The Immediate Analgesic Effect and Impact on Gait Function of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Late-Stage Elderly Individuals with Knee Pain: Examination of Gait Function Using an IoT-Based Gait Analysis Device

Purpose: This study verified the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), which can be worn during walking and exercise, in elderly individuals with late-stage knee pain who exercise regularly. Methods: Thirty-two late-stage elderly individuals were evaluated for knee pain during rest, walking, and program exercises, with and without TENS. Gait analysis was performed using an IoT-based gait analysis device to examine the effects of TENS-induced analgesia on gait. Results: TENS significantly reduced knee pain during rest, walking, and programmed exercises, with the greatest analgesic effect observed during walking. The greater the knee pain without TENS, the more significant the analgesic effect of TENS. A comparison of gait parameters revealed a significant difference only in the gait cycle time, with a trend towards faster walking with TENS;however, the effect was limited. Conclusion: TENS effectively relieves knee pain in late-stage elderly individuals and can be safely applied during exercise. Pain management using TENS provides important insights into the implementation of exercise therapy in this age group.

Trajectory of Walking Function in Late-Stage Older Individuals Managed with a Regular Exercise Program: A 5-Year Longitudinal Tracking with an IoT Gait Analysis System Using Accelerometers

Purpose: This study focused on maintaining and improving the walking function of late-stage older individuals while longitudinally tracking the effects of regular exercise programs in a day-care service specialized for preventive care over 5 years, using detailed gait function measurements with an accelerometer-based system. Methods: Seventy individuals (17 male and 53 female) of a daycare service in Tokyo participated in a weekly exercise program, meeting 1 - 2 times. The average age of the participants at the start of the program was 81.4 years. Gait function, including gait speed, stride length, root mean square (RMS) of acceleration, gait cycle time and its standard deviation, and left-right difference in stance time, was evaluated every 6 months. Results: Gait speed and stride length improved considerably within six months of starting the exercise program, confirming an initial improvement in gait function. This suggests that regular exercise programs can maintain or improve gait function even age groups that predictably have a gradual decline in gait ability due to enhanced age. In the long term, many indicators tended to approach baseline values. However, the exercise program seemingly counteracts age-related changes in gait function and maintains a certain level of function. Conclusions: While a decline in gait ability with aging is inevitable, establishing appropriate exercise habits in late-stage older individuals may contribute to long-term maintenance of gait function.

A novel GAAC FinFET transistor:device analysis, 3D TCAD simulation, and fabrication

We report the analysis and TCAD results of a gate-all-around cylindrical （GAAC） FinFET with operation based on channel accumulation. The cylindrical channel of the GAAC FinFET is essentially controlled by an infinite number of gates surrounding the cylinder-shaped channel. The symmetrical nature of the field in the channel leads to improved electrical characteristics, e.g. reduced leakage current and negligible corner effects. The Ion/Ioff ratio of the device can be larger than 106, as the key parameter for device operation. The GAAC FinFET operating in accumulation mode appears to be a good potential candidate for scaling down to sub-10 nm sizes.

Three-dimensional Finite Element Analysis of a Newly Designed Onplant Miniplate Anchorage System

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the structural stress and deformation of a newly designed onplant miniplate anchorage system compared to a standard anchorage system. A bone block integrated with a novel miniplate and fixation screw system was simulated in a three-dimensional model and subjected to force at different directions. The stress distribution and deformation of the miniplate system and cortical bone were evaluated using the three-dimensional finite element method. The results showed that the stress on the plate system and bone was linearly proportional to the force magnitude and was higher when the force was in a vertical direction（Y-axis）. Stress and deformation values of the two screws（screw 1 and 2） were asymmetric when the force was added along Y-axis and was greater in screw 1. The highest deformation value of the screws was 7.5148 μm, much smaller than the limit value. The load was decreased for each single miniscrew, and the ability of the new anchorage system to bear the load was also enhanced to some degree. It was suggested that the newly designed onplant miniplate anchorage system is effective, easily implanted and minimally invasive.

Recent Advances and Applications in Paper-Based Devices for Point-of-Care Testing

Point-of-care testing(POCT),as a portable and user-friendly technology,can obtain accurate test results immediately at the sampling point.Nowadays,microfluidic paper-based analysis devices(μPads)have attracted the eye of the public and accelerated the development of POCT.A variety of detection methods are combined withμPads to realize precise,rapid and sensitive POCT.This article mainly introduced the development of electrochemistry and optical detection methods onμPads for POCT and their applications on disease analysis,environmental monitoring and food control in the past 5 years.Finally,the challenges and future development prospects ofμPads for POCT were discussed.

Distance-Based Detection of Ag^(+) with Gold Nanoparticles-Coated Microfluidic Paper

In this study,we developed a microfluidic paper analysis device(μPAD)for distance-based detection of Ag^(+)in water.TheμPAD was manufactured by wax printing method on filter paper.Then,a layer of gold nanoparticles(AuNPs)was deposited and ascorbic acid was printed on the channel.In the detection,Ag^(+)was reduced by ascorbic acid and coated on the surface of the AuNPs on the channel,forming Au@Ag core/shell nanoparticles.Based on the capillary flow principle,diff erent concentrations of Ag^(+)formed diff erent distances of color ribbons.Thus,quantitative detection of Ag^(+)can be achieved by measuring the distance of the color ribbon.The detection limit of this method was as low as 1 mg·L^(-1)within 15 min and the interference of common metal ions in water can be eliminated.In conclusion,this method had successfully realized the leap from colorimetry to direct reading,realizing fast read and easy manipulation with low-cost.