Mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) life development: morphological, physiological, behavioral and molecular phenotypes.

BackgroundMahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) is a commercially and ecologically important fish species that is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical waters. Biological attributes and reproductive capacities of mahi-mahi make it a tractable model for experimental studies. In this study, life development of cultured mahi-mahi from the zygote stage to adult has been described.ResultsA comprehensive developmental table has been created reporting development as primarily detailed observations of morphology. Additionally, physiological, behavioral, and molecular landmarks have been described to significantly contribute in the understanding of mahi life development.ConclusionRemarkably, despite the vast difference in adult size, many developmental landmarks of mahi map quite closely onto the development and growth of Zebrafish and other warm-water, active Teleost fishes

Actively controlled release of Dexamethasone from neural microelectrodes in a chronic in vivo study

Stable interconnection to neurons in vivo over long time-periods is critical for the success of future advanced neuroelectronic applications. The inevitable foreign body reaction towards implanted materials challenges the stability and an active intervention strategy would be desirable to treat inflammation locally. Here, we investigate whether controlled release of the anti-inflammatory drug Dexamethasone from flexible neural microelectrodes in the rat hippocampus has an impact on probe-tissue integration over 12 weeks of implantation. The drug was stored in a conducting polymer coating (PEDOT/Dex), selectively deposited on the electrode sites of neural probes, and released on weekly basis by applying a cyclic voltammetry signal in three electrode configuration in fully awake animals. Dex-functionalized probes provided stable recordings and impedance characteristics over the entire chronic study. Histological evaluation after 12 weeks of implantation revealed an overall low degree of inflammation around all flexible probes whereas electrodes exposed to active drug release protocols did have neurons closer to the electrode sites compared to controls. The combination of flexible probe technology with anti-inflammatory coatings accordingly offers a promising approach for enabling long-term stable neural interfaces

Transverse intrafascicular multichannel electrode (TIME) system for treatment of phantom limb pain in amputees

International audienceAIM: Phantom limb pain (PLP) develops in the lost limb in 50-80% of amputees. Today, it is not completely understood why the pain occurs, and no effective treatments are available. The favorable effect of electrical stimulation on PLP has been demonstrated. Our aim is to develop a novel system for manipulation of sensations by application of multi-channel microstimulation to the nerve stump of an amputee and explore this method as a treatment for clinched fist PLP (see figure). RESULTS: 1) Electrode design. Non-corrugated TIME electrodes with different dimensions and 8-12 active sites have been manufactued and tested in vivo and in vitro testing in the rat and pig. Methods for corrugated prototypes were developed and the first prototypes were realized. 2) Electrode selectivity modeling. A peripheral nerve model is under development to evaluate the electrode's selective stimulation properties and to optimize electrode design. Simulated currents and neural activity generated were qualitatively assessed using experimental data obtained from rat nerves. 3) Implant modeling. To optimize the implantation procedure, a theoretical peripheral nervous tissue model and a 3D FEM was implemented. Both models closely reproduce the experimental peripheral nervous tissue behaviour and simulate the insertion forces transmitted to the electrode during implantation. 4) Multi-channel stimulators and connectors. A 12-pole prototype, bench-top stimulator has been implemented and successfully tested in animal experiments. A high-count, implantable connector between stimulator and electrode has been designed. 5) Biocompatibility. Electrode materials were evaluated and did not induce immune rejection and significant inflammatory reaction after in vivo implantation in the rat. Electrode implantation will require an understanding of the fascicular characteristics of the target nerve. Morphological characteristics of the rat, pig and human nerves are currently evaluated and compared. 6) Animal testing. First TIME electrodes test were carried out in the acute rat and acute pig. Results indicated selective stimulation of different fascicles with graded recruitment. 7) Clinical evaluation: To quantify the location of artificially evoked sensations and evaluate the strength of artificially evoked sensations a psychophysical testing platform is under development. Main inclusion criteria for patient recruitment have been identified and protocols have been defined. CONCLUSION: The feasibility of the corrugated version of the TIME electrode has yet to be explored. Further work designing, optimizing and testing the TIME electrode and all technological developments will be carried out including theoretical stimulations and animal experimental work before the optimal electrode for human implant will be chosen

Developing Next-generation Brain Sensing Technologies - A Review.

Advances in sensing technology raise the possibility of creating neural interfaces that can more effectively restore or repair neural function and reveal fundamental properties of neural information processing. To realize the potential of these bioelectronic devices, it is necessary to understand the capabilities of emerging technologies and identify the best strategies to translate these technologies into products and therapies that will improve the lives of patients with neurological and other disorders. Here we discuss emerging technologies for sensing brain activity, anticipated challenges for translation, and perspectives for how to best transition these technologies from academic research labs to useful products for neuroscience researchers and human patients

Isotopic, geophysical and biogeochemical investigation of submarine groundwater discharge : IAEA-UNESCO intercomparison exercise at Mauritius Island

Author Posting. © The Author(s), 2011. This is the author's version of the work. It is posted here by permission of Elsevier B.V. for personal use, not for redistribution. The definitive version was published in Journal of Environmental Radioactivity 104 (2012): 24-45, doi:10.1016/j.jenvrad.2011.09.009.Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) into a shallow lagoon on the west coast of Mauritius Island (Flic-en-Flac) was investigated using radioactive (3H, 222Rn, 223Ra, 224Ra, 226Ra, 228Ra) and stable (2H, 18O) isotopes and nutrients. SGD intercomparison exercises were carried out to validate the various approaches used to measure SGD including radium and radon measurements, seepage-rate measurements using manual and automated meters, sediment bulk conductivity and salinity surveys. SGD measurements using benthic chambers placed on the floor of the Flic-en-Flac Lagoon showed discharge rates up to 500 cm/day. Large variability in SGD was observed over distances of a few meters, which were attributed to different geomorphological features. Deployments of automated seepage meters captured the spatial and temporal variability of SGD with a mean seepage rate of 10 cm/day. The stable isotopic composition of submarine waters was characterized by significant variability and heavy isotope enrichment and was used to predict the contribution of fresh terrestrially derived groundwater to SGD (range from a few % to almost 100 %). The integrated SGD flux, estimated from seepage meters placed parallel to the shoreline, was 35 m3/m day, which was in a reasonable agreement with results obtained from hydrologic water balance calculation (26 m3/m day). SGD calculated from the radon inventory method using in situ radon measurements were between 5 and 56 m3/m per day. Low concentrations of radium isotopes observed in the lagoon water reflected the low abundance of U and Th in the basalt that makes up the island. High SGD rates contribute to high nutrients loading to the lagoon, potentially leading to eutrophication. Each of the applied methods yielded unique information about the character and magnitude of SGD. The results of the intercomparison studies have resulted a better understanding of groundwater-seawater interactions in coastal regions. Such information is an important pre-requisite for the protection management of coastal freshwater resources.The financial support provided by the IOC and IHP of UNESCO for travel arrangements, and by the IAEA’s Marine Environment Laboratories for logistics is highly acknowledged. MAC and MEG were supported in part by the US National Science Foundation (OCE-0425061 and OCE-0751525). PPP acknowledges a support provided by the EU Research & Development Operational Program funded by the ERDF (project No. 26240220004), and the Slovak Scientific Agency VEGA (grant No. 1/108/08). The International Atomic Energy Agency is grateful to the Government of the Principality of Monaco for support provided to its Marine Environment Laboratories