Search Results (91)

The response of a temperature sensor in a gas stream depends on several heat transfer phenomena. The temperature of the thermocouple’s hot junction in the hot stream is lower than the measured temperature, which causes a measurement error. Compensation for this error and interpretation of the values indicated by the temperature sensor are possible by using a sensor dynamics model. Changes over time of the hot junction temperature as well as the entire thermocouple temperature in a stream are solved using the finite element method. Fluid flow and heat transfer equations are solved for a particular sensor geometry. This article presents a method for identifying a temperature sensor model using the results of numerical modeling of the response to temperature changes of the fluid stream, in which the input and output signal waveforms are recorded and then used by the estimator of a model coefficient. It is demonstrated that the dynamics of a bare-bead thermocouple sensor are well-described by a first-order transfer function. The proposed method was used to study the influence of stream velocity on the reaction of two sensors differing in the diameter of the wires, and the effect of radiative heat transfer on the model coefficients was examined by enabling and disabling selected models. The results obtained at several calculation points show the influence of the stream outflow velocity and selected geometric parameters on the value of the transfer function coefficients, i.e., transfer function gain and time constant. This study provides quantitative models of changes in sensor dynamics as functions of the coefficients. Full article

Background/Objectives: Neurological disorders often result in a broad spectrum of disabilities that impact mobility, communication, cognition, and sensory processing, leading to significant limitations in independence and quality of life. Assistive technologies (ATs) offer tools to compensate for these impairments, support daily living, and improve quality of life. The World Health Organization encourages the adoption and diffusion of effective assistive technology (AT). This narrative review aims to explore the integration, benefits, and challenges of assistive technologies in individuals with neurological disabilities, focusing on their role across mobility, communication, cognitive, and sensory domains. Methods: A narrative approach was adopted by reviewing relevant studies published between 2014 and 2024. Literature was sourced from PubMed and Scopus using specific keyword combinations related to assistive technology and neurological disorders. Results: Findings highlight the potential of ATs, ranging from traditional aids to intelligent systems like brain–computer interfaces and AI-driven devices, to enhance autonomy, communication, and quality of life. However, significant barriers remain, including usability issues, training requirements, accessibility disparities, limited user involvement in design, and a low diffusion of a health technology assessment approach. Conclusions: Future directions emphasize the need for multidimensional, user-centered solutions that integrate personalization through machine learning and artificial intelligence to ensure long-term adoption and efficacy. For instance, combining brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) with virtual reality (VR) using machine learning algorithms could help monitor cognitive load in real time. Similarly, ATs driven by artificial intelligence technology could be useful to dynamically respond to users’ physiological and behavioral data to optimize support in daily tasks. Full article

Emerging evidence links ferroptosis–mitochondrial dysregulation to depression pathogenesis through an oxidative stress–energy deficit–neuroinflammation cycle driven by iron overload. This study demonstrates that iron accumulation initiates ferroptosis via Fenton reaction-mediated lipid peroxidation, compromising neuronal membrane integrity and disabling the GPx4 antioxidant system. Concurrent mitochondrial complex I/IV dysfunction impairs ATP synthesis, creating an AMPK/mTOR signaling imbalance and calcium dyshomeostasis that synergistically impair synaptic plasticity. Bidirectional crosstalk emerges: lipid peroxidation derivatives oxidize mitochondrial cardiolipin, while mitochondrial ROS overproduction activates ACSL4 to amplify ferroptotic susceptibility, forming a self-reinforcing neurodegenerative loop. Prefrontal–hippocampal metabolomics reveal paradoxical metabolic reprogramming with glycolytic compensation suppressing mitochondrial biogenesis (via PGC-1α/TFAM downregulation), trapping neurons in bioenergetic crisis. Clinical data further show that microglial M1 polarization through cGAS-STING activation sustains neuroinflammation via IL-6/TNF-α release. We propose a “ferroptosis–mitochondrial fragmentation–metabolic maladaptation” triad as mechanistic subtyping criteria for depression. Preclinical validation shows that combinatorial therapy (iron chelators + SIRT3 agonists) rescues neuronal viability by restoring mitochondrial integrity and energy flux. This work shifts therapeutic paradigms from monoaminergic targets toward multimodal strategies addressing iron homeostasis, organelle dynamics, and metabolic vulnerability—a framework with significant implications for developing neuroprotective antidepressants. Full article

Clinical research has demonstrated that stroke patients benefit from active participation during robot-assisted training. However, the weight of the arm impedes the execution of tasks and movements due to the functional disability. The purpose of this paper is to develop a gravity compensation strategy for an end-effector upper limb rehabilitation robot based on an arm dynamics model to reduce the arm’s muscle activation level. This control strategy enables real-time evaluation of arm gravity torques based on feedback from upper limb kinematic parameters. The performance of the proposed strategy in movement tracking is then compared to that of other types of weight compensation strategies. Experimental results demonstrate that compared to movements without compensation, the mean activation levels of arm muscles with the proposed strategy showed a significant reduction (p < 0.05), except for activation of the triceps. Furthermore, the proposed strategy provides superior performance in reducing the arm muscle’s effort compared to the position-varying weight compensation strategy. Therefore, with the proposed strategy, the end-effector rehabilitation robot might improve participation in robot-assisted rehabilitation training, as well as the usability and feasibility of the rehabilitation or assistive robot. Full article

Background/Objectives: Patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) have a long life expectancy due to modern treatment. However, treatment may have adverse effects that hamper work ability. Methods: Patients aged 25–60 years diagnosed in 2002–2020 were included in this nationwide matched cohort study examining work ability from diagnosis (index date), including the need for permanent disability compensation (flexible job or disability pension). Each patient was matched 1:5 on sex, birth year, and level of comorbidity with citizens from the general Danish population without CML. The risks of requiring flexible job and disability pension were calculated by cause-specific hazard ratios (HRs) using Cox proportional hazards regression, and the Aalen–Johansen estimator was used to determine cumulative risks. Results: A total of 489 patients with CML and 2445 matched comparators were included. The median age was 46 years, and males comprised 59.5% of the cohort. Matched comparators were more likely to work at index date and 1, 3, 5, and 10 years after the index date (p < 0.001). The HRs of requiring both flexible job (HR 8.7 (95% confidence interval (CI): 6.1;12.2, p < 0.001)) and disability pension (HR 3.7 (95% CI: 2.8;4.9, p < 0.001)) were higher among patients diagnosed with CML compared to matched comparators. The cumulative risk of requiring flexible job and disability pension also increased in patients with CML compared to matched comparators (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients with CML have a reduced work ability compared to the general population. More research is needed to determine the cause of their loss of ability to work. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lower-limb amputation (LLA) leads to disability, impaired mobility, and reduced quality of life, affecting 1.6 million people in the USA. Post-amputation, motor cortex reorganization occurs, contributing to phantom limb pain (PLP). Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) assesses changes in cortical excitability, helping to identify compensatory mechanisms. This study investigated the association between TMS metrics and clinical and neurophysiological outcomes in LLA patients. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of the DEFINE cohort, with 59 participants, was carried out. TMS metrics included resting motor threshold (rMT), motor-evoked potential (MEP) amplitude, short intracortical inhibition (SICI), and intracortical facilitation (ICF). Results: Multivariate analysis revealed increased ICF and rMT in the affected hemisphere of PLP patients, while SICI was reduced with the presence of PLP. A positive correlation between SICI and EEG theta oscillations in the frontal, central, and parietal regions suggested compensatory mechanisms in the unaffected hemisphere. Increased MEP was associated with reduced functional independence. Conclusions: SICI appears to be a key factor linked to the presence of PLP, but not its intensity. Reduced SICI may indicate impaired cortical compensation, contributing to PLP. Other neural mechanisms, including central sensitization and altered thalamocortical connectivity, may influence PLP’s severity. Our findings align with those of prior studies, reinforcing low SICI as a marker of maladaptive neuroplasticity in amputation-related pain. Additionally, longer amputation duration was associated with disrupted SICI, suggesting an impact of long-term plasticity changes. Full article

Background. Cervical spondylitis is accompanied by segmental instability and sagittal imbalance. The purpose of this work is to conduct a search of correlation between sagittal parameters and clinical outcomes in cervical spondylitis. Materials and Methods. The monocentric cohort study encompassed the clinical and radiological data of 59 patients who underwent reconstructive surgeries on the suboccipital, subaxial, and cervicothoracic spine. We evaluated local cervical sagittal parameters: cervical sagittal vertical axis (CSVA), T1 slope (T1S), Health-Related Quality of Life—HRQOL (Oswestry Disability Index—ODI)—and others pre- and postoperatively. Results. The duration of the therapeutic pause and T1S correlated with HRQOL. It revealed the direct relationship between the age of the patient and the value of CSVA. A significant predictor of postoperative complications is the level of comorbidity with an index of 7 or more on the Charlson scale. Conclusions. The factors influencing HRQOL in this pathology are the duration of the therapeutic pause and the magnitude of T1S compensation. Anterior reconstruction of the cervical spine in the presence of spondylitis yields a correction of the sagittal balance parameters. The leading predictors of complications from the surgical treatment of cervical spondylitis are the Charlson comorbidity index and the variant of anterior reconstruction. Full article

China’s rapidly aging population necessitates a sustainable social care system. Although the majority of Chinese disabled older adults live in their communities, the utilization rate of home- and community-based care (HCBC) services has been low. Moreover, family members still take the main responsibility for the care of disabled older persons and generally suffer from the stress of caregiving. To increase the use of HCBC services by disabled elderly families, this study examined which individual characteristics of both elderly individuals and their primary family caregivers were related to HCBC service use among disabled urban elderly individuals in a regional sample from the 2018 to 2019 Beijing Precise Assistance Need Survey (n = 34,153). Logistic regression was used as the baseline model, and a simultaneous equation model was established to address the jointly dependent variables. The results show that the degree of disability of disabled older adults has no significant effect on their service use, whereas their worse health status played a significant role in predicting respite care service use. Working status, a longer period of caregiving, and poor health of caregivers all significantly predict a greater likelihood of service use by elderly individuals. Caregivers with burdened feelings predicted a decrease in the likelihood of elderly individuals using services. Our findings show that primary family caregivers have an important influence on disabled elderly people’s use of HCBC services, but service use is more likely to compensate for the lack of care and expertise provided by family caregivers than to reduce caregivers’ caregiving burden. Full article

Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies (DEEs) represent a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of rare and severe epilepsies. DEEs commonly begin early in infancy with frequent seizures of various types associated with intellectual disability and leading to a neurodevelopmental delay or regression. Disease-causing genomic variants have been identified in numerous genes and are implicated in over 100 types of DEEs. In this context, genes encoding voltage-gated ion channels (VGCs) play a significant role, and part of the large phenotypic variability observed in DEE patients carrying VGC mutations could be explained by the presence of genetic modifier alleles that can compensate for these mutations. This review will focus on the current knowledge of the compensatory effect of DEE-associated voltage-gated ion channels and their therapeutic implications in DEE. We will enter into detailed considerations regarding the sodium channels SCN1A, SCN2A, and SCN8A; the potassium channels KCNA1, KCNQ2, and KCNT1; and the calcium channels CACNA1A and CACNA1G. Full article

Violence against women impacts a minimum of 35% of the global female population, encompassing sexual, physical, and psychological forms. Perpetrators of this violence include partners, family members, or strangers. Its ramifications are substantial, evident in the prevalence of chronic pain reported by between 48% and 84% of women who have experienced abuse, with an odds ratio of 2.08. Notably associated diagnoses include pelvic/vaginal pain, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome/bowel symptoms, abdominal pain, migraine/headache, and back and neck pain. These diagnoses significantly limit a woman’s ability to participate in daily activities, such as exercising or working, leading to genuine disability. Despite substantial evidence, the precise cause and etiology of these conditions remain unclear. Adhering to the bio-psycho-social model, it is conceivable that chronic pain in victims of violence cannot be attributed to a single factor alone, but rather to a combination of all three: biological, psychological, and social factors. Uncovering these factors could have significant clinical and legal implications. On one hand, it would be possible to conduct screenings to avoid developing chronic pain. and guide individuals toward the correct treatment. On the other hand, victims could seek compensation for chronic pain resulting from violence. Considering the limited knowledge about the causes of chronic pain and the absence of tools to identify risk factors or a set of tests for evaluating victims of violence, the goal of the research described in this project protocol is to pinpoint the specific contributing factors for chronic pain due to violence victimization. Additionally, it aims to devise a comprehensive protocol for assessing these factors in forensic science. Full article

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) involve muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs. These conditions can be triggered by both the work environment and the type of work performed, factors that, in some cases, can also exacerbate pre-existing conditions. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of the impact that different work-related activities have on the musculoskeletal system. Methods: A global search of publications was conducted using the following international bibliographic web databases: PubMed and Web of Science. The search strategies combined terms for musculoskeletal disorders and workers. In addition, a meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the prevalence of MSDs within the healthcare sector. Results: A total of 10,805 non-duplicated articles were identified, and finally, 32 studies were reviewed in this article. Once the literature search was completed, occupational figures were categorized into healthcare, farming, industrial, and computer sectors. In the healthcare sector, the prevalence estimate for degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine was 21% (497 out of 2547 physicians and dentists) (95% CI, 17–26%), while for osteoarthritis of the hand, it was 37% (382 out of 1013 dentists) (95% CI, 23–51%). Conclusions: Musculoskeletal disorders significantly impair workers’ quality of life, especially in healthcare sector. These conditions are also associated with high costs for employers, such as absenteeism, lost productivity, and increased costs for healthcare, disability, and workers’ compensation. Full article

Exercise is a front-line intervention to increase functional capacity and reduce pain and disability in people with low strength levels or disorders. However, there is a lack of validated field-based tests to check the initial status and, more importantly, to control the process and make tailored adjustments in load, intensity, and recovery. We aimed to determine the test–retest reliability of a submaximal, resistance-band test to evaluate the strength of the trunk stability muscles using a portable force sensor in middle-aged adults (48 ± 13 years) with medically diagnosed chronic low back pain and healthy peers (n = 35). Participants completed two submaximal progressive tests of two resistance-band exercises (unilateral row and Pallof press), consisting of 5 s maintained contraction, progressively increasing the load. The test stopped when deviation from the initial position by compensation movements occurred. Trunk muscle strength (CORE muscles) was monitored in real time using a portable force sensor (strain gauge). Results revealed that both tests were highly reliable (intra-class correlation [ICC] > 0.901) and presented low errors and coefficients of variation (CV) in both groups. In particular, people with low back pain had errors of 14–19 N (CV = 9–12%) in the unilateral row test and 13–19 N (CV = 8–12%) in the Pallof press. No discomfort or pain was reported during or after the tests. These two easy-to-use and technology-based tests result in a reliable and objective screening tool to evaluate the strength and trunk stability in middle-aged adults with chronic low back pain, considering an error of measurement < 20 N. This contribution may have an impact on improving the individualization and control of rehabilitation or physical training in people with lumbar injuries or disorders. Full article

The traditional wheelchair focuses on the “human-chair” motor function interaction to ensure the elderly and people with disabilities’ basic travel. For people with visual, hearing, physical disabilities, etc., the current wheelchairs show shortcomings in terms of accessibility and independent travel for this group. Therefore, this paper develops an intelligent wheelchair with multimodal human–computer interaction and autonomous navigation technology. Firstly, it researches the multimodal human–computer interaction technology of occupant gesture recognition, speech recognition, and head posture recognition and proposes a wheelchair control method of three-dimensional head posture mapping the two-dimensional plane. After testing, the average accuracy of the gesture, head posture and voice control modes of the motorized wheelchair proposed in this study reaches more than 95 percent. Secondly, the LiDAR-based smart wheelchair indoor autonomous navigation technology is investigated to realize the autonomous navigation of the wheelchair by constructing an environment map, using A* and DWA algorithms for global and local path planning, and adaptive Monte Carlo simulation algorithms for real-time localization. Experiments show that the position error of the wheelchair is within 10 cm, and the heading angle error is less than 5° during the autonomous navigation. The multimode human–computer interaction and assisted driving technology proposed in this study can partially compensate and replace the functional deficiencies of the disabled population and improve the quality of life of the elderly and disabled population. Full article

Background: Adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients with concurrent sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain are susceptible to worse postoperative outcomes. There is scarce literature on the impact of ASD realignment surgery on SIJ pain. Methods: Patients undergoing ASD realignment surgery were included and stratified by the presence of SIJ pain at the baseline (SIJP+) or SIJ pain absence (SIJP−). Mean comparison tests via ANOVA were used to assess baseline differences between both cohorts. Multivariable regression analyses analyzed factors associated with SIJ pain resolution/persistence, factoring in BMI, frailty, disability, and deformity. Results: A total of 464 patients were included, with 30.8% forming the SIJP+ cohort. At the baseline (BL), SIJP+ had worse disability scores, more severe deformity, higher BMI, higher frailty scores, and an increased magnitude of lower limb compensation. SIJP+ patients had higher mechanical complication (14.7 vs. 8.2%, p = 0.024) and reoperation rates (32.4 vs. 20.2%, p = 0.011) at 2 years. SIJP+ patients who subsequently underwent SI fusion achieved disability score outcomes similar to those of their SIJ− counterparts. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that SIJP+ patients who were aligned in the GAP lordosis distribution index were more likely to report symptom resolution at six weeks (OR 1.56, 95% CI: 1.02–2.37, p = 0.039), 1 year (OR 3.21, 2.49–5.33), and 2 years (OR 3.43, 2.41–7.12). SIJP− patients who did not report symptom resolution by 1 year and 2 years were more likely to demonstrate PI-LL > 5° (OR 1.36, 1.07–2.39, p = 0.045) and SVA > 20 mm (OR 1.62, 1.24–1.71 p = 0.017). Conclusions: SIJ pain in ASD patients may result in worsened pain and disability at presentation. Symptom resolution may be achieved in affected patients by adequate postoperative lumbar lordosis restoration. Full article

A deficiency in the shortest dystrophin-gene product, Dp71, is a pivotal aggravating factor for intellectual disabilities in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Recent advances in preclinical research have achieved some success in compensating both muscle and brain dysfunctions associated with DMD, notably using exon skipping strategies. However, this has not been studied for distal mutations in the DMD gene leading to Dp71 loss. In this study, we aimed to restore brain Dp71 expression in the Dp71-null transgenic mouse using an adeno-associated virus (AAV) administrated either by intracardiac injections at P4 (ICP4) or by bilateral intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections in adults. ICP4 delivery of the AAV9-Dp71 vector enabled the expression of 2 to 14% of brain Dp71, while ICV delivery enabled the overexpression of Dp71 in the hippocampus and cortex of adult mice, with anecdotal expression in the cerebellum. The restoration of Dp71 was mostly located in the glial endfeet that surround capillaries, and it was associated with partial localization of Dp71-associated proteins, α1-syntrophin and AQP4 water channels, suggesting proper restoration of a scaffold of proteins involved in blood–brain barrier function and water homeostasis. However, this did not result in significant improvements in behavioral disturbances displayed by Dp71-null mice. The potential and limitations of this AAV-mediated strategy are discussed. This proof-of-concept study identifies key molecular markers to estimate the efficiencies of Dp71 rescue strategies and opens new avenues for enhancing gene therapy targeting cognitive disorders associated with a subgroup of severely affected DMD patients. Full article