Embedded progressive-three-layered fiber long-period gratings for respiratory monitoring

A long-period grating (LPG) was written into a progressive three-layered single-mode fiber that was embedded into a flexible platform as a curvature sensor. The spectral location and profile of the LPGs were unaltered after implantation in the platform. The curvature sensitivity was 3.747 nm m with a resolution of ± 1.1 × 10-2 m-1. The bend sensor is intended to be part of a respiratory monitoring system and was tested on a resuscitation training manikin. © 2003 society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.

Loss of skeletal muscle in cancer: biochemical mechanisms

Patients with cancer often undergo a specific loss of skeletal muscle mass, while the visceral protein reserves are preserved. This condition known as cachexia reduces the quality of life and eventually results in death through erosion of the respiratory muscles. Nutritional supplementation or appetite stimulants are unable to restore the loss of lean body mass, since protein catabolism is increased mainly as a result of the activation of the ATP-ubiquitin-dependent proteolytic pathway. Several mediators have been proposed. An enhanced protein degradation is seen in skeletal muscle of mice administered tumour necrosis factor (TNF), which appears to be mediated by oxidative stress. There is some evidence that this may be a direct effect and is associated with an increase in total cellular-ubiquitin-conjugated muscle proteins. Another cytokine, interleukin-6 (IL-6), may play a role in muscle wasting in certain animal tumours, possibly through both lysosomal (cathepsin) and non-lysosomal (proteasome) pathways. A tumour product, proteolysis-inducing factor (PIF) is produced by cachexia-inducing murine and human tumours and initiates muscle protein degradation directly through activation of the proteasome pathway. The action of PIF is blocked by eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which has been shown to attenuate the development of cachexia in pancreatic cancer patients. When combined with nutritional supplementation EPA leads to accumulation of lean body mass and prolongs survival. Further knowledge on the biochemical mechanisms of muscle protein catabolism will aid the development of effective therapy for cachexia.

Embedded progressive-three-layered fiber long-period gratings for respiratory monitoring

A long-period grating (LPG) was written into a progressive three-layered single-mode fiber that was embedded into a flexible platform as a curvature sensor. The spectral location and profile of the LPGs were unaltered after implantation in the platform. The curvature sensitivity was 3.747 nm m with a resolution of ±1.1×10–2 m–1. The bend sensor is intended to be part of a respiratory monitoring system and was tested on a resuscitation training manikin.

The application of a long period grating array for respiratory function monitoring

In this paper, multiplexed sensor network capable of monitoring the shape changes of the torso for respiratory function monitoring is developed. As a demonstration, LPGs written into refractive index insensitive, progressive three layered fibre are embedded into supporting material is then placed on a resuscitation training manikin simulating respiration. A derivative spectroscopy interrogation technique is implemented and the bend sensitivity of the LPGs is used to reconstruct the shape of the manikin's torso. © 2003 IEEE.

Whole body vibration training:analysis and characterization

The aim of this work is to contribute to the analysis and characterization of training with whole body vibration (WBV) and the resultant neuromuscular response. WBV aims to mechanically activate muscle by eliciting stretch reflexes. Generally, surface electromyography is utilized to assess muscular response elicited by vibrations. However, EMG analysis could potentially bring to erroneous conclusions if not accurately filtered. Tiny and lightweight MEMS accelerometers were found helpful in monitoring muscle motion. Displacements were estimated integrating twice the acceleration data after gravity and small postural subject adjustments contribution removal. Results showed the relevant presence of motion artifacts on EMG recordings, the high correlation between muscle motion and EMG activity and how resonance frequencies and dumping factors depended on subject and his positioning onto the vibrating platform. Stimulations at the resonant frequency maximize muscles lengthening and in turn, muscle spindle solicitation , which may produce more muscle activation. Local mechanical stimulus characterization (Le, muscle motion analysis) could be meaningful in discovering proper muscle stimulation and may contribute to suggest appropriate and effective WBV exercise protocols. ©2009 IEEE.