(1) Background: This study evaluates the effectiveness of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (LF-rTMS) in improving gait in post-stroke hemiplegic patients, using wearable ...sensor technology for objective gait analysis. (2) Methods: A total of 72 stroke patients were randomized into control, sham stimulation, and LF-rTMS groups, with all receiving standard medical treatment. The LF-rTMS group underwent stimulation on the unaffected hemisphere for 6 weeks. Key metrics including the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Lower Extremity (FMA-LE), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), and gait parameters were measured before and after treatment. (3) Results: The LF-rTMS group showed significant improvements in the FMA-LE, BBS, MBI, and various gait parameters compared to the control and sham groups (
< 0.05). Specifically, the FMA-LE scores improved by an average of 5 points (from 15 ± 3 to 20 ± 2), the BBS scores increased by 8 points (from 35 ± 5 to 43 ± 4), the MBI scores rose by 10 points (from 50 ± 8 to 60 ± 7), and notable enhancements in gait parameters were observed: the gait cycle time was reduced from 2.05 ± 0.51 s to 1.02 ± 0.11 s, the stride length increased from 0.56 ± 0.04 m to 0.97 ± 0.08 m, and the walking speed improved from 35.95 ± 7.14 cm/s to 75.03 ± 11.36 cm/s (all
< 0.001). No adverse events were reported. The control and sham groups exhibited improvements but were not as significant. (4) Conclusions: LF-rTMS on the unaffected hemisphere significantly enhances lower-limb function, balance, and daily living activities in subacute stroke patients, with the gait parameters showing a notable improvement. Wearable sensor technology proves effective in providing detailed, objective gait analysis, offering valuable insights for clinical applications in stroke rehabilitation.
Wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) offers a feasible noninvasive way to detect the whole gastrointestinal (GI) tract and revolutionizes the diagnosis technology. However, compared with wired ...endoscopies, the limited working time, the low frame rate, and the low image resolution limit the wider application. The progress of this new technology is reviewed in this paper, and the evolution tendencies are analyzed to be high image resolution, high frame rate, and long working time. Unfortunately, the power supply of capsule endoscope (CE) is the bottleneck. Wireless power transmission (WPT) is the promising solution to this problem, but is also the technical challenge. Active CE is another tendency and will be the next geneion of the WCE. Nevertheless, it will not come true shortly, unless the practical locomotion mechanism of the active CE in GI tract is achieved. The locomotion mechanism is the other technical challenge, besides the challenge of WPT. The progress about the WPT and the active capsule technology is reviewed.
Melanin is a biological pigment formed by indoles and phenolic compounds. It is widely found in living organisms and has a variety of unique properties. Due to its diverse characteristics and good ...biocompatibility, melanin has become the focus in the fields of biomedicine, agriculture, the food industry, etc. However, due to the wide range of melanin sources, complex polymerization properties, and low solubility of specific solvents, the specific macromolecular structure and polymerization mechanism of melanin remain unclear, which significantly limits the further study and application of melanin. Its synthesis and degradation pathways are also controversial. In addition, new properties and applications of melanin are constantly being discovered. In this review, we focus on the recent advances in the research of melanin in all aspects. Firstly, the classification, source, and degradation of melanin are summarized. Secondly, a detailed description of the structure, characterization, and properties of melanin is followed. The novel biological activity of melanin and its application is described at the end.
The “shuttle effect” of soluble polysulfides and slow reaction kinetics hinder the practical application of Li–S batteries. Transition metal oxides are promising mediators to alleviate these ...problems, but the poor electrical conductivity limits their further development. Herein, the homogeneous CoNiO2/Co4N nanowires have been fabricated and employed as additive of graphene based sulfur cathode. Through optimizing the nitriding degree, the continuous heterostructure interface can be obtained, accompanied by effective adjustment of energy band structure. By combining the strong adsorptive and catalytic properties of CoNiO2 and electrical conductivity of Co4N, the in situ formed CoNiO2/Co4N heterostructure reveals a synergistic enhancement effect. Theoretical calculation and experimental design show that it can not only significantly inhibit “shuttle effect” through chemisorption and catalytic conversion of polysulfides, but also improve the transport rate of ions and electrons. Thus, the graphene composite sulfur cathode supported by these CoNiO2/Co4N nanowires exhibits improved sulfur species reaction kinetics. The corresponding cell provides a high rate capacity of 688 mAh g−1 at 4 C with an ultralow decaying rate of ≈0.07% per cycle over 600 cycles. The design of heterostructure nanowires and graphene composite structure provides an advanced strategy for the rapid capture–diffusion–conversion process of polysulfides.
Uniform CoNiO2/Co4N heterostructure nanowires are prepared by a controlled hydrothermal and nitriding process. The in situ heterostructure with the continuous interface combine the strong polysulfide adsorption of CoNiO2 and the high electrical conductivity of Co4N. It not only effectively alleviates the “shuttle effect”, but also greatly improves the reaction dynamics of the battery.
Herein, a variable switching frequency pulse width (VSFPWM) modulation strategy for quasi‐Z‐source inverter (qZSI) based on a recently proposed modulation method, named as ZSVM8, is proposed. The ...formulae of quasi‐Z‐source inverter inductor current ripple of ZSVM8 are deduced in detail, and a prediction model for the current ripple is obtained. Combining with the VSFPWM technique, an improved modulation method named ZSVM8 VSFPWM is proposed to further reduce the switching times without increasing the maximum inductor current ripple. As a result, the switching losses can be reduced compared with the conventional ZSVM8. Besides, ZSVM8 VSFPWM also suppresses electromagnetic interference noise, such as current EMI and common‐mode voltage. Simulations and hardware experimental results are implemented to verify the efficacies of the proposed modulation method.
In this paper, a variable switching frequency pulse width (VSFPWM) modulation strategy for quasi‐Z‐source inverter (qZSI) based on a recently proposed modulation method, named as ZSVM8, is proposed. The formulae of quasi‐Z‐source inverter inductor current ripple of ZSVM8 are deduced in detail, and a prediction model for the current ripple is obtained. Combing with the VSFPWM technique, an improved modulation method named ZSVM8 VSFPWM is proposed to further reduce the switching times without increasing the maximum inductor current ripple. As a result, the switching losses can be reduced compared with the conventional ZSVM8. Besides, ZSVM8 VSFPWM also suppresses electromagnetic interference noise, such as current EMI and common‐mode voltage. Simulations and hardware experimental results are implemented to verify the efficacies of the proposed modulation method.
Coaxial fiber-shaped supercapacitors with short charge carrier diffusion paths are highly desirable as high-performance energy storage devices for wearable electronics. However, the traditional ...approaches based on the multistep fabrication processes for constructing the fiber-shaped energy device still encounter persistent restrictions in fabrication procedure, scalability, and mechanical durability. To overcome this critical challenge, an all-in-one coaxial fiber-shaped asymmetric supercapacitor (FASC) device is realized by a direct coherent multi-ink writing three-dimensional printing technology via designing the internal structure of the coaxial needles and regulating the rheological property and the feed rates of the multi-ink. Benefitting from the compact coaxial structure, the FASC device delivers a superior areal energy/power density at a high mass loading, and outstanding mechanical stability. As a conceptual exhibition for system integration, the FASC device is integrated with mechanical units and pressure sensor to realize high-performance self-powered mechanical devices and monitoring systems, respectively.
This review provides an in-depth exploration of the mechanisms and applications of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) in treating disorders of consciousness (DOC). Beginning ...with an exploration of the vagus nerve's role in modulating brain function and consciousness, we then delve into the neuroprotective potential of taVNS demonstrated in animal models. The subsequent sections assess the therapeutic impact of taVNS on human DOC, discussing the safety, tolerability, and various factors influencing the treatment response. Finally, the review identifies the current challenges in taVNS research and outlines future directions, emphasizing the need for large-scale trials, optimization of treatment parameters, and comprehensive investigation of taVNS's long-term effects and underlying mechanisms. This comprehensive overview positions taVNS as a promising and safe modality for DOC treatment, with a focus on understanding its intricate neurophysiological influence and optimizing its application in clinical settings.
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) emerges as a promising neuromodulatory technique. However, taVNS uses left ear stimulation in stroke survivors with either left or right ...hemiparesis. Understanding its influence on the cortical responses is pivotal for optimizing post-stroke rehabilitation protocols.
The primary objective of this study was to elucidate the influence of taVNS on cortical responses in stroke patients presenting with either left or right hemiparesis and to discern its potential ramifications for upper limb rehabilitative processes.
We employed functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to ascertain patterns of cerebral activation in stroke patients as they engaged in a "block transfer" task. Additionally, the Lateralization Index (LI) was utilized to quantify the lateralization dynamics of cerebral functions.
In patients exhibiting left-side hemiplegia, there was a notable increase in activation within the pre-motor and supplementary motor cortex (PMC-SMC) of the unaffected hemisphere as well as in the left Broca area. Conversely, those with right-side hemiplegia displayed heightened activation in the affected primary somatosensory cortex (PSC) region following treatment.Significantly, taVNS markedly amplified cerebral activation, with a pronounced impact on the left motor cortical network across both cohorts. Intriguingly, the LI showcased consistency, suggesting a harmonized enhancement across both compromised and uncompromised cerebral regions.
TaVNS can significantly bolster the activation within compromised cerebral territories, particularly within the left motor cortical domain, without destabilizing cerebral lateralization. TaVNS could play a pivotal role in enhancing upper limb functional restoration post-stroke through precise neuromodulatory and neuroplastic interventions.
Abstract
The industrial anthropogenic emissions of the greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide (CO
2
) have surged over the past century. The unconscious emission of carbon dioxide into the environment leads ...to the greenhouse effect and causes global warming. The cement industry is regarded as one of the major sources of carbon dioxide emissions recently, numerous companies decide to construct relevant installations for mitigating the severe pollution caused by CO
2
. HeidelbergCement, a multinational building materials company, is also conscious of the issue and concentrates on the capture, usage, and storage of CO
2
(CCUS). Apart from the direct use, the captured CO
2
has the possibility to become a promising business. In the paper, one of the technologies that convert CO
2
into methanol by hydrogenation is presented and simulated with the program named Aspen Plus. The improvements based on the purer output and energy saving on the initial simulation were accomplished. After purifying the solution, there is a rise in the concentration of CH3OH from 96.0%wt to 99.97%wt, which is an exceptionally high level that could be employed for spectroscopic or semiconductor applications. This paper may offer some references for the future studies of CCUS.
Improving the degree of vascularization through the regulation of wound microenvironment is crucial for wound repair. Gene activated matrix (GAM) technology provides a new approach for skin ...regeneration. It is a local gene delivery system that can not only maintain a moist environment, but also increase the concentration of local active factors. For this purpose, we fabricated the mVEGF165/TGF-β1 gene-loaded N-carboxymethyl chitosan/sodium alginate hydrogel and studied its effect on promoting deep second degree burn wound repair. The average diameter of the hydrogel pores was 100 μm and the porosity was calculated as 50.9%. SEM and CLSM images showed that the hydrogel was suitable for cell adhesion and growth. The NS-GAM could maintain continuous expression for at least 9 days in vitro, showing long-term gene release and expression effect. Deep second-degree burn wound model was made on the backs of Wistar rats to evaluate the healing effect. The wounds were healed by day 22 in NS-GAM group with the prolonged high expression of VEGF and TGF-β1 protein. A high degree of neovascularization and high expression level of CD34 were observed in NS-GAM group in 21 days. The histological results showed that NS-GAM had good tissue safety and could effectively promote epithelialization and collagen regeneration. These results indicated that the NS-GAM could be applied as a promising local gene delivery system for the repair of deep second-degree burn wounds.
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•The plasmids loaded in NS-GAM can achieve efficient gene delivery and expression in vitro and in vivo.•The NS-GAM showed long-term controlled release function of the plasmids.•The NS-GAM played a significant effect on neovascularization by means of gene delivery.•The NS-GAM could achieve efficient in situ repair on deep second degree burn wounds.
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