Combining two open source tools for neural computation (BioPatRec and Netlab) improves movement classification for prosthetic control

Background Controlling a myoelectric prosthesis for upper limbs is increasingly challenging for the user as more electrodes and joints become available. Motion classification based on pattern recognition with a multi-electrode array allows multiple joints to be controlled simultaneously. Previous pattern recognition studies are difficult to compare, because individual research groups use their own data sets. To resolve this shortcoming and to facilitate comparisons, open access data sets were analysed using components of BioPatRec and Netlab pattern recognition models. Methods Performances of the artificial neural networks, linear models, and training program components were compared. Evaluation took place within the BioPatRec environment, a Matlab-based open source platform that provides feature extraction, processing and motion classification algorithms for prosthetic control. The algorithms were applied to myoelectric signals for individual and simultaneous classification of movements, with the aim of finding the best performing algorithm and network model. Evaluation criteria included classification accuracy and training time. Results Results in both the linear and the artificial neural network models demonstrated that Netlab’s implementation using scaled conjugate training algorithm reached significantly higher accuracies than BioPatRec. Conclusions It is concluded that the best movement classification performance would be achieved through integrating Netlab training algorithms in the BioPatRec environment so that future prosthesis training can be shortened and control made more reliable. Netlab was therefore included into the newest release of BioPatRec (v4.0)

Decreased Variability of the 6-Minute Walk Test by Heart Rate Correction in Patients with Neuromuscular Disease

OBJECTIVE: The 6-minute walk test is widely used to assess functional status in neurological disorders. However, the test is subject to great inter-test variability due to fluctuating motivation, fatigue and learning effects. We investigated whether inter-test variability of the 6MWT can be reduced by heart rate correction. METHODS: Sixteen patients with neuromuscular diseases, including Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, Charcot-Marie-Tooths, Dystrophia Myotonica and Congenital Myopathy and 12 healthy subjects were studied. Patients were excluded if they had cardiac arrhythmias, if they received drug treatment for hypertension or any other medical conditions that could interfere with the interpretation of the heart rate and walking capability. All completed three 6-minute walk tests on three different test-days. Heart rate was measured continuously. RESULTS: Successive standard 6-minute walk tests showed considerable learning effects between Tests 1 and 2 (4.9%; P = 0.026), and Tests 2 and 3 (4.5%; P = 0.020) in patients. The same was seen in controls between Tests 1 and 2 (8.1%; P = 0.039)). Heart rate correction abolished this learning effect. CONCLUSION: A modified 6-minute walk test, by correcting walking distance with average heart rate during walking, decreases the variability among repeated 6-minute walk tests, and should be considered as an alternative outcome measure to the standard 6-minute walk test in future clinical follow-up and treatment trials

Air pollution models with non-linear chemical reactions.

The coupled, non-linear system of continuity equations for an air pollution model is solved numerically using finite differences, finite elements and pseudospectral methods for the advection term. The accuracy of the solution is evaluated with emphasis on the rotating puff test. The pseudo- spectral and finite element methods give satisfactory results

Serum carotenoids and macular pigment optical density in patients with intestinal resections and healthy subjects: an exploratory study

AbstractReduced absorption capacity in patients with intestinal resections (IR) could result in malabsorption of fat-soluble components like carotenoids, which are of clinical interest in relation to visual health. In this case cohort, we investigated the association between IR and serum lutein, zeaxanthin, β-carotene and macular pigment optical density, when compared with healthy controls. Ten patients with IR and twelve healthy controls were included in the study. Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups, except for higher serum TAG (P &lt; 0·05) and shorter bowel length (P &lt; 0·0001) in the group with IR. Serum lutein, zeaxanthin, β-carotene and macular pigment optical density were &gt;15 % lower in the patient group compared with healthy controls (P &lt; 0·05, adjusted for age) and, in the case of serum lutein and zeaxanthin, also for dietary intake of carotenoids. Results suggest that for a test of macular carotenoid supplementation, subjects with a potentially clinically significant carotenoid deficit could be recruited among patients with IR.</jats:p

Diagnostic plasma miRNA-profiles for ovarian cancer in patients with pelvic mass

BackgroundOvarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer in women worldwide. Moreover, there are no reliable minimal invasive tests to secure the diagnosis of malignant pelvic masses. Cell-free, circulating microRNAs have the potential as diagnostic biomarkers in cancer. Here, we performed and validated a miRNA panel with the potential to distinguish OC from benign pelvic masses.MethodsThe profile of plasma microRNA was determined with a panel of 46 candidates in a discovery group and a validation group, each consisting of 190 pre-surgery plasma samples from age-matched patients with malignant (n = 95) and benign pelvic mass (n = 95), by real time RT-qPCR.ResultsFour up-regulated (miR-200c-3p, miR-221-3p, miR-21-5p, and miR-484) and two down-regulated (miR-195-5p and miR-451a) microRNAs were discovered. From those, miR-200c-3p and miR-221-3p were further confirmed in a validation cohort. A combination of these 2 microRNAs together with CA-125 yielded an overall diagnostic accuracy of AUC = 0.96.ConclusionsWe showed consistent plasma microRNA profiles that provide independent diagnostic information of late stage OC

Game-Based Rehabilitation for Myoelectric Prosthesis Control

Background: A high number of upper extremity myoelectric prosthesis users abandon their devices due to difficulties in prosthesis control and lack of motivation to train in absence of a physiotherapist. Virtual training systems, in the form of video games, provide patients with an entertaining and intuitive method for improved muscle coordination and improved overall control. Complementary to established rehabilitation protocols, it is highly beneficial for this virtual training process to start even before receiving the final prosthesis, and to be continued at home for as long as needed. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate (1) the short-term effects of a commercially available electromyographic (EMG) system on controllability after a simple video game-based rehabilitation protocol, and (2) different input methods, control mechanisms, and games. Methods: Eleven able-bodied participants with no prior experience in EMG control took part in this study. Participants were asked to perform a surface EMG test evaluating their provisional maximum muscle contraction, fine accuracy and isolation of electrode activation, and endurance control over at least 300 seconds. These assessments were carried out (1) in a Pregaming session before interacting with three EMG-controlled computer games, (2) in a Postgaming session after playing the games, and (3) in a Follow-Up session two days after the gaming protocol to evaluate short-term retention rate. After each game, participants were given a user evaluation survey for the assessment of the games and their input mechanisms. Participants also received a questionnaire regarding their intrinsic motivation (Intrinsic Motivation Inventory) at the end of the last game. Results: Results showed a significant improvement in fine accuracy electrode activation (P<.01), electrode separation (P=.02), and endurance control (P<.01) from Pregaming EMG assessments to the Follow-Up measurement. The deviation around the EMG goal value diminished and the opposing electrode was activated less frequently. Participants had the most fun playing the games when collecting items and facing challenging game play. Conclusions: Most upper limb amputees use a 2-channel myoelectric prosthesis control. This study demonstrates that this control can be effectively trained by employing a video game-based rehabilitation protocol.(VLID)486422

COVID-ARE-Konsultationsinzidenz

Zur Einschätzung der Krankheitslast symptomatischer Atemwegsinfektionen im ambulanten Bereich wird die Inzidenz der Arztbesuche wegen einer akuten respiratorischen Erkrankung mit zusätzlicher COVID-19-Diagnose pro 100.000 Einwohner mithilfe von Daten aus dem SEED(ARE)-Modul der Arbeitsgemeinschaft Influenza wöchentlich berechnet (COVID-ARE-Konsultationsinzidenz). Zeitnahe und valide Daten über die Häufigkeit von akuten Atemwegserkrankungen mit COVID-19 sind essenziell für die Einschätzung der epidemiologischen Lage und die Anpassung der Maßnahmen während der COVID-19-Pandemie

GrippeWeb-Wochenbericht

Die für die Bevölkerung in Deutschland geschätzte Rate von Personen mit einer neu aufgetretenen akuten Atemwegserkrankung (ARE, mit Fieber oder ohne Fieber) ist in der 27. Kalenderwoche (KW) (4.7. – 10.7.2022) im Vergleich zur Vorwoche gestiegen (6,0 %; Vorwoche: 5,3 %). Die ARE-Rate ist sowohl bei den Kindern (0 bis 14 Jahre) als auch bei den Erwachsenen (ab 15 Jahre) gestiegen. Die Rate der grippeähnlichen Erkrankungen (ILI, definiert als ARE mit Fieber) ist im Vergleich zur Vorwoche leicht gesunken (1,9 %; Vorwoche: 2,1 %). Die Gesamt-ARE-Rate und die Gesamt-ILI-Rate liegen deutlich höher als in den Vorjahren zu dieser Zeit. Aufgrund der grundlegenden Überarbeitung der GrippeWeb-Anwendung, die in der 27. KW 2022 gestartet ist,kann es vermehrt zu Nachmeldungen kommen. Die Daten sind daher noch unter Vorbehalt zu betrachten. Die für die Bevölkerung in Deutschland geschätzten Raten für die 27. KW 2022 beruhen auf den Angaben von4.977 GrippeWeb-Teilnehmern und -Teilnehmerinnen, von diesen meldeten 319 eine ARE und 100 eine ILI (Datenstand: 12.7.2022). Durch Nachmeldungen, die bis zu vier Wochen lang möglich sind, können sich noch Änderungen ergeben