Gray, L. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2025

Custom-Built Electrodes Perform Comparably to a Discontinued Commercial Electrode for Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Mice

ObjectiveA commercial electrode used for transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in mice is no longer available. In response, we developed two low- cost, customizable alternatives--a 3D-Printed Electrode and a Pen Electrode assembled from off-the-shelf jumper wire components--and evaluated their performance relative to the discontinued commercial standard. MethodsWe conducted in vivo NMES of the left hindlimb ankle dorsiflexors in C57BL/6J mice using three electrode types: a Simple Electrode (previously available as BS4 50-6824, Harvard Apparatus), our novel 3D-Printed Electrode, and our novel Pen Electrode. Contractile torque was recorded during twitch and tetanic contractions, and electrode performance was evaluated based on peak torque values. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare torque generated by each animal for the three different types of electrodes. ResultsBoth custom electrodes generated twitch and tetanic responses comparable to those of the Commercial electrode. No statistically significant differences were observed in peak torque values in either twitch (p = 0.181) or tetany (p = 0.438). ConclusionCustom-built 3D-printed and Pen-style electrodes offer low-cost, accessible alternatives to discontinued commercial devices for murine NMES studies. These tools can facilitate continued use of electrical stimulation protocols in preclinical neuromuscular research.

physiology↗

bioRxiv2022

Modeling protected species distributions and habitats to inform siting and management of pioneering ocean industries: A case study for Gulf of Mexico aquaculture

Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) provides a process that uses spatial data and models to evaluate environmental, social, economic, cultural, and management trade-offs when siting ocean industries. Aquaculture is the fastest-growing food sector in the world. The U.S. has substantial opportunity for offshore aquaculture development given the size of its exclusive economic zone, habitat diversity, and variety of candidate species for cultivation. However, many protected species rely upon habitats that overlap with promising aquaculture areas. Siting surveys, farm construction, operations, and decommissioning can alter the habitat and behavior of animals in the vicinity of these activities. Vessel activity, underwater noise, and physical interactions between protected species and farms can potentially increase the risk of injury or cause direct mortality. In 2020, the U.S. Gulf of Mexico was identified as one of the first regions to be evaluated for offshore aquaculture opportunities as directed by a Presidential Executive Order. We developed a generalized scoring model for protected species data layers that captures vulnerability using species conservation status and demographic information. We applied this approach to data layers for eight species listed under the Endangered Species Act, including five species of sea turtles, Rices Whale, Smalltooth Sawfish, and Giant Manta Ray. We evaluated several methods for scoring (e.g., arithmetic mean, geometric mean, product, lowest scoring layer) and created a combined protected species data layer that was used within a multi-criteria decision-making modeling framework for MSP. The product approach for scoring provided the most logical ordering of and the greatest contrast in site suitability scores. This approach provides a transparent and repeatable method to identify aquaculture site alternatives with the least conflict with protected species. These modeling methods are transferable to other regions, to other sensitive or protected species, and for spatial planning for other ocean-uses.

scientific communication and education↗