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Medical Devices (Auckland, N.Z.) 2024To address the application requirements of soft actuators in rehabilitation training gloves, and in combination with ergonomic requirements, we designed a segmented soft...
PURPOSE
To address the application requirements of soft actuators in rehabilitation training gloves, and in combination with ergonomic requirements, we designed a segmented soft actuator with bending and elongation modules. This actuator can achieve independent or coupled movements of the finger joints.
METHODS
A finite element model of the joint actuator was established to compare the driving performance of actuators with different structural forms. Numerical calculations were used to analyze the effects of structural size parameters on the bending characteristics and end output force of the actuator. The design was then refined based on these analyses.
RESULTS
The joint actuator designed in this study demonstrated a 71% increase in bending angle compared to the standard fast pneumatic network structure. Key factors affecting the driving performance include the thickness of the constraint layer, the inner wall thickness of the chamber, chamber height, chamber width, chamber spacing, chamber length, and the number of chambers. After improvements, the bending angle of the joint actuator increased by 60.6%, and the output force increased by 145.9%, indicating significant improvement.
CONCLUSION
This study designed and improved a soft actuator for hand rehabilitation training, achieving independent and coupled joint movements. The bending angle, bending shape, and joint driving force of the soft actuator meet the requirements for finger rehabilitation training.
PubMed: 38953048
DOI: 10.2147/MDER.S476464 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024Antiglycine receptor (anti-GlyR) antibody mediates multiple immune-related diseases. This study aimed to summarize the clinical features to enhance our understanding of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Antiglycine receptor (anti-GlyR) antibody mediates multiple immune-related diseases. This study aimed to summarize the clinical features to enhance our understanding of anti-GlyR antibody-related disease.
METHODS
By collecting clinical information from admitted patients positive for glycine receptor (GlyR) antibody, the clinical characteristics of a new patient positive for GlyR antibody were reported in this study. To obtain additional information regarding anti-GlyR antibody-linked illness, clinical data and findings on both newly reported instances in this study and previously published cases were merged and analyzed.
RESULTS
A new case of anti-GlyR antibody-related progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus (PERM) was identified in this study. A 20-year-old man with only positive cerebrospinal fluid anti-GlyR antibody had a good prognosis with first-line immunotherapy. The literature review indicated that the common clinical manifestations of anti-GlyR antibody-related disease included PERM or stiff-person syndrome (SPS) (n = 179, 50.1%), epileptic seizure (n = 94, 26.3%), and other neurological disorders (n = 84, 24.5%). Other neurological issues included demyelination, inflammation, cerebellar ataxia and movement disorders, encephalitis, acute psychosis, cognitive impairment or dementia, celiac disease, Parkinson's disease, neuropathic pain and allodynia, steroid-responsive deafness, hemiballism/tics, laryngeal dystonia, and generalized weakness included respiratory muscles. The group of PERM/SPS exhibited a better response to immunotherapy than others.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest the presence of multiple clinical phenotypes in anti-GlyR antibody-related disease. Common clinical phenotypes include PERM, SPS, epileptic seizure, and paraneoplastic disease. Patients with RERM/SPS respond well to immunotherapy.
Topics: Humans; Male; Receptors, Glycine; Autoantibodies; Young Adult; Encephalomyelitis; Muscle Rigidity; Myoclonus; Stiff-Person Syndrome; Adult
PubMed: 38953026
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1387591 -
Frontiers in Big Data 2024Persuasive technologies, in connection with human factor engineering requirements for healthy workplaces, have played a significant role in ensuring a change in human...
Persuasive technologies, in connection with human factor engineering requirements for healthy workplaces, have played a significant role in ensuring a change in human behavior. Healthy workplaces suggest different best practices applicable to body posture, proximity to the computer system, movement, lighting conditions, computer system layout, and other significant psychological and cognitive aspects. Most importantly, body posture suggests how users should sit or stand in workplaces in line with best and healthy practices. In this study, we developed two study phases (pilot and main) using two deep learning models: convolutional neural networks (CNN) and Yolo-V3. To train the two models, we collected posture datasets from creative common license YouTube videos and Kaggle. We classified the dataset into comfortable and uncomfortable postures. Results show that our YOLO-V3 model outperformed CNN model with a mean average precision of 92%. Based on this finding, we recommend that YOLO-V3 model be integrated in the design of persuasive technologies for a healthy workplace. Additionally, we provide future implications for integrating proximity detection taking into consideration the ideal number of centimeters users should maintain in a healthy workplace.
PubMed: 38953011
DOI: 10.3389/fdata.2024.1359906 -
PeerJ 2024To investigate the effects of 12-week weight-bearing dance aerobics (WBDA) on muscle morphology, strength and functional fitness in older women.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of 12-week weight-bearing dance aerobics (WBDA) on muscle morphology, strength and functional fitness in older women.
METHODS
This controlled study recruited 37 female participants (66.31y ± 3.83) and divided them into intervention and control groups according to willingness. The intervention group received 90-min WBDA thrice a week for 12 weeks, while the control group maintained normal activities. The groups were then compared by measuring muscle thickness, fiber length and pennation angle by ultrasound, muscle strength using an isokinetic multi-joint module and functional fitness, such as 2-min step test, 30-s chair stand, chair sit-and-reach, TUG and single-legged closed-eyed standing test. The morphology, strength, and functional fitness were compared using ANCOVA or Mann-Whitney U test to study the effects of 12 weeks WBDA.
RESULTS
Among all recruited participants, 33 completed all tests. After 12 weeks, the thickness of the vastus intermedius ( = 17.85, < 0.01) and quadriceps ( = 15.62, < 0.01) was significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control group, along with a significant increase in the torque/weight of the knee flexor muscles ( = 4.47, = 0.04). Similarly, the intervention group revealed a significant improvement in the single-legged closed-eyed standing test (2.16, = 0.03) compared to the control group.
CONCLUSION
The study concluded that compared to the non-exercising control group, 12-week WBDA was shown to thicken vastus intermedius, increase muscle strength, and improve physical function in older women. In addition, this study provides a reference exercise program for older women.
Topics: Humans; Female; Muscle Strength; Aged; Dancing; Weight-Bearing; Physical Fitness; Lower Extremity; Middle Aged; Muscle, Skeletal; Exercise; Quadriceps Muscle
PubMed: 38952989
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17606 -
PeerJ 2024Ovarian cancer is an aggressive malignancy with high mortality known for its considerable metastatic potential. This study aimed to explore the expression and functional...
BACKGROUND
Ovarian cancer is an aggressive malignancy with high mortality known for its considerable metastatic potential. This study aimed to explore the expression and functional role of Unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 2 (ULK2) in the progression of ovarian cancer.
METHODS
ULK2 expression patterns in ovarian cancer tissues as well as benign tumor control samples obtained from our institution were evaluated using immunohistochemistry. Cell counting kit 8 and Transwell assays were applied to assess the effects of ULK2 overexpression on cell proliferation, migration and invasion, respectively. RNA sequencing was performed to explore potential mechanisms of action of ULK2 beyond its classical autophagy modulation.
RESULTS
Our experiments showed significant downregulation of ULK2 in ovarian cancer tissues. Importantly, low expression of ULK2 was markedly correlated with decreased overall survival. functional studies further demonstrated that overexpression of ULK2 significantly suppressed tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. RNA sequencing analysis revealed a potential regulatory role of ULK2 in the insulin signaling pathway through upregulation of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP3) in ovarian cancer cells.
CONCLUSIONS
In summary, the collective data indicated that ULK2 acted as a tumor suppressor in ovarian cancer by upregulating the expression of IGFBP3. Our study underscores the potential utility of ULK2 as a valuable prognostic marker for ovarian cancer.
Topics: Humans; Female; Cell Movement; Ovarian Neoplasms; Cell Line, Tumor; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Cell Proliferation; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3; Autophagy-Related Protein-1 Homolog; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Up-Regulation; Signal Transduction; Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
PubMed: 38952983
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17628 -
PeerJ 2024Although exercise training has been shown to enhance neurological function, there is a shortage of research on how exercise training affects the temporal-spatial...
Although exercise training has been shown to enhance neurological function, there is a shortage of research on how exercise training affects the temporal-spatial synchronization properties of functional networks, which are crucial to the neurological system. This study recruited 23 professional and 24 amateur dragon boat racers to perform simulated paddling on ergometers while recording EEG. The spatiotemporal dynamics of the brain were analyzed using microstates and omega complexity. Temporal dynamics results showed that microstate D, which is associated with attentional networks, appeared significantly altered, with significantly higher duration, occurrence, and coverage in the professional group than in the amateur group. The transition probabilities of microstate D exhibited a similar pattern. The spatial dynamics results showed the professional group had lower brain complexity than the amateur group, with a significant decrease in omega complexity in the α (8-12 Hz) and β (13-30 Hz) bands. Dragon boat training may strengthen the attentive network and reduce the complexity of the brain. This study provides evidence that dragon boat exercise improves the efficiency of the cerebral functional networks on a spatiotemporal scale.
Topics: Humans; Male; Electroencephalography; Brain; Adult; Young Adult; Exercise; Water Sports; Attention; Female
PubMed: 38952974
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17623 -
Biology of Sport Jul 2024This study examined the effects of plyometric-based structured game active breaks on fundamental movement skills (FMS), muscular fitness, student self-perception, and...
Effects of plyometric-based structured game active breaks on fundamental movement skills, muscular fitness, self-perception, and actual behaviour in primary school students.
This study examined the effects of plyometric-based structured game active breaks on fundamental movement skills (FMS), muscular fitness, student self-perception, and teacher's rating of actual behaviour in Grade 3 and 4 students. Primary school children aged 8-10 years old, from four classes, were cluster-randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG) ( = 54) or a control group (CG) ( = 48). The IG participated in structured plyometric-based game active breaks for 7-10 minutes daily, for six consecutive weeks. The CG resumed their regular daily school routine. FMS were assessed with the Canadian Agility Movement Skills Assessment test, and muscular fitness with the standing long jump (SLJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and seated medicine ball chest throw tests. The Self-Perception Profile for Children and the Teacher's Rating Scale of Child's Actual Behaviour assessed student self-perception and teacher's perception of student actual behaviour, respectively. A significant ( < 0.01) interaction group by time was observed, with greater improvements in the IG compared to the CG in FMS (%diff = 13.11, ƞp = 0.12), SLJ (%diff = 6.67, ƞp = 0.02), seated medicine ball chest throw (%diff = 4.69, ƞp = 0.08), student social self-perception (%diff = 9.31, ƞp = 0.10), student scholastic self-perception (%diff = 7.27, ƞp = 0.10), and teacher perception of student social competence (%diff = 8.31, ƞp = 0.05). No difference ( > 0.05) was found in other variables. Integrating plyometric-based structured game active breaks into primary school settings evidenced improvement in FMS, muscular fitness, student self-perception, and teacher's rating of student actual behaviour.
PubMed: 38952915
DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2024.132991 -
Biology of Sport Jul 2024This study aimed to determine, through the use of a highly sensitive statistical tool, whether real changes in performance were present; and compare the rates of...
This study aimed to determine, through the use of a highly sensitive statistical tool, whether real changes in performance were present; and compare the rates of meaningful variations in strength, speed, and power parameters at different time-points during the competitive season in national team rugby players. Thirty-two players were assessed 5 times across the season using the following tests: squat jump and countermovement jump tests; 30-m sprint velocity; and one-repetition maximum (1RM) in the half-squat and bench-press exercises. A repeated-measures analysis of variance was conducted to test for differences between successive time-points. Individual coefficients of variation values were used to set target scores for post-measurements and examine whether changes in performance parameters were greater than the natural test variance, thus providing an indication of whether "true changes" occurred. No significant changes were detected in the vertical jump height, 1RM measures, and sprint velocity and momentum throughout the 11-month period ( > 0.05). True changes occurred much more frequently for strength-power measures than for sprint velocity and momentum. Elite rugby union players did not exhibit significant variations in neuromuscular performance across the competitive period, when a group-based analysis was conducted. However, at the individual level, "true changes" in strength-power-(but not in speed-) related qualities were consistently observed over the competitive season.
PubMed: 38952901
DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2024.135201 -
Biology of Sport Jul 2024Sleep and autonomic nervous system (ANS) influence each other in a bidirectional fashion. Importantly, it has been proposed that sleep has a beneficial regulatory...
Sleep and autonomic nervous system (ANS) influence each other in a bidirectional fashion. Importantly, it has been proposed that sleep has a beneficial regulatory influence over cardiovascular activity, which is mostly controlled by autonomic regulation through the activity of sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways of the ANS. A well-established method to non-invasively assess cardiac autonomic activity is heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. We aimed to investigate the effect of a 40-min nap opportunity on HRV. Twelve professional basketball players randomly accomplished two conditions: 40-min nap (NAP) and control (CON). Nocturnal sleep and naps were monitored by actigraphic recording and sleep diaries. Total sleep time (TST), time in bed (TIB), sleep efficiency (SE), sleep onset latency (SOL), and wake after sleep onset (WASO) were analyzed. HRV was analyzed in 5-min segments during quiet wake before and after each condition with controlled breathing. Were analysed high (HF) and low frequency (LF) bands, the standard deviation of NN interval (SDNN), HRV index and stress index (SI). Wellness Hooper index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were assessed before and after both conditions. There was no significant difference in TIB, TST, SE, WASO, and VAS between NAP and CON. A significant increase in SDNN, HRV index, and LF and a significant decrease in HF, SI, ESS, and Hooper's stress and fatigue scores were observed from pre- to post-nap. In conclusion, napping reduces sleepiness, stress and fatigue, and might provide an advantage by preparing the body for a much-required sympathetic comeback following peaceful rest.
PubMed: 38952899
DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2024.132983 -
Biology of Sport Jul 2024To improve soccer performance, coaches should be able to replicate the match's physical efforts during the training sessions. For this goal, small-sided games (SSGs) are...
To improve soccer performance, coaches should be able to replicate the match's physical efforts during the training sessions. For this goal, small-sided games (SSGs) are widely used. The main purpose of the current study was to develop similarity and overload scores to quantify the degree of similarity and the extent to which the SSG was able to replicate match intensity. GPSs were employed to collect external load and were grouped in three vectors (kinematic, metabolic, and mechanical). Euclidean distance was used to calculate the distance between training and match vectors, which was subsequently converted into a similarity score. The average of the pairwise difference between vectors was used to develop the overload scores. Three similarity (Sim, Sim, Sim) and three overload scores (OVER, OVER, OVER) were defined for kinematic, metabolic, and mechanical vectors. Sim and OVER were excluded from further analysis, showing a very large correlation ( > 0.7, < 0.01) with Sim and OVER. The scores were subsequently analysed considering teams' level (First team vs. U19 team) and SSGs' characteristics in the various playing roles. The independent-sample -test showed (p < 0.01) that the First team presented greater Sim ( = 0.91), OVER ( = 0.47), and OVER ( = 0.35) scores. Moreover, a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) was employed to evaluate differences according to SSG characteristics. The results suggest that a specific SSG format could lead to different similarity and overload scores according to the playing position. This process could simplify data interpretation and categorize SSGs based on their scores.
PubMed: 38952897
DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2024.132989