ABSTRACT
Objective: To compare the difference between the built-in and external reference electrode of microwire electrode array in the process of recording rat brain neuron firings, optimizing the production and embedding of the microwire electrode array, and providing a more affordable and excellent media tool for multi-channel electrophysiological real-time recording system. Methods: A 16 channel microwire electrode array was made by using nickel chromium alloy wires, circuit board, electrode pin and ground wires (silver wires). The reference electrode of the microwire electrode array was built-in (the reference electrode and electrode array were arranged in parallel) or external (the reference electrode and ground wire were welded at both ends of one side of the electrode), and the difference between the two electrodes was observed and compared in recording neuronal discharges in ACC brain area of rats. Experimental rats were divided into built-in group and external group, n=8-9. The test indicators included signal-to-noise ratio (n=8), discharge amplitude (n=380) and discharge frequency (n=54). Results: The microwire electrode array with both built-in and external reference electrodes successfully recorded the electrical signals of neurons in the ACC brain region of rats. Compared with the external group, the electrical signals of neurons in built-in group had the advantages of a higher signal-to-noise ratio (P＜0.05), a smaller amplitude of background signals and less noise interference, and a larger discharge amplitude(P＜0.05); there was no significant difference in spike discharge frequency recorded by these two types of electrodes (P＞0.05). Conclusion: When recording the electrical activity of neurons in the ACC brain region of rats, the microwire electrode array with built-in reference electrode recorded electrical signals with higher signal-to-noise ratio and larger discharge amplitude, providing a more reliable tool for multi-channel electrophysiology technology.
Subject(s)
Animals , Rats , Action Potentials/physiology , Brain , Electrophysiological Phenomena , Microelectrodes , NeuronsABSTRACT
Objective To study a method for monitoring multichannel electrode-scalp contact impedances in electrical impedance tomography (EIT), and to provide support for exploring the impact of contact impedances on imaging and the suppression method.Methods A reference electrode was introduced for the system,placed on the back of the neck or the top of the head. In the spare time of boundary voltage signal acquisition phase, the method of two electrodes was adopted to measure the electrical impedance between each imaging electrode and reference electrode, which was used to analyze the characteristics of multichannel contact impedances.Based on the existing EIT hardware system,the module for monitoring multichannel contact impedance was implemented.Results The calibration board test showed that the measurement error of this method was less than 1‰,and the maximum relative fluctuation of the measurement result within 10 hours was less than 1‰. Preliminary human test indicated that this method had the ability to obtain two kinds of information about spatial consistency and temporal stability of 16-channel contact impedances. Conclusion This method has high accuracy and stability,so it meets the requirements of monitoring multichannel contact impedances in brain EIT.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To derive normative values for ulnar nerve conduction study of the active recording electrode on the first dorsal interosseous muscle (FDI) and the reference electrode on the proximal phalanx of the thumb. METHOD: Ulnar nerve motor conduction study with FDI and abductor digiti minimi muscle (ADM) recording was performed in 214 hands of 107 healthy subjects. Ulnar NCS was performed with 2 different recording electrode montages (ADM-base of 5th finger; FDI-thumb) and differences in latency and amplitude were compared. Using this technique, the initial positivity of ulnar compound muscle action potential (CMAP) was not observed in any response with FDI recording. RESULTS: The maximal values for distal motor latency to the ADM and FDI muscle were 3.8 ms and 4.4 ms, respectively. The maximal difference of distal motor latency between the bilateral FDI recordings was 0.6 ms. The maximal ipsilateral latency difference between ADM and FDI was 1.4 ms. CONCLUSION: Placement of the reference electrode on the thumb results in a CMAP without an initial positivity and the normative values obtained may be useful in the diagnosis of ulnar neuropathy at the wrist.