Development of a phantom to modulate the maternal and fetal pulse curve for pulse oximetry measurements

For getting reliable information about the state of health from the fetus and the mother during labor and delivery, a fetal pulse oximeter is being developed. This paper describes the development of a special phantom to verify the algorithms for separating the weak fetal from the dominant maternal optical signal. To reach a realistic behavior it is necessary for two circulations to be controlled independently. Inspired by the natural blood circulation behavior, a RC-System with fixed resistance and capacity was created. Pumping a liquid with a roller pump into the tubes widens them. The digital signal processor (DSP) controls the expansion of the tube diameter by modifying the rotation velocity of the pump for active regulation. Therefore a soft and good enlargeable material was used. The measured values of the pressure sensor enabled active feedback for motor control The determined system characteristics are used to adapt the given pulse curve to the real system behavior. Via a LabView interface it is possible to change curve parameters like amplitude and frequency. The goal was to replicate the pulsation of the blood vessels like in the abdomen of a pregnant woman. Changing the parameters influences the modulation of the signal under consideration of the transfer function. With this phantom it is possible to simulate different scenarios, for example different states of pregnancy or pathogen indications

Gut microbiota metabolism of dietary fiber influences allergic airway disease and hematopoiesis.

Metabolites from intestinal microbiota are key determinants of host-microbe mutualism and, consequently, the health or disease of the intestinal tract. However, whether such host-microbe crosstalk influences inflammation in peripheral tissues, such as the lung, is poorly understood. We found that dietary fermentable fiber content changed the composition of the gut and lung microbiota, in particular by altering the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes. The gut microbiota metabolized the fiber, consequently increasing the concentration of circulating short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Mice fed a high-fiber diet had increased circulating levels of SCFAs and were protected against allergic inflammation in the lung, whereas a low-fiber diet decreased levels of SCFAs and increased allergic airway disease. Treatment of mice with the SCFA propionate led to alterations in bone marrow hematopoiesis that were characterized by enhanced generation of macrophage and dendritic cell (DC) precursors and subsequent seeding of the lungs by DCs with high phagocytic capacity but an impaired ability to promote T helper type 2 (TH2) cell effector function. The effects of propionate on allergic inflammation were dependent on G protein-coupled receptor 41 (GPR41, also called free fatty acid receptor 3 or FFAR3), but not GPR43 (also called free fatty acid receptor 2 or FFAR2). Our results show that dietary fermentable fiber and SCFAs can shape the immunological environment in the lung and influence the severity of allergic inflammation

Unravelling the Neural Basis of Spatial Delusions After Stroke

International audienc

Brainhack: developing a culture of open, inclusive, community-driven neuroscience

Brainhack is an innovative meeting format that promotes scientific collaboration and education in an open and inclusive environment. Departing from the formats of typical scientific workshops, these events are based on grassroots projects and training, and foster open and reproducible scientific practices. We describe here the multifaceted, lasting benefits of Brainhacks for individual participants, particularly early career researchers. We further highlight the unique contributions that Brainhacks can make to the research community, contributing to scientific progress by complementing opportunities available in conventional formats

Brainhack: Developing a culture of open, inclusive, community-driven neuroscience

Brainhack is an innovative meeting format that promotes scientific collaboration and education in an open, inclusive environment. This NeuroView describes the myriad benefits for participants and the research community and how Brainhacks complement conventional formats to augment scientific progress