Coupling of Semiconductor Nanowires with Neurons and Their Interfacial Structure

We report on the compatibility of various nanowires with hippocampal neurons and the structural study of the neuron–nanowire interface. Si, Ge, SiGe, and GaN nanowires are compatible with hippocampal neurons due to their native oxide, but ZnO nanowires are toxic to neuron due to a release of Zn ion. The interfaces of fixed Si nanowire and hippocampal neuron, cross-sectional samples, were prepared by focused ion beam and observed by transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the processes of neuron were adhered well on the nanowire without cleft

Correlation of optic nerve sheath diameter with directly measured intracranial pressure in Korean adults using bedside ultrasonography

<div><p>Objectives</p><p>The correlation of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) as seen on ultrasonography (US) and directly measured intracranial pressure (ICP) has been well described. Nevertheless, differences in ethnicity and type of ICP monitor used are obstacles to the interpretation. Therefore, we investigated the direct correlation between ONSD and ventricular ICP and defined an optimal cut-off point for identifying increased ICP (IICP) in Korean adults with brain lesions.</p><p>Methods</p><p>This prospective study included patients who required an external ventricular drainage (EVD) catheter for ICP control. IICP was defined as an opening pressure over 20 mmHg. ONSD was measured using a 13 MHz US probe before the procedure. Linear regression analysis and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve were used to assess the association between ONSD and ICP. Optimal cut-off value for identifying IICP was defined.</p><p>Results</p><p>A total of 62 patients who underwent ONSD measurement with simultaneous EVD catheter placement were enrolled in this study. Thirty-two patients (51.6%) were found to have IICP. ONSD in patients with IICP (5.80 ± 0.45 mm) was significantly higher than in those without IICP (5.30 ± 0.61 mm) (<i>P</i> < 0.01). The IICP group showed more significant linear correlation with ONSD (r = 0.57, <i>P</i> < 0.01) compared to the non-IICP group (r = 0.42, <i>P</i> = 0.02). ONSD > 5.6 mm disclosed a sensitivity of 93.75% and a specificity of 86.67% for identifying IICP.</p><p>Conclusion</p><p>ONSD as seen on bedside US correlated well with directly measured ICP in Korean adults with brain lesions. The optimal cut-off point of ONSD for detecting IICP was 5.6 mm.</p></div

Scatterplot relating optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) and intracranial pressure (ICP) according to the presence of increased intracranial pressure (IICP).

<p>The linear prediction from regression is shown as solid or dotted line.</p

Baseline characteristics of patients used in this study (n = 62).

<p>Baseline characteristics of patients used in this study (n = 62).</p