Electroconvulsive Therapy in Cochlear Implant UsersCrotty, Alshehri, Gendre
et alJ ECT (2025)
Abstract: Cochlear implant manufacturers currently contraindicate the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in CI users, citing theoretical evidence of potential harm to the patient or the implant despite a lack of clinical data. We report two uncomplicated cases of ECT in CI users, including the first reported case of bilateral ECT in a patient with bilateral CIs.The first case involves a 66-year-old visually impaired male with bilateral CIs. He suffered from major depressive disorder complicated by refusal of oral intake despite maximal pharmacological therapy. He underwent 9 consecutive cycles of bilateral ECT, after which his psychiatric condition improved. Cochlear implant function remained unchanged following the procedure. The second case involved a 65-year-old female with a left-sided CI and a history of recurrent depressive disorder. Her condition deteriorated with the onset of auditory hallucinations and increased suicidality. She underwent 8 consecutive cycles of unilateral ECT with right-sided electrode placement. Her psychiatric condition improved, and there was no change in CI impedance following the procedure.We report 2 successful cases of ECT in CI users, including the first reported case of bilateral ECT in a patient with bilateral cochlear implants. Further investigation into the safety of ECT in CI users is warranted to ensure that this crucial treatment modality remains available to this vulnerable patient cohort.Copyright © 2025 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
Design of Porous 3D Interdigitated Current Collectors and Hybrid Microcathodes for Zn-Ion MicrocapacitorsFan, Naresh, Zhu
et alACS Nano (2025)
Abstract: Zinc-ion microcapacitors (ZIMCs) have gained considerable attention for their intrinsic charge storage mechanisms, combining a battery-type anode with a capacitor-type cathode. However, their development is constrained by challenges related to electrode material selection and microscale device design, especially given the limited footprint of such devices. Despite their potential, exploration of smart electrode processing and hybrid materials for on-chip ZIMCs remains limited. In this work, we introduce 3D gold interdigitated electrodes (3D Au IDEs) as highly porous current collectors, loaded with zinc (Zn) as the anode and hybrid activated carbon coated with PEDOT (AC-PEDOT) as the cathode, using an advanced microplotter fabrication technique. Compared with planar Zn//AC ZIMCs, where Zn and AC materials are loaded onto planar Au IDEs, the 3D Au Zn//AC-PEDOT ZIMCs demonstrate significantly enhanced performance. This is attributed to the critical role of IDEs in increasing the charge storage capacity, improving long-term cycling stability, and boosting capacitive-controlled charge storage contributions. The 3D Au Zn//AC-PEDOT ZIMCs achieve an areal capacity of 1.3 μAh/cm2, peak areal energy of 1.11 μWh/cm2, and peak areal power of 640 μW/cm2, surpassing most reported microsupercapacitors. This study highlights how optimized collectors and hybrid electrodes enhance microdevice charge storage while maximizing performance within a constrained footprint.
Protocol for evaluating neuronal activity and neurotransmitter release following amyloid-beta oligomer injections into the rat hippocampusHervé, Bonenfant, Amyot
et alSTAR Protoc (2025) 6 (2), 103712
Abstract: In Alzheimer's disease, there is an imbalance in neurotransmitter release and altered neuronal activation. Here, we present a protocol approach to analyze neuronal activity by combining local field potential (LFP) recording with microdialysis within the same animal. We describe steps for measuring glutamate and GABA levels following hippocampal amyloid-beta oligomer (Aβo) injections in rats. We then detail procedures for assembling the electrode and cannula, surgical implantation and simultaneous in vivo LFP recording, interstitial fluid collection, and Aβo injections.Copyright © 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Can Difluoroethylene Carbonate Replace Fluoroethylene Carbonate for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Cells at High Voltage?Guan, Ouyang, Wan
et alACS Appl Mater Interfaces (2025)
Abstract: To date, optimizing electrolytes has become a promising approach to enable high-voltage, high-performance lithium-ion cells. Herein, a study is performed to evaluate the potential of difluoroethylene carbonate (DFEC) to replace fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) and deliver comparable or even superior performance at high voltage. It is unveiled that moderately increasing lithium salt inside the DFEC-based electrolyte enhances the high-voltage performance of cells, with the DFEC-based electrolyte outperforming the FEC-based counterpart. Moreover, the DFEC-based electrolyte also fits the LiFePO4 system where a high performance is illustrated when charged to 3.8 and 4.0 V. As a result of the low binding energy between DFEC and Li+, an anion-rich solvation structure is formed by the DFEC-based electrolyte, facilitating Li+ intercalation/deintercalation and forming inorganic-rich passivation layers. In addition, the cell's electrode-electrolyte interface is well-protected due to the superior film property of DFEC, where a thin, smooth, and robust passivation layer is generated that efficiently prevents the electrode and electrolyte from side reactions under high voltage. Furthermore, the DFEC-based electrolyte and the cells containing it also demonstrate superior safety properties when exposed to typical safety testing. Hence, DFEC is shown to be a viable alternative to FEC for enabling sound-performance lithium-ion cells at a high voltage.
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