Portable instrument for in-vivo infrared oxymetry using spread-spectrum modulation

Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) can be employed to monitor noninvasively and continuously local changes in hemodynamics and oxygenation of human tissues. A portable NIRS research-grade acquisition system, dedicated to measurements during muscular exercise, is presented. The instrument is able to control up to eight LED sources and two detectors. A digital correlation technique, implemented on a single-chip RISC microcontroller, performs source-to-detector multiplexing. Such algorithm is highly optimized for computational efficiency and ambient noise rejection. Software-configurable input stages allow for flexibility in instrument setup. As a result of the specific correlation technique employed, the instrument is compact, lightweight and efficient. Clinical tests on oxygen consumption show excellent performance

Portable instrument for in-vivo infrared oxymetry using spread-spectrum modulation

Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) can be employed to monitor noninvasively and continuously local changes in hemodynamics and oxygenation of human tissues. A portable NIRS research-grade acquisition system, dedicated to measurements during muscular exercise, is presented. The instrument is able to control up to eight LED sources and two detectors. A digital correlation technique, implemented on a single-chip RISC microcontroller, performs source-to-detector multiplexing. Such algorithm is highly optimized for computational efficiency and ambient noise rejection. Software-configurable input stages allow for flexibility in instrument setup. As a result of the specific correlation technique employed, the instrument is compact, lightweight and efficient. Clinical tests on oxygen consumption show excellent performance

Optimizing real time fMRI neurofeedback for therapeutic discovery and development

While reducing the burden of brain disorders remains a top priority of organizations like the World Health Organization and National Institutes of Health, the development of novel, safe and effective treatments for brain disorders has been slow. In this paper, we describe the state of the science for an emerging technology, real time functional magnetic resonance imaging (rtfMRI) neurofeedback, in clinical neurotherapeutics. We review the scientific potential of rtfMRI and outline research strategies to optimize the development and application of rtfMRI neurofeedback as a next generation therapeutic tool. We propose that rtfMRI can be used to address a broad range of clinical problems by improving our understanding of brain–behavior relationships in order to develop more specific and effective interventions for individuals with brain disorders. We focus on the use of rtfMRI neurofeedback as a clinical neurotherapeutic tool to drive plasticity in brain function, cognition, and behavior. Our overall goal is for rtfMRI to advance personalized assessment and intervention approaches to enhance resilience and reduce morbidity by correcting maladaptive patterns of brain function in those with brain disorders

Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Serpulina hyodysenteriae

Summary The macrobroth dilution technique was used to test the in-vitro effectiveness of 4 commonly used antimicrobial agents against 23 Australian isolates and 7 overseas strains of Serpulina hyodysenteriae. Minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations were determined. The growth of 90% of isolates was inhibited by dimetridazole at a concentration of 4 μg/mL, and by tiamulin at 8 μg/mL Australian isolates resistant to both antimicrobial agents were identified. Lincomycin was less effective than these antimicrobial agents, with 90% of isolates requiring a concentration of 128 μg/mL for inhibition of growth, and 54% being susceptible at 64 μg/mL. Tylosin did not prevent the growth of the majority of S hyodysenteriae isolates tested, and 90% were resistant to concentrations of 128 μg/mL. Resistant isolates came from different geographical areas. Resistance was not related to overall genetic background of the spirochaetes, and was not correlated with the presence of plasmids or the serogroup of the isolates

A randomized trial of inhaled levodopa (CVT-301) for motor fluctuations in Parkinson's disease

Although levodopa is the most effective oral PD therapy, many patients experience motor fluctuations, including sudden loss of dose effect and delayed benefit. CVT-301 is a levodopa inhalation powder with the potential for rapid onset of action. The objective of this study was to evaluate CVT-301 self-administered by PD patients to relieve OFF episodes.PD patients with ≥2 hours per day of OFF time despite oral levodopa ≥4 times per day were randomized to CVT-301 or placebo for 4 weeks, to be used up to 3 times per day for OFF episodes. After 2 weeks, the study-drug dose was escalated from 35 to 50 mg. The primary end point was mean change in UPDRS Part III score from a predose OFF state to the average of postdose scores obtained at 10, 20, 30, and 60 minutes, as assessed in-clinic at the end of week 4. Home diaries were recorded.Eighty-six patients used the study drug at an average frequency of 2.1 times per day for CVT-301 and for placebo. At 4 weeks, least-squares mean change in UPDRS Part III score favored CVT-301 by 7.0 points (P < 0.001). A treatment effect was evident at 10 minutes. At 4 weeks, least-squares mean OFF-time change from baseline favored CVT-301 by 0.9 hours per day (P = 0.045). The most frequently reported adverse events in the CVT-301 group were dizziness, cough, and nausea, each in 7% (3 of 43 patients).CVT-301 self-administered during OFF episodes provided rapid improvement of motor function, and daily OFF time was significantly reduced at the higher dose. CVT-301 was generally safe and well-tolerated