Technology and Health Care - Volume 32, issue S1

Authors: Hao, Chenru | Su, Rui | Dong, Chunnan | Zhang, Jingjing | Chi, Ziqiang | Meng, Fanzhen | Zhao, Ruibin | Wu, Yanru | Wang, Linlin | Li, Pengfei | Chen, Chengwei | Lian, Qingjie | Cheng, Li

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Flight accidents caused by spatial disorientation (SD) greatly affect flight safety. OBJECTIVE: Few studies have been devoted to the evaluation of SD. METHODS: 10 pilots and 10 non-pilots were recruited for the experimental induction of SD. Videos for giving optical flow stimuli were played at two different flow speeds to induce SD. Subjective judgment and center of foot pressure (CoP) data were collected from the tests. The data were combined to determine the occurrence of SD and analyze the SD types. RESULTS: The number of self-reported SD events …was slightly smaller in the pilots than in the non-pilots. The average upper bound of the confidence interval for the standard deviation of CoP was 0.32 ± 0.09 cm and 0.38 ± 0.12 cm in the pilots and non-pilots, respectively. This indicator was significantly lower in the pilots than in the non-pilots (P = 0.03). The success rate of the experimental induction of unrecognized SD was 26.7% and 45.0% in the pilots and non-pilots, respectively. CONCLUSION: The method offered a new to analyze unrecognized SD. We could determine the occurrence unrecognized SD. This is an essential means of reducing flight accidents caused by unrecognized SD. Show more

Keywords: Optical flow, plantar pressure, spatial disorientation, unrecognized

DOI: 10.3233/THC-248030

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 32, no. S1, pp. 339-349, 2024

Authors: Yang, Xiaorong | Hu, Jieping | Chen, Qiang | Yang, Lin | Liu, Yifu | Luo, Longhua | Ma, Ming | Xie, Wenjie | Gong, Binbin | Sun, Ting | Tang, Jiazhen | Liu, Fang

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: A growing body of evidence has shown that activating spinal cord glial cells (typically astrocytes and microglial cells) is closely related to hyperpathia and persistent pain. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of GFAP and CR3/CD11b in cornu dorsale medullae spinalis of rats with nonbacterial prostatitis, to explore the therapeutic efficacy and action mechanism of intrathecal injection of BNP alleviating chronic neuropathic pain. METHODS: Eighteen male SPF SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation control group, nonbacterial prostatitis group (NBP) and intrathecal injection BNP group, the NBP model was established by intraprostatic injection …of CFA, and the spinal cord of L6-S1 segment was extracted seven days after intrathecal injection of BNP; The expression of GFAP and CR3/CD11b in dorsal horn of spinal cord were detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot. RESULTS: The cumulative optical density values of GFAP and CR3/CD11b immunofluorescence assay in the NBP group were higher than those in the sham operation group, with statistical significance (p ⁢ < ⁢ ¼ ⁢ 0.01); The expression of GFAP and CR3/CD11b in intrathecal injection BNP group were lower than those in NBP group, the differences were statistically significant (p ⁢ < ⁢ ¼ ⁢ 0.01). Western blot results showed that the expression of GFAP and CR3/CD11B in NBP group were higher than those in sham operation group, with statistical significance (p ⁢ < ⁢ ¼ ⁢ 0.05). The expression of GFAP and CR3/CD11B in intrathecal injection BNP group were lower than those in NBP group, the differences were statistically significant (p ⁢ < ⁢ ¼ ⁢ 0.05). CONCLUSION: Intrathecal injection of BNP can down-regulate the expressions of GFAP and CR3/CD11b in L6-S1 spinal cord of NBP rat model and to further inhibit chronic pain caused by NBP. Show more

Keywords: Nonbacterial prostatitis BNP, GFAP, CR3/CD11b

DOI: 10.3233/THC-248031

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 32, no. S1, pp. 351-359, 2024

Authors: Kim, Ji-Won | Cha, Sang-Ho | Lee, Min-Kyun | Ko, Junghyuk | Kwon, Yu-Ri

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Studies investigating postural balance during various infant care postures have not been reported yet. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to measure static postural balance when holding an infant dummy in-arms and carrying an infant dummy on back according to different infant dummy weights. METHODS: Sixteen healthy young subjects participated in a balance test. Infant dummies with weights of 4.6 kg (1-month) and 9.8 kg (12-month) were used in this study. All subjects were asked to naturally stand on a force platform in two infant care postures (holding an infant in-arms and …carrying an infant on one’s back). Center of pressure (COP) was measured from the force platform. Quantitative variables were derived from the COP. Two-way repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to determine main effects of infant care postures, infant weight, and their interactions on COP variables. RESULTS: Back carrying a 12-month infant dummy had the greatest amplitude in all COP variables. Back carrying posture showed significantly greater mean distance and peak power, faster mean velocity, and wider COP area compared to holding posture (P < 0.05). There were significant weight effects of most COP variables mainly in AP direction (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our results could contribute to the prevention of musculoskeletal diseases or prevention of fall due to various infant care activities by developing an assisting device to improve postural balance. Show more

Keywords: Infant care, center of pressure, static postural balance, infant carrying posture, infant weight

DOI: 10.3233/THC-248032

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 32, no. S1, pp. 361-369, 2024

Authors: Jiang, Wei | Zhang, Youmeng | Yan, Jie | He, Zhiyan | Chen, Weixu

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Enterococcus faecalis biofilm was frequently found on the failed treated root canal wall, which survived by resisting disinfectant during endodontic treatment.Many researches have been conducted to explore the mechanisms of persistence of this pathogen in unfavorable conditions. However, no comprehensive proteomics studies have been conducted to investigate stress response in Enterococcus faecalis caused by alkali and NaOCl. OBJECTIVE: Enterococcus faecalis (E.f) has been recognized as a main pathogen of refractory apical periodontitis, its ability to withstand environmental pressure is the key to grow in the environment of high alkaline and anti-bacterial drug that causes chronic infection in …the root canal. This study aims to focus on the protein expression patterns of E.f biofilm under extreme pressure environment”. METHODS: Enterococcus faecalis biofilm model was established in vitro. Liquid Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer (LC-MS/MS)-based label free quantitative proteomics approach was applied to compare differential protein expression under different environmental pressures (pH 10 and 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)). And then qPCR and Parallel Reaction Monitoring Verification (PRM) were utilized to verify the consequence of proteomics. RESULTS: The number of taxa in this study was higher than those in previous studies, demonstrating the presence of a remarkable number of proteins in the groups of high alkaline and NaOCl. Proteins involved in ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter were significantly enriched in experimental samples. We identified a total of 15 highly expressed ABC transporters in the high alkaline environment pressure group, with 7 proteins greater than 1.5 times. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed considerable changes in expression of proteins in E.f biofilm during resistance to environmental pressures. The findings enriched our understanding of association between the differential expression proteins and environmental pressures. Show more

Keywords: Enterococcus faecalis, biofilm, proteomics, alkaline stress, sodium hypochlorite

DOI: 10.3233/THC-248033

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 32, no. S1, pp. 371-383, 2024

Authors: Yang, Jiao | Zhao, Sha | Zhang, Rui | Huang, Cheng | Huang, Ke-Yao | Cheng, Ying | He, Cheng-Qi | Li, Ling-Xin

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of thoracic manipulation (TM) in patients with neck pain (NP). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of thoracic manipulation (TM) in patients with neck pain (NP). METHODS: Seven electronic databases were searched from their inception through October 2023 by two authors. The methodological quality assessments were performed with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Pain, cervical range of motion (ROM), disability, and quality of life (QOL) were estimated for TM treatment in patients with NP. …RESULTS: Eighteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 914 patients were included with a PEDro score of 6.923 ± 3.120. Pooled effect sizes of pain (SMD = - 0.481, 95% CI - 0.653 to - 0.309, P = 0.000), disability (SMD = - 1.435, 95% CI - 2.480 to - 0.390, P = 0.007), QOL-physical component score (PCS) (SMD = 0.658, 95% CI 0.290 to 1.025, P = 0.000), ROM of flexion (SMD = 0.921, 95% CI 0.287 to 1.555, P = 0.000), ROM of extension (SMD = 0.572, 95% CI 0.321 to 0.822, P = 0.000), ROM of left lateral flexion (SMD = 0.593, 95% CI 0.075 to 1.112, P = 0.025) and ROM of left rotation (SMD = 0.230, 95% CI 0.010 to 0.450, P = 0.04) were favored by the TM group. CONCLUSIONS: TM provides short-term effect on relieving neck pain, increasing cervical ROM, and disability in patients with NP without serious side effects. Continuous therapy and distraction therapy are recommended as optimal choice on reducing pain and improving cervical ROM, especially in patients with chronic NP (> 3 months). The TM-induced improvements in the QOL of patients with NP should be verified by more further high-quality RCTs. Show more

Keywords: Thoracic manipulation (TM), thoracic spine manipulation, chronic neck pain, neck pain, cervical range of motion (ROM), disability

DOI: 10.3233/THC-248034

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 32, no. S1, pp. 385-402, 2024

Authors: Liao, Shijia | Wang, Bin | Lin, Shiming

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases are the top cause of death in China. Manual segmentation of cardiovascular images, prone to errors, demands an automated, rapid, and precise solution for clinical diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: The paper highlights deep learning in automatic cardiovascular image segmentation, efficiently identifying pixel regions of interest for auxiliary diagnosis and research in cardiovascular diseases. METHODS: In our study, we introduce innovative Region Weighted Fusion (RWF) and Shape Feature Refinement (SFR) modules, utilizing polarized self-attention for significant performance improvement in multiscale feature integration and shape fine-tuning. The RWF module includes reshaping, weight computation, and feature fusion, enhancing …high-resolution attention computation and reducing information loss. Model optimization through loss functions offers a more reliable solution for cardiovascular medical image processing. RESULTS: Our method excels in segmentation accuracy, emphasizing the vital role of the RWF module. It demonstrates outstanding performance in cardiovascular image segmentation, potentially raising clinical practice standards. CONCLUSIONS: Our method ensures reliable medical image processing, guiding cardiovascular segmentation for future advancements in practical healthcare and contributing scientifically to enhanced disease diagnosis and treatment. Show more

Keywords: Cardiovascular image segmentation, self-attention mechanism, medical image processing, diagnostic accuracy

DOI: 10.3233/THC-248035

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 32, no. S1, pp. 403-413, 2024

Authors: Gong, Wontae

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Maintaining gait stability is an important factor for preventing falls of normal adults. Thus, it is necessary to conduct research on gait variables in normal adults. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we conducted research on the effect of rhythmic exercise using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) patterns on gait variables in normal adults. METHODS: Thirty-two subjects were divided into two groups, the training and control groups, with 16 subjects in each group. We measured various gait variables step time difference (STD), step length difference (SLD), single support difference (SSD), stance phase difference (STPD) and …swing phase difference (SWPD) for the pre-test and post-test in each group. RESULTS: As a result of paired t-tests on various gait variables (STD, SLD, SSD, STPD, SWPD) of the training and control group, the training group showed significance in SLD, STPD and STD and the control group had no significance in all items. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, which verified the effect of rhythmic exercise using the PNF patterns on the gait variables of normal adults, there was statistical significance in SLD, STPD, and STD showing that dynamic exercise using the PNF pattern is helpful in improving the walking ability of normal adults. Show more

Keywords: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, rhythmic exercise, OptoGait, gait analysis

DOI: 10.3233/THC-248036

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 32, no. S1, pp. 415-422, 2024

Authors: Zhao, Xitong | Wen, Zhijie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is a noninvasive method used for investigating the microstructural properties of the brain. However, a tradeoff exists between resolution and scanning time in clinical practice. Super-resolution has been employed to enhance spatial resolution in natural images, but its application on high-dimensional and non-Euclidean DWI remains challenging. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop an end-to-end deep learning network for enhancing the spatial resolution of DWI through post-processing. METHODS: We proposed a space-customized deep learning approach that leveraged convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for the grid structural domain (x-space) and graph CNNs (GCNNs) for …the diffusion gradient domain (q-space). Moreover, we represented the output of CNN as a graph using correlations defined by a Gaussian kernel in q-space to bridge the gap between CNN and GCNN feature formats. RESULTS: Our model was evaluated on the Human Connectome Project, demonstrating the effective improvement of DWI quality using our proposed method. Extended experiments also highlighted its advantages in downstream tasks. CONCLUSION: The hybrid convolutional neural network exhibited distinct advantages in enhancing the spatial resolution of DWI scans for the feature learning of heterogeneous spatial data. Show more

Keywords: CNN, diffusion-weighted imaging, graph convolution, super-resolution

DOI: 10.3233/THC-248037

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 32, no. S1, pp. 423-435, 2024

Authors: Zhao, Xingyu | Gai, Lulu | Wang, Liang | Xu, Lei

Article Type: Case Report

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Spleen Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-positive inflammatory follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS) is rare, and the imaging signs are unclear. The COVID-19 has been confirmed to be the cause of pneumonia and can cause a variety of diseases including myocarditis. However, it has not been reported to be the cause of the exacerbation or activation of EBV-positive inflammatory FDCS. OBJECTIVE: The objective is to extract the imaging features of EBV-positive inflammatory FDCS in the spleen and analyze the reasons for the special features of this case. METHODS: By analyzing the patient’s treatment process and …imaging examinations (A 77-year-old female was admitted to the hospital due to generalized discomfort and pain symptoms. When she was admitted to the hospital a year earlier with COVID-19 pneumonia, a chest CT scan showed that she had a splenic tumor. During this admission, CT scans showed two irregularly shaped and unevenly dense soft tissue density masses within the spleen, with uneven enhancement on contrast-enhanced im-aging within the solid components and along the edges. PET/CT scans revealed elevated glucose metabolism in the masses. Postoperative pathological diagnosis confirmed splenic EBV-positive inflammatory FDCS.), reading the literature, sorting out the disease cognitive process, epidemiology, and pathological data of EBV-positive inflammatory FDCS, we discussed the imaging manifestations and possible differential diagnosis of the disease. RESULTS: The patient was finally diagnosed with splenic EBV-positive inflammatory FDCS. CONCLUSIONS: Imaging features of EBV-positive inflammatory FDCS in the spleen include a high incidence of hemorrhage and necrosis, persistent moderate enhancement of the solid portion, a “capsular-like enhancement” structure at the tumor edge, and possibly active glucose metabolism with high Standardized Uptake Values (SUVs). COVID-19 infection and long-term COVID-19 sequelae may exacerbate and activate EBV-positive inflammatory FDCS in the spleen, and the mechanism remains to be further studied. Show more

Keywords: Splenic tumor, inflammatory follicular dendritic cell sarcoma, computed tomography, positron emission tomography/computed tomography

DOI: 10.3233/THC-248038

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 32, no. S1, pp. 437-445, 2024

Authors: Seo, Shinbae | Kwon, Taekyu | Shin, Miyeon | Jeong, Hochoon | Yu, Mi | Jeong, Jongkyun | Yu, Changho

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is a disease that has recently become an issue, and research on various assessment methods is being conducted based on guidelines published for the diagnosis of sarcopenia. However, most assessments are complex because the inspector must measure each device to collect data, or the elderly must directly manipulate and get assessment. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we developed an sarcopenia assessment system to assess and analyze various sarcopenia in one system. METHODS: The system consists of a scaffold sensor for balance ability assessment, a chair sensor for assessing the walking and lower extremity function, …and a hand-held dynamometer for assessing grip strength. The balance pad consists of 326 FSR (Force Sensitive Resistor) sensors, and the accuracy is 10 kg/± 10%. The chair sensor applied four weight sensors (Loadcells) to the corner of the hip of the chair, and the accuracy is up to 150 kg ± 10%, and the resolution is 1 kg ± 10%. All data is transmitted to the software through a USB cable to assess sarcopenia through data analysis. The software has built a database to manage user-specific data. The assessment items consisted of “Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) Test” and “Hand Grip Strength Test.” After completion, the software automatically terminates the assessment results and classifies sarcopenia according to the presented reference value. RESULTS: The average value of the total SPPB test scores, including the balance test, gait speed test, and chair stand test, of all participants was 9.06 ± 1.97. The average values of the balance test, gait speed test, and chair stand test scores of all participants were 8.48 ± 2.80 sec (score 3.28 ± 1.23), 1.05 ± 0.26 m/sec (score 3.69 ± 0.79), and 16.05 ± 4.62 sec (score 2.08 ± 1.13). The average value of the hand grip test of all participants was 28.57 ± 2.94 kgf. CONCLUSIONS: A preliminary assessment was conducted on the elderly in their 60 s or older with the developed system, and its performance confirmed that the assessment and result analysis were conducted well without any errors in software or hardware. Future studies intend to verify the reliability and accuracy of the assessment results compared to the existing direct measurement methods. In addition, we would like to conduct a study to establish data on the muscle reduction index by age group of Koreans. Show more

Keywords: Sarcopenia, assessment system, preliminary test, rehabilitation, healthcare

DOI: 10.3233/THC-248039

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 32, no. S1, pp. 447-455, 2024

Authors: Yu, Xia | Ma, Liyong | Wang, Hongjie | Zhang, Yong | Du, Hai | Xu, Kaiyuan | Wang, Lianfang

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Congenital heart disease (CHD) seriously affects children’s health and quality of life, and early detection of CHD can reduce its impact on children’s health. Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and ventricular septal defect (VSD) are two types of CHD that have similarities in echocardiography. However, TOF has worse diagnosis and higher morality than VSD. Accurate differentiation between VSD and TOF is highly important for administrative property treatment and improving affected factors’ diagnoses. OBJECTIVE: TOF and VSD were differentiated using convolutional neural network (CNN) models that classified fetal echocardiography images. METHODS: We collected 105 fetal …echocardiography images of TOF and 96 images of VSD. Four CNN models, namely, VGG19, ResNet50, NTS-Net, and the weakly supervised data augmentation network (WSDAN), were used to differentiate the two congenital heart diseases. The performance of these four models was compared based on sensitivity, accuracy, specificity, and AUC. RESULTS: VGG19 and ResNet50 performed similarly, with AUCs of 0.799 and 0.802, respectively. A superior performance was observed with NTS-Net and WSDAN specific for fine-grained image categorization tasks, with AUCs of 0.823 and 0.873, respectively. WSDAN had the best performance among all models tested. CONCLUSIONS: WSDAN exhibited the best performance in differentiating between TOF and VSD and is worthy of further clinical popularization. Show more

Keywords: Congenital heart disease, fetal echocardiography images, tetralogy of Fallot, ventricular septal defect, deep learning

DOI: 10.3233/THC-248040

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 32, no. S1, pp. 457-464, 2024

Authors: Chen, Rongcan | Wang, Qinglian | Huang, Xiaoyuan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Oral cancer is a malignant tumor that usually occurs within the tissues of the mouth. This type of cancer mainly includes tumors in the lining of the mouth, tongue, lips, buccal mucosa and gums. Oral cancer is on the rise globally, especially in some specific risk groups. The early stage of oral cancer is usually asymptomatic, while the late stage may present with ulcers, lumps, bleeding, etc. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper is to propose an effective and accurate method for the identification and classification of oral cancer. METHODS: We applied two deep …learning methods, CNN and Transformers. First, we propose a new CANet classification model for oral cancer, which uses attention mechanisms combined with neglected location information to explore the complex combination of attention mechanisms and deep networks, and fully tap the potential of attention mechanisms. Secondly, we design a classification model based on Swim transform. The image is segmented into a series of two-dimensional image blocks, which are then processed by multiple layers of conversion blocks. RESULTS: The proposed classification model was trained and predicted on Kaggle Oral Cancer Images Dataset, and satisfactory results were obtained. The average accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and F1-Socre of Swin transformer architecture are 94.95%, 95.37%, 95.52% and 94.66%, respectively. The average accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and F1-Score of CANet model were 97.00%, 97.82%, 97.82% and 96.61%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We studied different deep learning algorithms for oral cancer classification, including convolutional neural networks, converters, etc. Our Attention module in CANet leverages the benefits of channel attention to model the relationships between channels while encoding precise location information that captures the long-term dependencies of the network. The model achieves a high classification effect with an accuracy of 97.00%, which can be used in the automatic recognition and classification of oral cancer. Show more

Keywords: Oral cancer classification, attention mechanism, transformer

DOI: 10.3233/THC-248041

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 32, no. S1, pp. 465-475, 2024

Authors: Park, Chanhee | Yoon, Hyunsik

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Patients with hemiparetic stroke experience diminished motor function, dynamic balance, and gait speed, which influence their activities of daily living (ADL). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the therapeutic effects of ultrasound biofeedback core exercise (UBCE) on Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA), Time up and go (TUG), 10-meter walking test (10MWT) and functional independent measure (FIM) in participants with stroke. METHODS: Twenty-four stroke survivors consistently underwent UBCE or abdominal draw-in maneuver (ADIM) for 30 min/session, 3 days a week for 4 weeks. Clinical outcome measurements – the FMA, TUG, 10MWT, and FIM – were observed pre-and post-intervention. …RESULTS: We detected significant changes in the FMA-lower extremities, TUG, 10MWT, and FIM scores between the UBCE and ADIM groups. UBCE and ADIM showed significant improvements in FMA-lower extremities, TUG, 10MWT, and FIM scores. However, UBCE showed more favorable results than ADIM in patients with stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Our research provides novel therapeutic suggestion of neurorehabilitation in stroke patients. Show more

Keywords: Stroke, somatosensory-evoked potential, balance, gait

DOI: 10.3233/THC-248042

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 32, no. S1, pp. 477-486, 2024

Authors: Liu, Zuoliang | Nie, Jiachen | Yang, Fan | Zheng, Yi | Ding, Li

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Shoes upper has been shown to affect the shoe microclimate (temperature and humidity). However, the existing data on the correlation between the microclimate inside footwear and the body’s physical factors is still quite limited. OBJECTIVE: This study examined whether shoes air permeability would influence foot microclimate and spatial characteristics of lower limb and body. METHODS: Twelve recreational male habitual runners were instructed to finish an 80 min experimental protocol, wearing two running shoes with different air permeability. RESULTS: Participants wearing CLOSED upper structure shoe exhibited higher in-shoe temperature and relative …humidity. Although there was no significant difference, shank temperature and metabolism in OPEN upper structure shoes were lower. CONCLUSIONS: This indicates that the air permeability of shoes can modify the microclimate of the feet, potentially affecting the lower limb temperature. This study provides relevant information for the design and evaluation of footwear. Show more

Keywords: Footwear, microclimate, thermal comfort, metabolism

DOI: 10.3233/THC-248043

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 32, no. S1, pp. 487-499, 2024

Authors: Li, Xingcen | Li, Qianpeng | Li, Jinhan | Wang, Xiaoyi | Zou, Huaxiu | Wang, Shuyang | Fan, Jingyi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The etiology of Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To explore the differences in the therapeutic efficacy of pain improvement between medication therapy and laser therapy in patients with BMS. METHODS: 45 BMS patients were randomly divided into three groups: The Combination therapy group (Group A, n = 15), The Medication therapy group (Group B, n = 15), and the Laser therapy group (Group C, n = 15). The pain condition of the patients was evaluated …using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and the improvement in pain before and after treatment was compared among the three groups. RESULTS: All three groups (A, B, and C) showed a significant reduction in NRS scores after treatment, with statistically significant differences observed among the different groups. Group A exhibited the most significant improvement, with a statistically significant difference before and after treatment. CONCLUSION: Laser and medication therapy are effective methods for reducing oral burning pain * symptoms, and their combined use yields more significant therapeutic effects. Show more

Keywords: Laser therapy, medication therapy, burning mouth syndrome

DOI: 10.3233/THC-248044

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 32, no. S1, pp. 501-509, 2024

Authors: Park, Seonmi | You, Joshua (Sung) H.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: While the limited ankle dorsiflexion syndrome (ADS) is common in neuro-musculoskeletal conditions, the instrument-assisted mobilization focused on the shortened gastro-soleus myofascial structure (IMI) rather than the homologous structure (both gastrosoleus and tibiliais anterior muscles, HIM). OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare the immediate therapeutic effects between IMH and IMI treatment groups on the ankle dorsiflexion angle, muscle activation and foot pressure distribution during dynamic gait in ADS. METHODS: Neuromechanical tests including kinematics (ankle mobility), kinetics (center of pressure distribution), and electromyography were used to determine the immediate therapeutic effects between HIM and IMI …treatment groups in 24 participants with ADS. RESULTS: The ankle joint angle analysis demonstrated a more improved active DF angle in the group who received HIM intervention when compared to the group who received IMI intervention. (11.26% and 3.58%, respectively) EMG analysis showed more decreased mean and peak TA activation amplitudes in the group who received HIM intervention (9.1% and 9%) when compared to the group who received IMI intervention (11.48% and 1.48%). Plantar pressure distribution analysis showed difference that the forefoot/area decreased in the group who received HIM intervention (8.1%), but rather increased in the group who received IMI intervention (14.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Our neuromechanical results demonstrated promising positive effects on ankle joint mobility, muscle activation and foot pressure distribution during gait in ADS. Show more

Keywords: Limited ankle dorsiflexion syndrome, instrument-assisted mobilization, electromyography

DOI: 10.3233/THC-248045

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 32, no. S1, pp. 511-522, 2024

Authors: Zeng, Ting | Ling, Caijin | Liang, Yong

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Colon cancer is the most prevalent and rapidly increasing malignancy globally. It has been suggested that some of the ingredients in the herb pair of Coptidis Rhizoma and ginger (Zingiber officinale ), a traditional Chinese medicine, have potential anti-colon cancer properties. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of the Coptidis Rhizoma-ginger herb pair in treating colon cancer, using an integrated approach combining network pharmacology and molecular docking. METHODS: The ingredients of the herb pair Coptidis Rhizoma-ginger, along with their corresponding protein targets, were obtained from the Traditional …Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology and Swiss Target Prediction databases. Target genes associated with colon cancer were retrieved from the GeneCards and OMIM databases. Then, the protein targets of the active ingredients in the herb pair were identified, and the disease-related overlapping targets were determined using the Venn online tool. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using STRING database and analyzed using Cytoscape 3.9.1 to identify key targets. Then, a compound-target-disease-pathway network map was constructed. The intersecting target genes were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses for colon cancer treatment. Molecular docking was performed using the Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) software to predict the binding affinity between the key targets and active compounds. RESULTS: Besides 1922 disease-related targets, 630 targets associated with 20 potential active compounds of the herb pair Coptidis Rhizoma-ginger were collected. Of these, 229 intersection targets were obtained. Forty key targets, including STAT3, Akt1, SRC, and HSP90AA1, were further analyzed using the ClueGO plugin in Cytoscape. These targets are involved in biological processes such as miRNA-mediated gene silencing, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling, and telomerase activity. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that PI3K-Akt and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) signaling pathways were closely related to colon cancer prevention by the herb pair Coptidis Rhizoma-ginger. Ten genes (Akt1, TP53, STAT3, SRC, HSP90AA1, JAK2, CASP3, PTGS2, BCl2, and ESR1) were identified as key genes for validation through molecular docking simulation. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the herb pair Coptidis Rhizoma-ginger exerted preventive effects against colon cancer by targeting multiple genes, utilizing various active compounds, and modulating multiple pathways. These findings might provide the basis for further investigations into the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Coptidis Rhizoma-ginger in colon cancer treatment, potentially leading to the development of novel drugs for combating this disease. Show more

Keywords: Colon cancer, Coptidis Rhizoma, ginger, molecular docking, network pharmacology

DOI: 10.3233/THC-248046

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 32, no. S1, pp. 523-542, 2024

Authors: Cao, Yang | Fan, Chunjiang | Li, Gang | Huang, Jian | Zhang, Jinli

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Aphasia is a communication disorder that affects the ability to process and produce language, which severely impacting their lives. Computer-aid exercise rehabilitation has shown to be highly effective for these patients. OBJECTIVE: In our study, we proposed a speech rehabilitation system with mirrored therapy. The study goal is to construct a effective rehabilitation software for aphasia patients. METHODS: This system collects patients’ facial photos for mirrored video generation and speech synthesis. The visual feedback provided by the mirror creates an engaging and motivating experience for patients. And the evaluation platform employs machine …learning technologies for assessing speech similarity. RESULTS: The sophisticated task-oriented rehabilitation training with mirror therapy is also presented for experiments performing. The performance of three tasks reaches the average scores of 83.9% for vowel exercises, 74.3% for word exercies and 77.8% for sentence training in real time. CONCLUSIONS: The user-friendly application system allows patients to carry out daily training tasks instructed by the therapists or the prompt information of menu. Our work demonstrated a promising intelligent mirror software system for reading-based aphasia rehabilitation. Show more

Keywords: Aphasia, speech rehabilitation, mirrored therapy, video generation

DOI: 10.3233/THC-248047

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 32, no. S1, pp. 543-553, 2024

Authors: Xie, Hefu | Wang, Bingbing | Hong, Yuanzhen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Acute Liver Failure (ALF) is a critical medical condition with rapid development, often caused by viral infections, hepatotoxic drug abuse, or other severe liver diseases. Timely and accurate prediction of ALF occurrence is clinically crucial. However, predicting ALF poses challenges due to the diverse physiological differences among patients and the dynamic nature of the disease. OBJECTIVE: This study introduces a deep learning approach that combines fully connected and convolutional neural networks for effective ALF prediction. The goal is to overcome limitations of traditional machine learning methods and enhance predictive model performance and generalization. METHODS: …The proposed model integrates a fully connected neural network for handling basic patient features and a convolutional neural network dedicated to capturing temporal patterns in patient data. The combination allows automatic learning of complex patterns and abstract features present in highly dynamic medical data associated with ALF. RESULTS: The model’s effectiveness is demonstrated through comprehensive experiments and performance evaluations. It outperforms traditional machine learning methods, achieving 94.8% accuracy and superior generalization capabilities. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the potential of deep learning in ALF prediction, emphasizing the importance of considering individualized medical factors. Future research should focus on improving model robustness, addressing imbalanced data, and further exploring personalized features for enhanced predictive accuracy in real-world clinical scenarios. Show more

Keywords: Acute liver failure, deep learning, fully connected neural network, convolutional neural network

DOI: 10.3233/THC-248048

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 32, no. S1, pp. 555-564, 2024

Authors: Shin, Eunji | Roh, Hyolyun

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Many people work in a sitting position where they have to use their upper extremities and hands. Muscle activity in sitting position is affected by the chair height of, the height of the worktable, and the distance to the working target. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to investigate differences in muscle activity between men and wemen at different chair heghts and working distances. METHODS: Surface electromyography (EMG) was employed to determine the muscle activity of the upper limbs and the trunk, while an arm-stretching task was performed in a sitting position. …RESULTS: Women’s muscle activity was higher than that of men in most muscles as the chair height and working distance changed. CONCLUSIONS: As the height of the chair or the working distance was changed, muscle activity was greater in women than in men for most of the muscles analyzed. Under the same conditions, women may feel more muscle fatigue than men, so it is necessary to consider gender in the working environment. Show more

Keywords: Chair height, working distance, sedentary work, surface EMG

DOI: 10.3233/THC-248049

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 32, no. S1, pp. 565-575, 2024