Effects of Kilohertz Electrical Stimulation of the Trigeminal Nerve on Motor Learning.

Neurological disorders such as stroke remain leading causes of disability worldwide. A current thrust in the neurorehabilitation of such disorders involves exogenous neuromodulation of cranial nerves in order to enhance neuro-plasticity and maximize recovery of function. Here we present preliminary results on the effects of kilohertz range electrical stimulation of the trigeminal nerve (TNS) on motor learning, using an upper extremity visuomotor adaptation paradigm. Twenty-five (25) healthy adult subjects were randomly assigned to 2 groups: 3kHz stimulation ( n=13) and sham ( n=12). Participants performed a visuomotor rotation task that involved center-out reaching movements to eight vertically arranged targets. Four blocks of trials were performed: two baseline blocks with veridical visual feedback, one adaptation block involving a 30° CCW rotation of hand visual feedback, and one washout block with no rotation. TNS was applied for 20 minutes before the 2nd baseline block using two electrodes targeting the ophthalmic branches of the trigeminal nerve. Early in the rotation block, learning rates were similar between the 3kHz and sham groups but gradually diverged, with the 3kHz group demonstrating slightly faster rates than sham later in the rotation block. The results provide new information on the potential use of TNS in neurorehabilitation.

Conjunctival Melanoma: Features and Outcomes Based on the Fitzpatrick Skin Type in 540 Patients at a Single Ocular Oncology Center.

PURPOSE: To determine the association of Fitzpatrick skin type (FST) with conjunctival melanoma. METHODS: Retrospective case series of 540 patients with conjunctival melanoma to assess clinical features and outcomes per FST. RESULTS: The FST was Type I (n = 126, 23%), II (n = 337, 62%), III (n = 56, 10%), IV (n = 8, 2%), V (n = 12, 2%), and VI (n = 1, <1%). A comparison (FST I vs. II vs. III, IV, V, and VI) revealed Types I and II associated with older mean patient age (63.9 vs. 60.7 vs. 51.1 years, p < 0.001), greater percentage of female patients (68% vs. 44% vs. 42%, p < 0.001), lower frequency of complexion associated melanosis (1% vs. 2% vs. 13%, p < 0.001), smaller tumor thickness (2.1 vs. 2.8 vs. 3.6 mm, p = 0.01), and less eyelid involvement (13% vs. 13% vs. 28%, p = 0.02). Kaplan-Meier estimates for 5-year risk showed no difference by Types for visual acuity loss ≥3 lines, local tumor recurrence, exenteration, metastasis, or death. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: Most patients with conjunctival melanoma show FST I or II, and this demonstrated no association with 5-year rate of vision loss, tumor recurrence, exenteration, metastasis, or death.

Monitoring technology for wheelchair users with advanced multiple sclerosis.

This paper presents a non-invasive assistive device for people with advanced Multiple Sclerosis (MS) who use electric power wheelchairs (EPW). The proposed system can acquire respiration and heart activity from ballistocardiogram (BCG), seat and back pressure distribution, wheelchair tilt angle and ambient temperature and relative humidity. The sensors collect information related to the main issues of MS patients: fatigue, heat sensitivity and low mobility. Preliminary results show the signals as the wheelchair is moving, stopped and tilting. The system is able to capture sufficient relevant information to provide suggestions and alarms in a future stage. The system will be tested at The Boston Home, a specialized residence for adults with advanced MS.

Data collection capabilities of a new non-invasive monitoring system for patients with advanced multiple sclerosis.

This paper reports on a data collection study in a clinical environment to evaluate a new non-invasive monitoring system for people with advanced Multiple Sclerosis (MS) who use powered wheelchairs. The proposed system can acquire respiration and heart activity from ballistocardiogram (BCG) signals, seat and back pressure changes, wheelchair tilt angle, ambient temperature and relative humidity. The data was collected at The Boston Home (TBH), a specialized care residence for adults with advanced MS. The collected data will be used to design algorithms to generate alarms and recommendations for residents and caregivers. These alarms and recommendations will be related to vital signs, low mobility problems and heat exposure. We present different cases where it is possible to illustrate the type of information acquired by our system and the possible alarms we will generate.

Wireless pilot monitoring system for extreme race conditions.

This paper presents the design and implementation of an assistive device to monitor car drivers under extreme conditions. In particular, this system is designed in preparation for the 2012 Atacama Solar Challenge to be held in the Chilean desert. Actual preliminary results show the feasibility of such a project including physiological and ambient sensors, real-time processing algorithms, wireless data transmission and a remote monitoring station. Implementation details and field results are shown along with a discussion of the main problems found in real-life telemetry monitoring.