Nonresonant powering of injectable nanoelectrodes enables wireless deep brain stimulation in freely moving mice.

Devices that electrically modulate the deep brain have enabled important breakthroughs in the management of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Such devices are typically centimeter-scale, requiring surgical implantation and wired-in powering, which increases the risk of hemorrhage, infection, and damage during daily activity. Using smaller, remotely powered materials could lead to less invasive neuromodulation. Here, we present injectable, magnetoelectric nanoelectrodes that wirelessly transmit electrical signals to the brain in response to an external magnetic field. This mechanism of modulation requires no genetic modification of neural tissue, allows animals to freely move during stimulation, and uses nonresonant carrier frequencies. Using these nanoelectrodes, we demonstrate neuronal modulation in vitro and in deep brain targets in vivo. We also show that local subthalamic modulation promotes modulation in other regions connected via basal ganglia circuitry, leading to behavioral changes in mice. Magnetoelectric materials present a versatile platform technology for less invasive, deep brain neuromodulation.

Correlation of spirometric parameters taken at a single examination with the quality of life in children with stable asthma.

The aim of this study was to assess the correlations among the rate of asthma severity, spirometric parameters, peak expiratory flow (PEF) variability, and the quality of life according to the pediatric asthma quality of life questionnaire (PQLQ). A group of 54 children (25 F, 29 M) aged 7-17 years was studied. All patients had spirometry and PQLQ three times at 2-week intervals (Visits 1, 2, and 3). Between visits, children measured their PEF at home and the PEF variability index was calculated. The PQLQ score during all visits did not differ significantly between severe, mild, and moderate asthma children. The positive correlation between PQLQ and the variability of PEF in the period preceding Visit 2 and Visit 3 was shown (r=0.35, P=0.02). The changes in PQLQ between Visit 1, 2, and 3 did not correlate with those in spirometric parameters. PQLQ has a potential to become an additional tool for a full assessment of health of children suffering from bronchial asthma. A change in PQLQ should suggest the necessity to broaden the diagnosis and modify treatment.