural Modulation: Theory, Feasibility, and Efficacy. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:379. [PMID: 31057361 PMCID: PMC6482222 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Implantable neuroprostheses such as cochlear implants, deep brain stimulators, spinal cord stimulators, and retinal implants use charge-balanced alternating current (AC) pulses to recover delivered charge and thus mitigate toxicity from electrochemical reactions occurring at the metal-tissue interface. At low pulse rates, these short duration pulses have the effect of evoking spikes in neural tissue in a phase-locked fashion. When the therapeutic goal is to suppress neural activity, implants typically work indirectly by delivering excitation to populations of neurons that then inhibit the target neurons, or by delivering very high pulse rates that suffer from a number of undesirable side effects. Direct current (DC) neural modulation is an alternative methodology that can directly modulate extracellular membrane potential. This neuromodulation paradigm can excite or inhibit neurons in a graded fashion while maintaining their stochastic firing patterns. DC can also sensitize or desensitize neurons to input. When applied to a population of neurons, DC can modulate synaptic connectivity. Because DC delivered to metal electrodes inherently violates safe charge injection criteria, its use has not been explored for practical applicability of DC-based neural implants. Recently, several new technologies and strategies have been proposed that address this safety criteria and deliver ionic-based direct current (iDC). This, along with the increased understanding of the mechanisms behind the transcutaneous DC-based modulation of neural targets, has caused a resurgence of interest in the interaction between iDC and neural tissue both in the central and the peripheral nervous system. In this review we assess the feasibility of in-vivo iDC delivery as a form of neural modulation. We present the current understanding of DC/neural interaction. We explore the different design methodologies and technologies that attempt to safely deliver iDC to neural tissue and assess the scope of application for direct current modulation as a form of neuroprosthetic treatment in disease. Finally, we examine the safety implications of long duration iDC delivery. We conclude that DC-based neural implants are a promising new modulation technology that could benefit from further chronic safety assessments and a better understanding of the basic biological and biophysical mechanisms that underpin DC-mediated neural modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix P Aplin
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Gene Y Fridman
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Zhang PX, Han N, Kou YH, Zhu QT, Liu XL, Quan DP, Chen JG, Jiang BG. Tissue engineering for the repair of peripheral nerve injury. Neural Regen Res 2019; 14:51-58. [PMID: 30531070 PMCID: PMC6263012 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.243701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injury is a common clinical problem and affects the quality of life of patients. Traditional restoration methods are not satisfactory. Researchers increasingly focus on the field of tissue engineering. The three key points in establishing a tissue engineering material are the biological scaffold material, the seed cells and various growth factors. Understanding the type of nerve injury, the construction of scaffold and the process of repair are necessary to solve peripheral nerve injury and promote its regeneration. This review describes the categories of peripheral nerve injury, fundamental research of peripheral nervous tissue engineering and clinical research on peripheral nerve scaffold material, and paves a way for related research and the use of conduits in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Na Han
- Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Hui Kou
- Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qing-Tang Zhu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Da-Ping Quan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jian-Guo Chen
- School of Life Science, Peking University, Beijing, China
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