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Background: Existing methods to study the effects of skin temperature on mechanical touch perception range from large hot plates, water baths, or bulky, water-controlled thermal contactors which have limited range and resolution. The limited capabilities of these methods prevent the study of thermo-tactile interactions at the finger level in a flexible and precisely controlled manner.
New Method: Here, we combine small Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID)-controlled Peltier elements with a calibrated shaker motor for a novel thermo-tactile stimulus delivery system capable of precisely controlling temperature and vibrotactile stimulation to the fingertip. This novel system enables parallel control of mechanical stimulation and thermal stimulation at congruent skin sites of the fingertip. Alternative thermoelectric elements and mechanical actuators could be used in our systems modular configuration.
Results: Our thermo-tactile delivery system can simultaneously deliver precise and stable vibrotactile and thermal stimuli over 30-250 Hz and 20-40°C, respectively, at the fingertip. We validated our system in psychophysical tests and reproduced the established finding that vibration detection thresholds vary according to temperature.
Comparison With Existing Method(s): Unlike our system, existing methods to study thermo-tactile interactions are restricted to testing skin regions larger than the fingertip or they use tactile probes on the fingertips that are not thermally controlled.
Conclusions: Our system represents a novel strategy for combining thermoelectric modules with mechanical actuation to study thermo-tactile interactions at mechanoreceptor-rich fingertips.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jneumeth.2025.110547 | DOI Listing |
J Pathol Transl Med
September 2025
Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Background: This study aimed to reclassify a subset of poorly differentiated salivary gland carcinoma that do not conform to any entities of the current World Health Organization (WHO) classification into the category of undifferentiated carcinoma (UDC) because they lack specific histologic differentiation or immunophenotype.
Methods: Cases of salivary gland carcinomas from Asan Medical Center (2002-2020) that did not fit any existing WHO classification criteria and were diagnosed as poorly differentiated carcinoma, high-grade carcinoma, or UDC, were retrospectively reviewed. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for p40, neuroendocrine markers, androgen receptor (AR), and gross cystic disease fluid protein 15 (GCDFP-15) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in situ hybridization (ISH) were performed.
Allergy
September 2025
Department of Paediatrics, Division of Pneumology, Allergology, Infectious Diseases and Gastroenterology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Premastication, or pre-chewing, of food as a feeding practice for infants has been practiced across cultures as an ancient evolutionary method. Whilst literature on the topic remains slim, the majority of existing research has highlighted the potential risks, such as transmission of infections. Although the concerns are valid, potential beneficial aspects have, until now, received less attention.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFKnee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc
September 2025
UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic, Santry Demesne, Dublin, Ireland.
Purpose: Bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) and Hamstring (HT) autografts are commonly used for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Concerns exist regarding postoperative anterior knee pain (AKP) and kneeling discomfort with BPTB grafts. However, many studies solely report the presence/absence of anterior knee pain, without assessing its clinical significance in terms of functional limitation or impact on quality of life.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Mater Chem B
September 2025
State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Luminescence from Molecular Aggregates, College of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China.
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a critical biomolecule in cellular energy metabolism, with abnormal levels in the bloodstream linked to pathological conditions such as ischemia, cancer, and inflammatory disorders. Accurate and real-time detection of ATP is essential for early diagnosis and disease monitoring. However, conventional biochemical assays and other techniques suffer from limitations, including invasive sample collection, time-consuming procedures, and the inability to provide dynamic, monitoring.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHematology
December 2025
Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF), Nicosia, Cyprus.
Objective: The complexity of β-thalassaemia with associated morbidity, lifelong daily expensive treatment, and multidisciplinary care results in a considerable disease burden. Our study aimed to revisit the β-thalassaemia burden using epidemiological, clinical, and financial indicators related to patients, families, and healthcare systems.
Methods: Patient density measures, transfusion indices, complication rates, universal health coverage, and other indicators were tabulated by country and region.