Engineering Commons^™

The Antitumor Effects Of Plasma-Activated Saline On Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Cells In Vitro And In Vivo Demonstrate Its Feasibility As A Potential Therapeutic Approach, Hao Zhang, Jishen Zhang, Bo Guo, Hailan Chen, Dehui Xu, Michael G. Kong

Bioelectrics Publications

Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is a fast-growing and aggressive malignant tumor in urinary system. Since chemotherapy and immunotherapy are only useable with a few MIBC patients, the clinical treatment of MIBC still faces challenges. Here, we examined the feasibility of plasma-activated saline (PAS) as a fledgling therapeutic strategy for MIBC treatment. Our data showed that plasma irradiation could generate a variety of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in saline. In vivo tests revealed that pericarcinomatous tissue injection with PAS was effective at preventing subcutaneous bladder tumor growth, with no side effects to the visceral organs after …

Comprehensive Collagen Crosslinking Comparison Of Microfluidic Wet-Extruded Microfibers For Bioactive Surgical Suture Development, Amrita Dasgupta, Nardos Sori, Stella Petrova, Yas Maghdouri-White, Nick Thayer, Nathan Kemper, Seth Polk, Delaney Leathers, Kelly Coughenour, Jake Dascoli, Riya Palikonda, Connor Donahue, Anna A. Bulysheva, Michael P. Francis

Bioelectrics Publications

Collagen microfiber-based constructs have garnered considerable attention for ligament, tendon, and other soft tissue repairs, yet with limited clinical translation due to strength, biocompatibility, scalable manufacturing, and other challenges. Crosslinking collagen fibers improves mechanical properties; however, questions remain regarding optimal crosslinking chemistries, biocompatibility, biodegradation, long-term stability, and potential for biotextile assemble at scale, limiting their clinical usefulness. Here, we assessed over 50 different crosslinking chemistries on microfluidic wet-extruded collagen microfibers made with clinically relevant collagen to optimize collagen fibers as a biotextile yarn for suture or other medical device manufacture. The endogenous collagen crosslinker, glyoxal, provides extraordinary fiber ultimate tensile …

Cold Atmospheric-Pressure Plasma Caused Protein Damage In Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Cells In Biofilms, Li Guo, Lu Yang, Yu Qi, Gulimire Niyazi, Lingling Huang, Lu Gou, Zifeng Wang, Lei Zhang, Dingxin Liu, Xiaohua Wang, Hailan Chen, Michael G. Kong

Bioelectrics Publications

Biofilms formed by multidrug-resistant bacteria are a major cause of hospital-acquired infections. Cold atmospheric-pressure plasma (CAP) is attractive for sterilization, especially to disrupt biofilms formed by multidrug-resistant bacteria. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is not clear. In this study, CAP effectively reduced the living cells in the biofilms formed by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and 6 min treatment with CAP reduced the S. aureus cells in biofilms by 3.5 log₁₀. The treatment with CAP caused the polymerization of SaFtsZ and SaClpP proteins in the S. aureus cells of the biofilms. In vitro analysis demonstrated that recombinant SaFtsZ lost …

Cardioporation Enhances Myocardial Gene Expression In Rat Heart, Carly Boye, Sezgi Arpag, Nina Burcus, Cathryn Lundberg, Scott Declemente, Richard Heller, Michael Francis, Anna Bulysheva

Bioelectrics Publications

Damage from myocardial infarction (MI) and subsequent heart failure are serious public health concerns. Current clinical treatments and therapies to treat MI damage largely do not address the regeneration of cardiomyocytes. In a previous study, we established that it is possible to promote regeneration of cardiac muscle with vascular endothelial growth factor B gene delivery directly to the ischemic myocardium. In the current study we aim to optimize cardioporation parameters to increase expression efficiency by varying electrode configuration, applied voltage, pulse length, and plasmid vector size. By using a surface monopolar electrode, optimized pulsing conditions and reducing vector size, we …

The Hsp90 Inhibitor, Auy-922, Protects And Repairs Human Lung Microvascular Endothelial Cells From Hydrochloric Acid-Induced Endothelial Barrier Dysfunction, Ruben M.L. Colunga Biancatelli, Pavel Solopov, Betsy Gregory, John D. Catravas

Bioelectrics Publications

Exposure to hydrochloric acid (HCl) leads acutely to asthma-like symptoms, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), including compromised alveolo-capillary barrier, and respiratory failure. To better understand the direct effects of HCl on pulmonary endothelial function, we studied the characteristics of HCl-induced endothelial barrier dysfunction in primary cultures of human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HLMVEC), defined the involved molecular pathways, and tested the potentially beneficial effects of Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90) inhibitors. HCl impaired barrier function in a time- and concentration-dependent manner and was associated with activation of Protein Kinase B (AKT), Ras homolog family member A (RhoA) and myosin light …

Moderate Heat-Assisted Gene Electrotransfer As A Potential Delivery Approach For Protein Replacement Therapy Through The Skin, Chelsea Edelblute, Cathryn Mangiamele, Richard Heller

Bioelectrics Publications

Gene-based approaches for protein replacement therapies have the potential to reduce the number of administrations. Our previous work demonstrated that expression could be enhanced and/or the applied voltage reduced by preheating the tissue prior to pulse administration. In the current study, we utilized our 16-pin multi-electrode array (MEA) and incorporated nine optical fibers, connected to an infrared laser, between each set of four electrodes to heat the tissue to 43 °C. For proof of principle, a guinea pig model was used to test delivery of reporter genes. We observed that when the skin was preheated, it was possible to achieve …

Moderate Heat-Assisted Gene Electrotransfer For Cutaneous Delivery Of A Dna Vaccine Against Hepatitis B Virus, Chelsea Edelblute, Cathryn Mangiamele, Richard Heller

Bioelectrics Publications

An estimated 350 million people are living with chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) worldwide. Preventative HBV vaccination in infants has reduced the disease burden; however, insufficient immunization programs and access obstacles leave vulnerable populations at risk for infection in endemic regions. Gene electrotransfer (GET) using a noninvasive multielectrode array (MEA) provides an alternative platform for DNA vaccination in the skin. DNA vaccines are nonlive and nonreplicating and temperature stable unlike their counterparts. In addition, their simple engineering allows them to be manufactured quickly at a low cost. In the current work, we present the combination of GET and moderate heating …

Stobe Photography Mapping Of Cell Membrane Potential With Nanosecond Resolution, Allen S. Kiester, Bennett L. Ibey, Zachary N. Coker, Andrei G. Pakhomov, Joel N. Bixler

Bioelectrics Publications

The ability to directly observe membrane potential charging dynamics across a full microscopic field of view is vital for understanding interactions between a biological system and a given electrical stimulus. Accurate empirical knowledge of cell membrane electrodynamics will enable validation of fundamental hypotheses posited by the single shell model, which includes the degree of voltage change across a membrane and cellular sensitivity to external electric field non-uniformity and directionality. To this end, we have developed a high-speed strobe microscopy system with a time resolution of ~ 6 ns that allows us to acquire time-sequential data for temporally repeatable events (non-injurious …

Electroporation Safety Factor Of 300 Nanosecond And 10 Millisecond Defibrillation In Langendorff-Perfused Rabbit Hearts, Johanna U. Neuber, Andrei G. Pakhomov, Christian W. Zemlin

Bioelectrics Publications

Aims

Recently, a new defibrillation modality using nanosecond pulses was shown to be effective at much lower energies than conventional 10 millisecond monophasic shocks in ex vivo experiments. Here we compare the safety factors of 300 nanosecond and 10 millisecond shocks to assess the safety of nanosecond defibrillation.

Methods and results

The safety factor, i.e. the ratio of median effective doses (ED50) for electroporative damage and defibrillation, was assessed for nanosecond and conventional (millisecond) defibrillation shocks in Langendorff-perfused New Zealand white rabbit hearts. In order to allow for multiple shock applications in a single heart, a pair of needle electrodes …

Connexin Hemichannel Activation By S-Nitrosoglutathione Synergizes Strongly With Photodynamic Therapy Potentiating Anti-Tumor Bystander Killing, Chiara Nardin, Chiara Peres, Sabrina Putti, Tiziana Orsini, Claudia Colussi, Flavia Mazzarda, Marcello Raspa, Ferdinando Scavizzi, Anna Maria Salvatore, Francesco Chiani, Abraham Tettey-Matey, Yuanyuan Kuang, Guang Yang, Mauricio A. Retamal, Fabio Mammano

Bioelectrics Publications

In this study, we used B16-F10 cells grown in the dorsal skinfold chamber (DSC) preparation that allowed us to gain optical access to the processes triggered by photodynamic therapy (PDT). Partial irradiation of a photosensitized melanoma triggered cell death in non-irradiated tumor cells. Multiphoton intravital microscopy with genetically encoded fluorescence indicators revealed that bystander cell death was mediated by paracrine signaling due to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release from connexin (Cx) hemichannels (HCs). Intercellular calcium (Ca²⁺) waves propagated from irradiated to bystander cells promoting intracellular Ca²⁺ transfer from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to mitochondria and rapid activation of …

The Role Of Reactive Oxygen Species In The Immunity Induced By Nano-Pulse Stimulation, Siqi Guo, Niculina I. Burcus, Megan Scott, Yu Jing, Iurii Semenov

Bioelectrics Publications

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are byproducts of tumor cells treated with Nano-Pulse Stimulation (NPS). Recently, ROS have been suggested as a contributing factor in immunogenic cell death and T cell-mediated immunity. This research further investigated the role of NPS induced ROS in antitumor immunity. ROS production in 4T1-luc breast cancer cells was characterized using three detection reagents, namely, Amplex Red, MitoSox Red, and Dihydroethidium. The efficiency of ROS quenching was evaluated in the presence or absence of ROS scavengers and/or antioxidants. The immunogenicity of NPS treated tumor cells was assessed by ex vivo dendritic cell activation, in vivo vaccination assay …

Effect Of He Plasma Jet Versus Surface Plasma On The Metabolites Of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells, Dehui Xu, Ning Ning, Yujing Xu, Wenjie Xia, Hai-Lan Chen, Michael G. Kong

Bioelectrics Publications

Cold atmospheric plasma, including plasma jet and surface plasma, can promote the apoptosis of cancer cells without causing significant damage to surrounding normal cells, which was hopeful to be applied to the clinical cancer therapy. However, experimental plasma devices used directly to clinical experiments has challenges in technology and methods, especially the difference in killing tumor cells efficiency of these two common plasma sources. Therefore, it is great necessity to explore the differences in treating tumors between different plasma sources. This paper achieved good killing efficiency by using two kinds of cold atmospheric plasma generating devices, namely plasma jet and …

Test-Retest Reliability And Minimal Detectable Change Of The Computerized Dynamic Posturography Proprio For Adults With Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury, Guilherme Manna Cesar, Thad W. Buster, Judith M. Burnfield

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Faculty Publications

Purpose: Balance deficits after brain injury, including reactive recovery from unexpected perturbations, can persist well after rehabilitation is concluded. While traditional clinical assessments are practical, the anticipatory nature of the tasks may mask perceptible balance control. Computerized dynamic posturography can directly quantify capacity to respond to unexpected, external perturbations. This study examined the reliability of the computerized dynamic posturography assessment with the device PROPRIO® 4000 in adults with traumatic brain injury and created the minimal detectable change for its standardized test.

Methods: Ten adults (ages 21–55 years) with chronic (average 10 ± 6 years post-injury) severe (loss of consciousness 2–75 …

Potential Production Of Theranostic Boron Nitride Nanotubes (64cu-Bnnts) Radiolabeled By Neutron Capture, Wellington Marcos Silva, Helio Ribeiro, Jaime Taha-Tijerina

Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering Faculty Publications

In this work, the radioisotope 64Cu was obtained from copper (II) chloride dihydrate in a nuclear research reactor by neutron capture, (63Cu(n, )64Cu), and incorporated into boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) using a solvothermal process. The produced 64Cu-BNNTs were analyzed by TEM, MEV, FTIR, XDR, XPS and gamma spectrometry, with which it was possible to observe the formation of64Cu nanoparticles, with sizes of up to 16 nm, distributed through nanotubes. The synthesized of 64Cu nanostructures showed a pure photoemission peak of 511 keV, which is characteristic of gamma radiation. This type of emission is desirable for Photon Emission Tomography (PET scan) …

Classification Des Sols Et Sélection Des Systèmes D’Étançonnement Pour L’Excavation Des Tranchées : Résultats Des Essais Réalisés Au Laboratoire De Géotechnique De L’Université Laval – Annexe, Bertrand Galy, Denis Lebœuf, Omar Chaallal, André Lan

Rapports de recherche scientifique

Dans le cadre du projet « Classification des sols et sélection des systèmes d’étançonnement pour l’excavation des tranchées », des tranchées et des excavations de pleine grandeur ont été réalisées dans une argile sensible typique du Québec, à Louiseville. Ces aménagements ont permis d’évaluer et de valider la résistance et le comportement de systèmes d’étançonnement, grâce aux essais suivants :

• Une excavation non soutenue de 5 m de profondeur à paroi verticale;
• Une excavation non soutenue de 4,2 m de profondeur, à paroi talutée (pente de 1,6:1);
• Une tranchée de 6 m de profondeur soutenue avec une boîte de tranchée …

Évaluation Des Méthodes D’Essai Pour Déterminer La Résistance Au Glissement Des Chaussures Sur Des Surfaces Glacées : Document Synthèse, Chantal Gauvin, Atena Roshan Fekr, Yue Li, Gordon Wong, Wayne Cheng, David Pearsall, Tilak Dutta

Rapports de recherche scientifique

En saison hivernale, glisser sur la glace est l’un des principaux risques inhérents aux activités professionnelles exercées à l’extérieur. Alors que de nombreux travailleurs comptent sur leurs chaussures de travail pour les empêcher de glisser, ces derniers se retrouvent souvent devant un choix difficile quand vient le temps de sélectionner les meilleures bottes antidérapantes pour l’hiver. Des méthodes d’essai normalisées existent déjà pour évaluer le coefficient de friction (CdF) des chaussures sur des surfaces autres que la glace. Bien que l’appareil utilisé pour ces tests puisse être utilisé en tandem avec une machine qui permet de fabriquer des surfaces glacées …

Evaluation Of Test Methods For Determining Footwear Slip Resistance On Ice Surfaces, Chantal Gauvin, Atena Roshan Fekr, Yue Li, Gordon Wong, Wayne Cheng, David Pearsall, Tilak Dutta

Rapports de recherche scientifique

Slipping on ice is one of the main risks of outdoor occupational activities during winter. Ice and freezing rain were involved in 14% of slip, trip and fall (STF) accidents from 2014 to 2016 in Quebec. Many workers who perform outdoor activities rely on their boots to prevent them from slipping. However, choosing the best slip resistant footwear is challenging. Currently, there is no standard test method for evaluating slip resistance of footwear on ice surfaces. The SATRA STM 603 whole shoe tester is used in standard test methods (ASTM International, 2019b, F2913-19; International Organization for Standardization [ISO], 2019, 13287:2019) …

Improving The Accuracy Of Occupational Hygiene Models Used To Estimate Worker Exposure To Solvent Vapours, Spéro Abattan, Stéphane Hallé, Daniel Drolet, Ali Bahloul, Patrick Eddy Ryan, Wejden Chouchene, Carlos Castro Ruiz, Jérôme Lavoué, Maximilien Debia

Rapports de recherche scientifique

Chaque année, des travailleurs québécois subissent des effets sur leur santé après avoir été exposés à des substances chimiques, notamment à des solvants. La modélisation des expositions professionnelles occupe une place importante dans la prévention des risques. Cette recherche vise à étudier différents aspects de la modélisation pour estimer des expositions professionnelles à des vapeurs de solvants dans le but d’en améliorer la justesse de prédiction. Le travail de recherche a été effectué en deux volets. Grâce à la mise en œuvre de tests à petite échelle (volet I) et à échelle humaine (volet II), les travaux présentés dans cette …

Les Lésions Professionnelles De La Coiffe Des Rotateurs De L'Épaule : Optimiser La Prise En Charge Des Travailleurs Et Favoriser Le Retour Au Travail, François Desmeules, Jean-Sébastien Roy, Joseph-Omer Dyer, Pierre Frémont, Clermont Dionne, Joy C. Macdermid, Michel Tousignant, Annie Rochette

Rapports de recherche scientifique

Les atteintes musculosquelettiques de l’épaule sont fréquentes chez les travailleurs. En plus d’affecter leur qualité de vie, elles entraînent une augmentation de l’absentéisme et une diminution de la productivité, et peuvent conduire à une retraite anticipée. Pour l’année 2017, la province de Québec a enregistré 2,1 milliards de dollars en prestations en lien avec des lésions professionnelles. Environ 8 % de ces réclamations étaient dues à une lésion touchant l’articulation de l’épaule (CNESST, 2018).

Les lésions de la coiffe des rotateurs (CR) sont les affections les plus rencontrées chez les travailleurs présentant une atteinte à l’épaule. Présentement, les cliniciens ne …

Les Lésions Professionnelles De La Coiffe Des Rotateurs De L'Épaule : Optimiser La Prise En Charge Des Travailleurs Et Favoriser Le Retour Au Travail : Matériel Supplémentaire, François Desmeules, Jean-Sébastien Roy, Joseph-Omer Dyer, Pierre Frémont, Clermont Dionne, Joy C. Macdermid, Michel Tousignant, Annie Rochette

Rapports de recherche scientifique

Voir également :

• Les lésions professionnelles de la coiffe des rotateurs de l'épaule : optimiser la prise en charge et en favoriser le retour au travail, RA-1119-fr

• Les lésions professionnelles de la coiffe des rotateurs de l’épaule : optimiser la prise charge et en favoriser le retour au travail : guide de pratique clinique, RG-1119-fr

Développement, Validation Et Application D’Une Méthode Quantitative Pour Évaluer Les Déplacements Des Pieds Des Manutentionnaires, André Plamondon, Antoine Muller, Xavier Robert-Lachaîne, Jasmin Vallée-Marcotte, Denys Denis, Christian Larue, Hakim Mecheri, Philippe Corbeil

Rapports de recherche scientifique

Les troubles musculosquelettiques lors d’activités de manutention manuelle (MM) sont encore très présents dans nos milieux de travail. Les facteurs de risque biomécanique les plus souvent associés aux douleurs au dos incluent la manutention manuelle, les répétitions excessives, les torsions du tronc et les levers de charges lourdes. Plusieurs déterminants d’une tâche de MM ont été étudiés pour déterminer leur importance sur l'exposition physique des travailleurs. Par exemple, la hauteur de la charge, la distance initiale de la charge par rapport au corps, la masse soulevée et la vitesse du soulèvement sont tous des déterminants liés à la …

Confort Thermique Et Mobilité Des Policiers Motards Lors Du Port Du Gilet Pare-Balles : Une Analyse Ergonomique, Steve Vezeau, Alain S. Comtois, Victoria Budico

Rapports de recherche scientifique

Plusieurs études démontrent une diminution importante des risques de décès chez les agents de police qui portent un gilet pare-balles (GPB). Cependant, certains patrouilleurs demeurent réticents à le revêtir à cause des inconforts qu’il engendre sur les plans thermiques et de la mobilité; ceux-ci représentent 8 % de l’ensemble des agents de police et 47 % des agents motards, ce qui accroît les risques pour leur sécurité. Les agents des unités motocyclistes seraient donc parmi les plus exposés, notamment en raison de conditions particulières telles que le travail à l’extérieur, la proximité d’une source de chaleur (moteur), le port de …

Mise Au Point D’Une Méthode De Mesure Objective De L’Effet D’Occlusion Basée Sur La Voix, Hugues Nélisse, Hugo Saint-Gaudens, Franck Sgard, Olivier Doutres

Rapports de recherche scientifique

Lors de l’utilisation de protecteurs auditifs ou de prothèses auditives, le fait d’obstruer le canal auditif peut engendrer un effet indésirable et désagréable, appelé « effet d’occlusion », qui se manifeste notamment par la sensation que notre propre voix sonne différemment, avec de basses fréquences amplifiées, qu’elle est distordue. L’effet d’occlusion est souvent considéré comme une source d’inconfort qui entraîne parfois les utilisateurs de protecteurs ou de prothèses à mal les utiliser ou encore à simplement les retirer. Dans le cas des travailleurs, par exemple, le retrait des protecteurs auditifs peut les exposer à des niveaux de bruits potentiellement dangereux, …

Evaluation Of Time-Dependent Camber And Deflections In Bridge Girders, Furkan Cakmak

Wayne State University Theses

A methodology to predict each stage of camber and displacements in composite prestressed concrete and steel bridge superstructures from inception to end of service life including a prediction of rebound in deck replacement projects is presented. The methodology invokes the use of multiple creep curves and allows the proper simulation of various construction activities each of which feature unique loading events. The proposed method captures the influence of several factors, such as creep and shrinkage of beam and deck concrete as well as prestresses losses induced because of these phenomena. Additionally, the prediction methodology offers the capability to quantify the …

A Study Of Factors That Influence Symbol Selection On Augmentative And Alternative Communication Devices For Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder, William Todd Dauterman

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), 1 in 59 children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) each year. Given the complexity of ASD and how it is manifested in individuals, the execution of proper interventions is difficult. One major area of concern is how individuals with ASD who have limited communication skills are taught to communicate using Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices (AAC). AACs are portable electronic devices that facilitate communication by using audibles, signs, gestures, and picture symbols. Traditionally, Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) are the primary facilitators of AAC devices and help establish the language individuals with …

Mapping Of Auditory Cortical Functions Using Electrocorticography, James Robert Swift

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Communication is a dynamic process through which we translate our inner thoughts in such a way that they can be shared with another person. This complex neurological phenomenon is a key predictor of our productivity and health. When our ability to communicate is compromised, our quality of life suffers. Although numerous methods to investigate the neuroscientific underpinnings of human language exist, our understanding of this process remains incomplete. Improving our understanding of where, when, and how auditory cortical activity occurs can enhance diagnostic techniques and improve treatment methods for neurological conditions that can impact auditory processing, such as epilepsy, or …

Mcnair Scholars Research Journal 2021, Calyha Brown, Caroline Carter, Kalvry Cooper, Perla Rodriguez, Huu Trung Tran, Jose A. Cortes, Orion Wynne, Johnathan Alexander Andres, Joshua Perez, Allison Fenske, Chasidah Fried, Giles Fitzwilliams

McNair Scholars Research Journal-Archive

No abstract provided.

Life In Metropolitan Nebraskan Communities: 2021 Nebraska Metro Poll Results, Rebecca J. Vogt, Heather Akin, Cheryl A. Burkhart-Kriesel, Bradley Lubben, L. J. Mcelravy, Timothy Meyer, Steven A. Schulz

Rural Futures Institute: Publications

By many different measures, metropolitan Nebraskans are positive about their community. Most metropolitan Nebraskans rate their community favorably on its social dimensions. Overall, respondents rate their communities as friendly, trusting and supportive. Most metropolitan Nebraskans say it would be difficult to leave their community.

Most metropolitan Nebraskans have a positive attachment to their community. Most metropolitan Nebraskans agree that they can get what they need in their community, the community helps them fulfill their needs, they feel like a member of their community, they belong in their community, they have a good bond with others in their community and feel …

Exploring Quality Management Strategies To Mitigate Culture Shock Among Cochlear Implant Users, Victor Mulume' Ambila

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractAfter the cochlear implant (CI) activation period and therapy, adult CI users who travel overseas encounter culture shock factors that paralyze their coping capability, which need normalization through management strategies during the post-cochlear-implantation process (PCIP). In the structure of the conceptual framework, a plan is presented for addressing the management strategy. An integrated system of product-process-service-care portrays the product as an active implant within an individual bearer fostering a CI user’s physical, physiological, and psychological traits. The problematic aspects alter the end users’ coping capability in an unfamiliar host environment abroad. The qualitative research approach used was a single case …

Peculiarities Of Neurostimulation By Intense Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Fields: How To Avoid Firing In Peripheral Nerve Fibers, Vitalii Kim, Emily Gudvangen, Oleg Kondratiev, Luis Redondo, Shu Xiao, Andrei G. Pakhomov

Bioelectrics Publications

Intense pulsed electric fields (PEF) are a novel modality for the efficient and targeted ablation of tumors by electroporation. The major adverse side effects of PEF therapies are strong involuntary muscle contractions and pain. Nanosecond-range PEF (nsPEF) are less efficient at neurostimulation and can be employed to minimize such side effects. We quantified the impact of the electrode configuration, PEF strength (up to 20 kV/cm), repetition rate (up to 3 MHz), bi- and triphasic pulse shapes, and pulse duration (down to 10 ns) on eliciting compound action potentials (CAPs) in nerve fibers. The excitation thresholds for single unipolar but not …