Improved Fabrication and Quality Control of Substrate Integrated Microelectrode Arrays

Spontaneously active monolayer neuronal networks cultured on photoetched multimicroelectrode plates (MMEPs) offer great potential for use in studying neuronal networks. However, there are many problems associated with frequent, long-term use of MMEPs. The major problems include (1) polysiloxane insulation deterioration and breakdown, (2) and loss of gold at the gold electroplated indium-tin oxide (ITO) electrodes. The objective of this investigation was to correct these major problems. Quality control measures were employed to monitor MMEP fabrication variables. The phenotypes of polysiloxane degradation were identified and classified. Factors that were found to contribute most to insulation deterioration were (1) moisture contamination during MMEP insulation, (2) loss of the quartz barrier layer from excessive exposure to basic solutions, and (3) repetitive use in culture. As a result, the insulation equipment and methods were modified to control moisture-dependent insulation deterioration, and the KOH reprocessing solution was replaced with tetramethylguanidine to prevent damage to the quartz. The problems associated with gold electroplating were solved via the addition of a pulsed-DC application of gold in a new citrate buffered electroplating solution

Plasma in Cancer Treatment

In the last decade, research on cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has significantly advanced our understanding of the effect of CAP on cancer cells and their potential for cancer treatment. This effect is due to the reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) created by plasma. This has been demonstrated for different cancer cell lines and the first clinical trials showed promising results. In addition, plasma could be combined with other treatments—such as immunotherapy—to boost its anticancer activity. The addition of new research tools to study the response of cancer cells to CAP—such as 3D in vitro, in ovo, and in vivo models and in silico approaches—as well as the use of -OMICS technologies could aid in unravelling the underlying mechanisms of CAP in cancer treatment. In order to progress towards widespread clinical application of CAP, an integrated study of the multidimensional effect of CAP in cancer treatment is essential. In this book, reviews and original research papers are published that provide new insights into the mechanisms of cold atmospheric plasma in cancer treatment, based on in vitro and in vivo experiments, clinical studies, as well as computer modeling

Embedded electronics for intelligent structures

Thesis (M.S.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1991.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 152-156).by David J. Warkentin.M.S

From Benchtop to Beside: Patient-specific Outcomes Explained by Invitro Experiment

Study: Recent analyses show that females have higher early postoperative (PO) mortality and right ventricular failure (RVF) than males after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation; and that this association is partially mediated by smaller LV size in females. Benchtop experiments allow us to investigate patient-specific (PS) characteristics in a reproducible way given the fact that the PS anatomy and physiology is mimicked accurately. With multiple heart models of varying LV size, we can directly study the individual effects of titrating the LVAD speed and the resulting bi-ventricular volumes, shedding light on the interplay between LV and RV as well as resulting inter-ventricular septum (IVS) positions, which may cause the different outcomes pertaining to sex. Methods: In vitro, we studied the impact of the heart size to IVS position using two smaller and two larger sized PS silicone heart phantoms derived from clinical CT images (Fig. 1A). With ultrasound crystals that were integrated on a placeholder inflow cannula, the IVS position was measured during LV and RV volume changes (dV) mimicking varying ventricular loading states (Fig. 1B). Figure 1 A Two small (blue) and two large PS heart phantoms (orange) on B benchtop. C Median septum curvature results. LVEDD/LVV/RVV: LV enddiastolic diameter/LV and RV volume. Results: Going from small to large dV, at zero curvature, the septum starts to shift towards the left; for smaller hearts at dV = -40 mL and for larger hearts at dV = -50 mL (Fig. 1C). This result indicates that smaller hearts are more prone to an IVS shift to the left than larger hearts. We conclude that smaller LV size may therefore mediate increased early PO LVAD mortality and RVF observed in females compared to males. Novel 3D silicone printing technology enables us to study accurate, PS heart models across a heterogeneous patient population. PS relationships can be studied simultaneously to clinical assessments and support the decision-making prior to LVAD implantation

Oncologic Thermoradiotherapy: Need for Evidence, Harmonisation, and Innovation

The road of acceptance of oncologic thermotherapy/hyperthermia as a synergistic modality in combination with standard oncologic therapies is still bumpy. This is partially due to the lack of level I evidence from international, multicentric, randomized clinical trials including large patient numbers and a long term follow-up. Therefore we need more level I EVIDENCE from clinical trials, we need HARMONISATION and global acceptance for existing technologies and a common language understood by all stakeholders and we need INNOVATION in the fields of biology, clinics and technology to move thermotherapy/hyperthermia forward. This is the main focus of this reprint. In this reprintyou find carefully selected and peer-reviewed contributions from Africa, America, Asia, and Europe. The published papers from leading scientists from all over the world covering a broad range of timely research topics might also help to strengthen thermotherapy on a global level

Salmonella

This Special Issue “Applications of Stable Isotopes and Tritium in Hydrology” addresses the current state-of-the-art applications of stable isotopes and tritium in studies of hydrological process and the whole water cycle. The six scientific papers belonging to this SI show a wide variety of isotope applications in various studies performed locally or regionally, but the conclusions obtained may be valid worldwide. Precipitation, groundwater, and surface waters belong to classical water bodies, while evapotranspiration, effects of farming, and drip water in karst caves seldom present applications of water isotopes