Ultra Compact Nanoporous Platinum Coating Improves Neural Recording

Neural electrodes are key tools for achieving a successful brain-computer interface and the electrodes should be small to minimize damage to neural tissue and obtain good spatial selectivity such as single unit recording. Here we show conventional platinum/tungsten neural probes can be coated with nanoporous Pt. Thanks to nanoporous Pt with the extremely small and uniform pores, L-2-ePt, the electrode impedance could be reduced by more than 2 orders of magnitude while the apparent area was almost the same. L-2-ePt coating enhanced neuronal recording of local field potential in monkeys, leading to facilitating implanted electrical devices in the nervous system.Peer reviewe

The Importance of Cycle Threshold Values in the Evaluation of Patients with Persistent Positive PCR for SARS-CoV-2: Case Study and Brief Review

Some patients recovered from COVID-19 but the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for SARS-CoV-2 remains persistently positive. In the evaluation of these patients it is important to define the cycle threshold (Ct) value of the RT-PCR test. This article will present a case study, address relevant findings and interpretation of the RT-PCR test, and define the use of Ct values in defining when a healthcare working may return to work. Our current approach is to allow to return to work healthcare workers with persistently positive RT-PCR if the Ct values are greater than 35

Compensative microstepping based position control with passive nonlinear adaptive observer for permanent magnet stepper motors

This paper presents a compensative microstepping based position control with passive nonlinear adaptive observer for permanent magnet stepper motor. Due to the resistance uncertainties, a position error exists in the steady-state, and a ripple of position error appears during operation. The compensative microstepping is proposed to remedy this problem. The nonlinear controller guarantees the desired currents. The passive nonlinear adaptive observer is designed to estimate the phase resistances and the velocity. The closed-loop stability is proven using input to state stability. Simulation results show that the position error in the steady-state is removed by the proposed method if the persistent excitation conditions are satisfied. Furthermore, the position ripple is reduced, and the Lissajou curve of the phase currents is a circle

Tension pneumopericardium after removal of pericardiocentesis drainage catheter

This image showed tension pneumopericardium caused by removing the pericardiocentesis catheter, which was inserted to drain malignant pericardial effusion. Tension pneumopericardium is a rare and potentially fatal event. Mortality from tension pneumopericardium can be as high as 50%. Therefore, it is important to suspect and detect early, if the patient complained of dyspnea after removing the pericardiocentesis drainage cathete

Louisville Coronavirus Surveillance Program

An important feature of COVID-19, the disease produced by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, is the high number of health care workers (HCWs) that acquire the disease. In an initial report of 138 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia in China, 40 patients (29%) were HCWs. One reason why HCWs are at higher risk of acquiring COVID-19 is because some patients with COVID-19 are admitted to the hospital without the classical presentation, and are therefore not tested for the disease early during hospitalization. Presently in the US, it is recommended to test for COVID-19 when physicians suspect the disease. This subjective approach may allow hospital transmission of COVID-19 from patients without the classical clinical presentation. The primary objective of this study is to establish a surveillance system for early identification of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 to allow for early implementation of infection control interventions in an attempt to prevent transmission of COVID-19 to HCWs and other hospitalized patients. We are proposing to test all patients who present to the emergency departments and/or are hospitalized with signs and symptoms of respiratory infection or gastrointestinal infection for SARS-CoV-2, regardless of clinical suspicion of COVID-19. Biological samples obtained from all patients having symptoms of respiratory or gastrointestinal infection will be tested using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for detection of SARS-CoV-2. Using a robotic instrument, the CMP laboratory will be able to test more than 500 samples a day. Data will be reported in real-time to participating hospitals for rapid implementation of infection control measures

Heating Experiment of CNT Cementitious Composites with Single-Walled and Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are a primary nanomaterial that have outstanding physical and mechanical characteristics, and CNTs can be combined with cement-based materials to alter their heating characteristics. In this study, the types of CNTs used were multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Experiments were performed to determine the altered heating characteristics of the CNT cement mortars. The parameters of the experiment were CNT type, CNT content, curing age, and applied voltage. The results for the different CNT cement mortars indicate that mixing SWCNTs with water to produce CNT cement mortars was more effective for modifying the heating characteristics compared to mixing MWCNTs with water. In addition, field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) images supported the results found in the heating experiments

Implementation of the Louisville COVID-19 Surveillance Protocol: Experiences from the University of Louisville Center of Excellence for Research in Infectious Diseases [CERID]

The lack of available testing for SARS-CoV-2 has been one of the primary challenges in the development and implementation of a comprehensive approach to infection prevention and transmission in the United States (US). In response to the need for increased testing capacities and capabilities, the University of Louisville (UofL) Division of Infectious Diseases, Center of Excellence for Research in Infectious Diseases (CERID) initiated the Louisville Coronavirus Surveillance Program, a comprehensive approach to surveillance and testing of patients and healthcare workers. The first specimens were accepted on March 12, 2020 and parallel testing was done using a high-capacity testing process and the Division of Infectious Diseases CLIA-certified laboratory to ensure concordant results. Steps in the testing process began with validation of the testing methods and included database development, acceptance of specimens, tracking and cataloging the specimens, testing, and reporting of results. Quality metrics were developed and used to prevent error and facilitate rapid reporting. Between March 12, 2020 and April 30, 2020, more than 5500 tests were performed identifying more than 850 patients and healthcare workers infected with COVID-19 in the Louisville, Kentucky area. Although the process used high-capacity robotics for testing procedures, the methods described here are applicable to settings employing a variety of laboratory testing methods

A Comparison Efficacy Study of Commercial Nasopharyngeal Swabs versus a Novel 3D Printed Swab for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2

The large volume of diagnostic tests required by the response to the pandemic of COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a shortage of commercial nasopharyngeal swabs. In an effort to alleviate the shortage, swabs created by 3D printing may be a solution. We designed and produced 3D printed swabs and sought to compare their ability to detect SARS-CoV-2 in patients admitted for COVID-19 or who were suspected of having COVID-19. A total of 30 patients were swabbed with a commercial and printed 3D swab. Results matched in 28 of 31 patients (90%). Two patients were discordant with a positive commercial swab and a negative 3D printed swab and another was discordant because the 3D printed swab was positive and the commercial swab was negative. The sensitivity was 89%, specificity was 92% and Cohen’s kappa coefficient was 0.80. The 3D printed swabs performed acceptably compared to the commercial swab and may be considered for use in lieu of a commercial swab

COPD exacerbation caused by SARS-CoV-2: A Case Report from the Louisville COVID-19 Surveillance Program

A 53-year-old male with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on home oxygen presented to the hospital with worsening shortness of breath plus cough. He was admitted to the intensive care unit for COPD exacerbation and respiratory failure. A routine evaluation was performed including a nasopharyngeal swab for a respiratory viral panel, which was negative. His symptoms improved over 48 hours at which time a surveillance test for SARS-CoV-2 returned as positive. After clinical improvement, he was discharged to home isolation

Association of Plasma Retinol-Binding Protein 4, Adiponectin, and High Molecular Weight Adiponectin with Insulin Resistance in Non-Diabetic Hypertensive Patients

∙The authors have no financial conflicts of interest. Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine whether retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), adiponectin and high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin are associated with insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic parameters in non-diabetic hypertensive patients. Also, we sought to compare the predictive values of these adipocytokines for IR in non-diabetic hypertensive patients. Materials and Methods: Analyses of RBP4, adiponectin, and HMW adiponectin were performed on 308 non-diabetic hypertensives (148 males, age 58 ± 10 years, 189 non-metabolic syndrome and 119 metabolic syndrome). The homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index for IR, lipid profiles, and anthropometric measure-ments were assessed. Results: There was no significant difference in RBP4 levels according to the presence of metabolic syndrome, although adiponectin and HMW adiponectin were significantly lower in metabolic syndrome. Correlation analysis of log RBP4 with IR and metabolic indices revealed that there was no significant correlation of RBP4 with wais