Search Results (1,782)

Background: This scoping review systematically maps and synthesises contemporary literature on the biomechanics of active below-knee prosthetic devices, focusing on gait kinematics, kinetics, energy expenditure, and muscle activation. It further evaluates design advancements, including powered ankle–foot prostheses and variable impedance systems, that seek to emulate physiological ankle function and enhance mobility outcomes for transtibial amputees. Methods: This review followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was conducted on ScienceDirect, PubMed and IEEE Xplore for studies published between 2013 and 2023. Search terms were structured according to the Population, Intervention, Comparator, and Outcome (PICO) framework. From 971 identified articles, 27 peer-reviewed studies were found to meet the inclusion criteria between January 2013 and December 2023. Data were extracted on biomechanical parameters, prosthetic design characteristics, and participant demographics to identify prevailing trends and research gaps. This scoping review was registered with Research Registry under the following registration number: reviewregistry 2055. Results: The reviewed studies demonstrate that active below-knee prosthetic systems substantially improve gait symmetry and ankle joint range of motion compared with passive devices. However, compensatory trunk and pelvic movements persist, indicating that full restoration of natural gait mechanics remains incomplete. Metabolic efficiency varied considerably across studies, influenced by device design, control strategies, and user adaptation. Notably, the literature exhibits a pronounced gender imbalance, with only 10.7% female participants, and a reliance on controlled laboratory conditions, limiting ecological validity. Conclusions: Active prosthetic technologies represent a significant advancement in lower-limb rehabilitation. Nevertheless, complete biomechanical normalisation has yet to be achieved. Future research should focus on long-term, real-world evaluations using larger, more diverse cohorts and adaptive technologies such as variable impedance actuators and multi-level control systems to reduce asymmetrical loading and optimise gait efficiency. Full article

Background/Objectives: Physical activity alleviates symptoms and may slow Parkinson’s disease (PD) progression, yet many individuals with PD remain sedentary. Kinesiophobia, the fear of movement, may represent a significant but underexplored psychological barrier to physical activity in this population. Virtual reality (VR), already effective in phobias, may represent a promising approach to address this challenge. This review initially aimed to systematically examine exposure-based interventions in VR (E-IVR) directly targeting kinesiophobia in PD. Methods: Database searches using keywords such as “kinesiophobia,” “fear of movement,” and “VR” combined with “PD” yielded no eligible studies. Consequently, the scope was broadened to include populations with neurological or musculoskeletal conditions, and a narrative review format was adopted to synthesize the available evidence. Furthermore, relevant studies of interventions in VR applied in PD, although not specifically addressing kinesiophobia, are detailed to provide evidence of efficacy and feasibility of VR interventions in PD. Finally, directions are offered to support the creation of E-IVR targeting kinesiophobia in individuals with PD. Results: Meta-analyses in neurological and musculoskeletal populations demonstrate moderate to large reductions in kinesiophobia following VR interventions, although effects vary depending on assessment tools, degree of immersion, and exposure design. In PD, VR has been applied to rehabilitation, anxiety reduction, and quality of life enhancement. These interventions achieved high adherence (≥90%), were well tolerated, and reported no major adverse events. Conclusions: Kinesiophobia is prevalent in PD and could contribute to physical inactivity. E-IVR appears feasible, safe, and innovative for addressing kinesiophobia in people living with PD. Full article

Based on existing models, this paper incorporates some key ecological factors, thereby obtaining a class of eco-epidemiological models that can more objectively reflect natural phenomena. This model simultaneously integrates disease dynamics within the prey population and the Beddington–DeAngelis functional response, thus achieving an organic combination of ecological dynamics, epidemic transmission, and spatial movement under time-varying environmental conditions. The proposed framework significantly enhances ecological realism by simultaneously accounting for spatial dispersal, predator–prey interactions, disease transmission within prey species, and seasonal or temporal variations, providing a comprehensive mathematical tool for analyzing complex eco-epidemiological systems. The theoretical results obtained from this study can be summarized as follows: Firstly, the existence and uniqueness of globally positive solutions for any positive initial data are rigorously established, ensuring the well-posedness and biological feasibility of the model over extended temporal scales. Secondly, analytically tractable sufficient conditions for uniform population persistence are derived, which elucidate the mechanisms of species coexistence and biodiversity preservation even under sustained epidemiological pressure. Thirdly, by employing innovative applications of differential inequalities and fixed point theory, the existence and uniqueness of a positive spatially homogeneous periodic solution in the presence of time-periodic coefficients are conclusively demonstrated, capturing essential rhythmicities inherent in natural systems. Fourthly, through a sophisticated combination of the upper and lower solution method for parabolic partial differential equations and Lyapunov stability theory, the global asymptotic stability of this periodic solution is rigorously established, offering a powerful analytical guarantee for long-term predictive modeling. Beyond theoretical contributions, these research findings provide actionable insights and quantitative analytical tools to tackle pressing ecological and public health challenges. They facilitate the prediction of thresholds for maintaining ecosystem stability using real-world data, enable the analysis and assessment of disease persistence in spatially structured environments, and offer robust theoretical support for the planning and design of wildlife management and conservation strategies. The derived criteria support evidence-based decision-making in areas such as controlling zoonotic disease outbreaks, maintaining ecosystem stability, and mitigating anthropogenic impacts on ecological communities. A representative numerical case study has been integrated into the analysis to verify all of the theoretical findings. In doing so, it effectively highlights the model’s substantial theoretical value in informing policy-making and advancing sustainable ecosystem management practices. Full article

Free-roaming dogs are a neglected population that poses public health concerns in tourist areas. This study, conducted during both the high and low tourist seasons, aimed to (i) investigate the movement patterns of free-roaming dogs on the Lipe tourist destination island, southern Thailand, focusing on their daily distance, and (ii) identify habitat land type preferences. Between September and December 2024, eight owned and seven unowned dogs were fitted with Catlog GPS devices. Tracking data were collected for the dog’s coordinates every 15 min for at least four consecutive days. Data analysis and visualization were performed using R software. On average, dogs traveled 5300 m daily. Unowned dogs exhibited their highest speed on beaches (median = 70, IQR = 44–79 m per 15 min). Free-roaming dogs spent most of their time in human habitats. The time of day influenced dogs’ appearance across different land types. In conclusion, free-roaming dogs on the island traveled longer distances than in most previous studies. The dogs mostly preferred being around human habitats. Land types influenced dogs’ speed. Dogs appeared on different land types at different times of day. Guided by these data, we recommend (i) better dog registration and other measures to reduce free-roaming activities of dogs and (ii) regular blanket coverage of dog rabies immunization to make the island safer for tourists and residents. Full article

In response to the personalized and precise rehabilitation needs for motor injuries and stroke associated with population aging, this study proposes a design method for an intelligent rehabilitation trainer that integrates Bayesian information gain (BIG) and axis matching techniques. Grounded in the biomechanical characteristics of the human ankle joint, the design fully draws upon biomimetic principles, constructing a 3-PUU-R hybrid serial–parallel bionic mechanism. By mimicking the dynamic variation of the ankle’s instantaneous motion axis and its balance between stiffness and compliance, a three-dimensional digital model was developed, and multi-posture human factor simulations were conducted, thereby achieving a rehabilitation process more consistent with natural human movement patterns. Natural randomized disability grade experimental data were collected for 100 people to verify the validity of the design results. On this basis, a Bayesian information gain framework was established by quantifying the reduction of uncertainty in rehabilitation outcomes through characteristic parameters, enabling the dynamic optimization of training strategies for personalized and precise ankle rehabilitation. The rehabilitation process was modeled as a problem of uncertainty quantification and information gain optimization. Prior distributions were constructed using surface EMG (electromyography) signals and motion trajectory errors, and mutual information was used to drive the dynamic adjustment of training strategies, ultimately forming a closed-loop control architecture of “demand perception–strategy optimization–execution adaptation.” This innovative integration of probabilistic modeling and cross-joint bionic design overcomes the limitations of single-joint rehabilitation and provides a new paradigm for the development of intelligent rehabilitation devices. The deep integration mechanism-based dynamic axis matching and Bayesian information gain holds significant theoretical value and engineering application prospects for enhancing the effectiveness of neural plasticity training. Full article

Accurate estimation of population size and identification of key habitat factors are fundamental for the conservation of endangered species. This study demonstrates the application of advanced methods for estimating wildlife abundance and evaluating habitat associations for the endangered Sichuan sika deer (Cervus nippon sichuanicus) in the Gansu Taohe National Nature Reserve. We deployed a systematic camera trap network across the reserve and estimated population size by integrating camera trap data with a movement simulation method, while employing a Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model to analyze the effects of various environmental variables on habitat utilization. Our survey estimated a population of approximately 429 individuals (95% CI: 390–446), corresponding to a density of 0.15 individuals/km². Habitat suitability modeling revealed that precipitation of the driest month (bio14; 44.5% contribution) and vegetation cover (NDVI; 39.1% contribution) were the predominant factors governing habitat suitability, collectively accounting for over 80% of the model’s prediction, whereas anthropogenic factors like the Human Footprint Index showed negligible independent importance. This study provides the first baseline population estimate for this endangered ungulate in the Taohe Reserve. The current low population density suggests substantial potential for recovery, indicating that future conservation strategies should safeguard key water sources and enhance habitat quality and connectivity. Full article

The investigation of eye movements has been shown to provide valuable insights into a variety of cognitive processes. A limited number of recent studies have adopted eye-tracking to investigate the processes underlying simple and complex arithmetic. Here, we review and discuss these studies. We identify two lines of research: While some studies have focused on the spatial-arithmetic associations emerging during arithmetic problem solving, some others have examined the use of procedures, strategies, and rules. Generally, results point to the added value of eye-tracking as a method for investigating different underlying processes during mental arithmetic. Altogether, eye-tracking does not only confirm the evidence gained from “pure” behavioral studies, but it also gives new insights, in particular with regard to temporal dynamics, problem difficulty, use of strategies, and inter-individual differences. Such an approach holds great potential for the studying of arithmetic not only in healthy individuals but also in clinical populations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Trauma-related distress poses significant mental health challenges, with psychotherapy serving as a primary intervention. The Walters Method is a promising new alternative that may help where traditional methods fall short (i.e., in complex or violent cases), but before it can be implemented widely, the existing evidence on the effectiveness of other psychotherapies for trauma-related distress must be mapped to see how and where it relates to other techniques. The aim of this scoping review was to provide an overview of existing evidence on the effectiveness of psychotherapy for trauma-related distress. Methods: A scoping review was conducted to better understand the effectiveness of psychotherapies for trauma-related distress (including PTSD, acute stress disorder, or other serious mental health issues). Results: Thirty-three articles were analysed. Included articles included adults with PTSD, incarcerated women, childbirth trauma survivors, female survivors of sexual abuse, hospitalised COVID-19 patients, adults with serious mental illness, veterans and active soldiers, firefighters, and refugees. Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy were the most studied and effective treatments. Prolonged Exposure and Narrative Exposure Therapy were less common but noteworthy. Other therapies, including psychodynamic approaches, are seldom studied but have proven effective when explored, highlighting knowledge gaps and potential missed opportunities. Success with these alternative approaches—especially in complex trauma cases like intimate partner violence or child loss where EMDR and CBT may be less effective—suggests they have potential, but further research is needed for validation. Conclusions: This review offers novel contributions to the field by emphasising innovative therapeutic perspectives that extend beyond traditional, more studied, evidence-based approaches such as CBT and EMDR, thereby expanding treatment options for diverse clinical presentations. Alternative therapies show promise, particularly for complex trauma cases like intimate partner violence or child loss where established approaches may be less effective; however, further research is needed to validate their efficacy across diverse populations. Selection of psychotherapy should be based on clients’ goals and comfort, and the cultural and contextual compatibility between the person and intervention. Future research should prioritise underexplored therapies to address current knowledge gaps and improve treatment accessibility for varied clinical needs. Full article

L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID) remains the most challenging complication of dopamine replacement therapy in Parkinson’s disease, correlated with maladaptive plasticity within corticostriatal circuits. Perineuronal nets (PNNs), extracellular matrix structures enwrapping mainly parvalbumin interneurons (PV-INs), are key regulators of neuronal stability and plasticity, yet their contribution to LID is unknown. Using a unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine rat model of Parkinsonism followed by chronic L-DOPA administration, we quantified PNN–PV associations by Wisteria floribunda agglutinin (WFA) and PV immunolabeling across striatal and motor cortical territories. Dopamine loss markedly reduced PNN density and intensity in the dorsolateral striatum (DLS), which only partially recovered after L-DOPA. In LID, canonical WFA⁺/PV⁺ cells remained low, whereas non-canonical WFA⁻/PV⁺ populations expanded in both DLS and M1 motor cortex (M1), indicating region-specific remodeling toward a high-plasticity state. To assess causality, we used Chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) for PNN degradation. DLS-targeted ChABC exacerbated abnormal involuntary movements and increased local PV density, while M1-ChABC had no behavioral effect but altered PV metrics within the DLS–M1 axis. These findings identify the DLS as a critical node where PNN fragility amplifies dyskinesia, highlight a functional coupling between striatal and cortical PNN–PV remodeling, and suggest that stabilizing extracellular matrix integrity could mitigate maladaptive plasticity underlying LID. Full article

Torque teno sus virus 1 (TTSuV1) is a ubiquitous, non-pathogenic virus in both wild and domestic pigs and has potential value as a molecular marker for monitoring cross-population viral transmission and biosecurity breaches. In this study, we integrated genetic data with Bayesian transmission inference to examine the dynamics of TTSuV1 transmission within and between wild and farmed pigs in Arkansas. Transmission steps, defined as the number of transmission events linking two hosts, were used to identify barriers to transmission, such as biosecurity measures or geographic separation. TTSuV1 was highly prevalent in farmed pigs (96.59%) and invasive wild pigs (47.76%), with sequences from both groups distributed across four major subtypes. Transmission step analyses revealed that wild–farmed pig pairs were consistently separated by numerous transmission steps (>10 steps), indicating strong isolation and little evidence of recent spillover. In contrast, few transmission steps (≤5 steps) were common within populations, reflecting localized circulation. Our findings support the use of TTSuV1 as a molecular marker to characterize cross-population viral movement and spillover, as well as to delineate population structure in swine systems. Practically, this approach offers a novel framework for using viral genomics to detect cross-population spillover events and monitor biosecurity breaches in swine production systems. Full article

Countermovement jump (CMJ) testing is widely used to monitor neuromuscular function, but trial-to-trial reliability depends on the population and testing ecology. Previous reliability prescriptions have often been derived from male cohorts, risking misapplication to female athletes, whose anthropometry, movement strategies, and testing environments differ. This study applied Generalizability Theory (G-Theory) to quantify the within-session reliability of CMJ metrics in NCAA Division I women’s volleyball, softball, soccer, and lacrosse, aiming to isolate the measurement precision independent of day-to-day biological variance. A fully crossed person × trial G-Theory analysis was performed, with the G-study phase estimating variance components and the D-study phase determining the number of trials required to reach actionable dependability (Φ ≥ 0.80). Force–time data from 103 athletes across 282 jumps were analyzed for 14 commonly monitored metrics. Results show that six concentric and takeoff indices, including force at zero velocity, phase-1 concentric impulse, total concentric impulse, jump height, takeoff velocity, and scaled power, achieved Φ ≥ 0.80 from a single trial across all sports. Second-tier variables, such as eccentric duration, phase-2 impulse, and the modified reactive strength index, stabilized within two to three trials, whereas braking impulse, countermovement depth, and deceleration RFD asymmetry required impractical sampling and were deemed fragile (i.e., requiring a greater number of trials to reach acceptable reliability). Compared with the male data, women exhibited larger between-subject variance and higher single-trial dependability for 11 of the 14 studied metrics. Findings support concise, sex-specific trial prescriptions that prioritize stable metrics and minimize unnecessary testing. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mild Encephalopathy with Reversible Splenial Lesion (MERS) is a potential complication of certain viral infections, but adult cases involving influenza are rare in the literature. Here, we report a case of a 31-year-old Chinese gentleman with an atypical presentation of Influenza B-associated mild encephalopathy with reversible splenial lesion (MERS). Methods: This is a case report with a detailed chronology followed by a discussion of pathophysiology. Results: The patient presented acutely to the tertiary hospital with a severe headache and a peculiar automatism pattern of behaviour involving intermittent screaming, involuntary jerking movements of the upper limbs, and incoherent speech, which culminated in an episode of tonic–clonic seizure lasting 3 min. Symptoms started on the day that the patient was diagnosed with Influenza B and given the antiviral Baloxavir by his GP. Clinically, there was high anion gap metabolic acidosis with hyperlactatemia, rhabdomyolysis, hepatitis transaminitis and absolute lymphopenia. Nasopharyngeal swab PCR and immunofluorescence was positive for Influenza B. EEG was normal, but an MRI of the brain showed a cytotoxic lesion of the splenium of the corpus callosum. The patient was started on Oseltamivir and made a complete neurological recovery, with a repeat MRI showing resolution of the splenial lesion at 3 months. MERS is a rare clinic-radiological syndrome characterized by a transient encephalopathy and a reversible lesion in the splenium of the corpus callosum, which has been reported mostly in the pediatric population. Conclusions: This case report of an influenza B-triggered MERS in an adult highlights the importance of maintaining MERS as a differential for acute encephalopathy in adults with a viral prodrome. Full article

Wearables enable objective measurement of physical activity (PA) and sleep. Studies that have examined PA and sleep in children with Down syndrome (DS) have not been systematically reviewed. The objectives of this systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD420251036478) were to: (1) describe patterns of PA and sleep in children with DS; (2) compare PA and sleep between DS and non-DS; and (3) evaluate sensor data collection procedures. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and SPORTDiscus, with the last search on 7 October 2025. Risk of bias was assessed with the Joanna Briggs Institute tools. From 203 records, 9 original studies were included. Children with DS (n = 8–66 participants; 1–67 months) showed small changes in movement rates over time and greater upper- than lower-limb movements. Segment-specific counts and time spent on high-intensity activity were lower in DS than non-DS. Overall, children with DS exhibited poor sleep quality, sleeping approximately one hour less than controls and 3–7 h below global recommendations. Sensor data collection protocols varied in epoch length (15–30 s), attachment site (wrist, ankle, and hip), and device model. Population-based research employing standardized sensor procedures is warranted to better establish PA levels and sleep quality in children with DS. Full article

The literature for brown lemming (Lemmus trimucronatus) and collared lemming (Dicrostonyx groenlandicus) population cycles was revisited from Barrow, Alaska. This review covered observations and research primarily from 1946 to 1974. Much of what we know about brown lemming cycles from North America was derived from these early studies. The data for collared lemming, however, are far less extensive and only a minor part of the historical research at Barrow. Nonetheless, important information was discovered. Collectively, the historical literature is confusing and sometimes contradictory. The time intervals, amplitude, and density of lemming populations from Barrow varied greatly from year to year. For example, in most papers, 1956 was considered a lemming population high, but in a major research paper in 1993, the 1956 data was sometimes included and sometimes deleted because it did not meet an arbitrary mathematical definition of a population high. Qualitative explanations were often used to support the lemming population cycle concept when it was apparently in flux or did not exist. Other investigations suggested synchronous lemming population fluctuations over wide geographic areas did not occur, but rather were localized most of the time. Even within a specific local area, lemming densities varied with habitat. Presumably, higher densities were in higher quality habitats, but this could vary somewhat with season. It is unlikely that lemming migrations occurred; however, local movements of large numbers of lemmings were witnessed. Although many studies suggested a specific event influenced lemming population fluctuations, overall, the data suggest multiple factors acting synergistically drove the x-fold increases and x-fold decreases in lemming populations at Barrow. Other qualitative observations, and quantitative studies suggest lemming population fluctuations affect and have an effect on the survival and reproduction of other species of birds and mammals at Barrow. Brown lemmings should be considered an indicator of the health of the Arctic environment at Barrow. Clearly, population fluctuations of lemmings at Barrow existed with an average interval for peak populations of about 3.8 years, ranging from 2 to 6 years, depending on what data was included and how it was analyzed. The conundrum, however, is defining a peak. Furthermore, one must ask if an average interval between peak lemming populations is really a cycle. The data support population fluctuations; however, the four annual phases of the cycle (e.g., increase, peak, decline, low) did not repeat themselves in sequence. Overall, perhaps cycles did not exist in the strictest definition of the word at Barrow. Perhaps it is time to redefine Barrow lemming “cycles” as annual population fluctuations that exhibit patterns over time. Full article

VPS13A disease is a rare, autosomal-recessive, neurodegenerative disorder characterized by involuntary movements, orofacial dystonia, seizures, psychiatric symptoms, and the presence of spiky, deformed red blood cells (acanthocytes). The disease is caused by mutations in the VPS13A gene, which encodes the VPS13A protein (previously known as chorein). This protein is a member of the family of bridge-like lipid transport proteins, involved in bulk lipid transfer between membranes and intracellular vesicle trafficking. We describe the case of a 37-year-old woman with gait instability, semi-flexed legs, and involuntary distal muscle movements. Genetic testing was performed using next-generation sequencing (NGS), followed by molecular analysis. Fibroblasts from the patient, her mother, and a healthy control were analyzed by immunofluorescence and Western blotting. NGS identified a novel homozygous 2.8 kb deletion encompassing exons 69–70 (69–70del) of the VPS13A gene (NM_033305.3). The same variant was detected in the patient’s mother in a heterozygous state and her brother in a homozygous state. Although other deletions in the gene have been described, a comprehensive search of population variant databases and the existing literature did not reveal previous reports of this deletion. Fibroblasts from the patient, her mother and a healthy control were characterized. Functional assays showed a complete absence of the VPS13A protein in the patient’s fibroblasts. This study expands the mutational spectrum of VPS13A-linked VPS13A disease and underlines the importance of comprehensive genetic analysis in atypical cases. Full article