Application value research of swallowing treatment device combined with swallowing rehabilitation training in the treatment of swallowing disorders after stroke

BACKGROUND Stroke is a common disabling disease,whether it is ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic stroke,both can result in neuronal damage,leading to various manifestations of neurological dysfunction.AIM To explore of the application value of swallowing treatment device combined with swallowing rehabilitation training in the treatment of swallowing disorders after stroke.METHODS This study selected 86 patients with swallowing disorders after stroke admitted to our rehabilitation department from February 2022 to December 2023 as research subjects.They were divided into a control group(n=43)and an observation group(n=43)according to the treatment.The control group received swallowing rehabilitation training,while the observation group received swallowing treatment device in addition to the training.Both groups underwent continuous intervention for two courses of treatment.RESULTS The total effective rate in the observation group(93.02%)was higher than that in the control group(76.74%)(P=0.035).After intervention,the oral transit time,swallowing response time,pharyngeal transit time,and laryngeal closure time decreased in both groups compared to before intervention.In the observation group,the oral transit time,swallowing response time,and pharyngeal transit time were shorter than those in the control group after intervention.However,the laryngeal closure time after intervention in the observation group was compared with that in the control group(P=0.142).After intervention,average amplitude value and duration of the genioglossus muscle group during empty swallowing and swallowing 5 mL of water are reduced compared to before intervention in both groups.After intervention,the scores of the chin-tuck swallowing exercise and the Standardized Swallowing Assessment are both reduced compared to pre-intervention levels in both groups.However,the observation group scores lower than the control group after intervention.Additionally,the Functional Oral Intake Scale scores of both groups are increased after intervention compared to pre-intervention levels,with the observation group scoring higher than the control group after intervention(P<0.001).The cumulative incidence of complications in the observation group is 9.30%,which is lower than the 27.91%in the control group(P=0.027).CONCLUSION The combination of swallowing therapy equipment with swallowing rehabilitation training can improve the muscle movement level of the genioglossus muscle group,enhance swallowing function,and prevent the occurrence of swallowing-related complications after stroke.

Bioinspired Functional Surfaces for Medical Devices

Medical devices are a major component of precision medicine and play a key role in medical treatment,particularly with the rapid development of minimally invasive surgery and wearable devices.Their tissue contact properties strongly affect device performance and patient health(e.g.,heat coagulation and slipperiness on surgical graspers).However,the design and optimization of these device surfaces are still indistinct and have no supporting principles.Under such conditions,natural surfaces with various unique functions can provide solutions.This review summarizes the current progress in natural functional surfaces for medical devices,including ultra-slipperiness and strong wet attachment.The underlying mechanisms of these surfaces are attributed to their coupling effects and featured micronano structures.Depending on various medical requirements,adaptable designs and fabrication methods have been developed.Additionally,various medical device surfaces have been validated to achieve enhanced contact properties.Based on these studies,a more promising future for medical devices can be achieved for enhanced precision medicine and human health.

Assistive Devices and Clothing: Exploring Adaptive Clothing Needs for Women with Lower Limb Prostheses Using the FEA Model

This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the essential considerations in designing adaptive clothing for women with lower limb prostheses in Saudi Arabia. Employing a qualitative methodology, the research entailed semi-structured, in-depth interviews with women utilizing lower limb prostheses and prosthetic specialists. This approach was selected to unearth pivotal design prerequisites and comprehend the specific challenges these women encounter within the realm of clothing. The utilization of selective sampling facilitated the collection of intricate and valuable insights. A Functional, Expressive, and Aesthetic (FEA) User Needs model was utilized to scrutinize participant feedback. Functional requisites encompass ease of dressing and undressing, accessibility to the prosthetic limb, comfort, mobility with the prosthesis, and appropriate fit. Additionally, participants highlighted various expressive needs, including privacy preservation, modesty, camouflaging disability appearances, maintaining alignment with non-disabled women’s fashion, and considerations about the aesthetic aspects of garments.

Modulating properties by light ion irradiation:From novel functional materials to semiconductor power devices

In this review,the application of light ion irradiation is discussed for tailoring novel functional materials and for improving the performance in SiC or Si based electrical power devices.The deep traps and electronic disorder produced by light ion irradiation can modify the electrical,magnetic,and optical properties of films(e.g.,dilute ferromagnetic semiconductors and topological materials).Additionally,benefiting from the high reproducibility,precise manipulation of functional depth and density of defects,as well as the flexible patternability,the helium or proton ion irradiation has been successfully employed in improving the dynamic performance of SiC and Si based PiN diode power devices by reducing their majority carrier lifetime,although the static performance is sacrificed due to deep level traps.Such a trade-off has been regarded as the key point to compromise the static and dynamic performances of power devices.As a result,herein the light ion irradiation is highlighted in both exploring new physics and optimizing the performance in functional materials and electrical devices.

Effects of left ventricular assist device on pulmonary functions and pulmonary hemodynamics:A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Given current evidence,the effect of left ventricular assist device(LVAD)implantation on pulmonary function tests remains controversial.AIM To better understand the factors contributing to the changes seen on pulmonary function testing and the correlation with pulmonary hemodynamics after LVAD implantation.METHODS Electronic databases were queried to identify relevant articles.The summary effect size was estimated as a difference of overall means and standard deviation on a random-effects model.RESULTS A total of four studies comprising 219 patients were included.The overall mean forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV1),forced vital capacity(FVC)and diffusion lung capacity of carbon monoxide(DLCO)after LVAD implantation were significantly lower by 0.23 L(95%CI:0.11-0.34,P=00002),0.18 L(95%CI:0.03-0.34,P=0.02),and 3.16 mmol/min(95%CI:2.17-4.14,P<0.00001),respectively.The net post-LVAD mean value of the cardiac index was significantly higher by 0.49 L/min/m2(95%CI:0.31-0.66,P<0.00001)compared to pre-LVAD value.The pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance were significantly reduced after LVAD implantation by 8.56 mmHg(95%CI:3.78-13.35,P=0.0004),and 0.83 Woods U(95%CI:0.11-1.55,P=0.02),respectively.There was no significant difference observed in the right atrial pressure after LVAD implantation(0.61 mmHg,95%CI:-2.00 to 3.32,P=0.65).Overall findings appear to be driven by studies using HeartMateII devices.CONCLUSION LVAD implantation might be associated with a significant reduction of the spirometric measures,including FEV1,FVC,and DLCO,and an overall improvement of pulmonary hemodynamics.

Guest Editorial—TTA Special Section on Terahertz Functional Devices

In the past decades, terahertz technology has a great development and steady improvement, which has kept discovering and developing a series of potential applications in terahertz sensing, imaging, spectroscopy, security, and communication. After the recent technical breakthroughs in reliable sources and sensitive detectors, terahertz functional devices, such as waveguides, switches, filters, splitters, isolators, modulators and sensors, are indispensable for the construction of compact application systems and have become a worldwide supreme issue in research.

Progress in Antimonide Based III-V Compound Semiconductors and Devices

In recent years, the narrow bandgap antimonide based compound semiconductors (ABCS) are widely regarded as the first candidate materials for fabrication of the third generation infrared photon detectors and integrated circuits with ultra-high speed and ultra-low power consumption. Due to their unique bandgap structure and physical properties, it makes a vast space to develop various novel devices, and becomes a hot research area in many developed countries such as USA, Japan, Germany and Israel etc. Research progress in the preparation and application of ABCS materials, existing problems and some latest results are briefly introduced.

Device design based on the covalent homocouplingof porphine molecules

Porphine has a great potential application in molecular electronic devices.In this work,based on the density functional theory(DFT)and combining with nonequilibrium Green's function(NEGF),we study the transport properties of the molecular devices constructed by the covalent homocoupling of porphine molecules conjunction with zigzag graphene nanoribbons electrodes.We find that different couple phases bring remarkable differences in the transport properties.Different coupling phases have different application prospects.We analyze and discuss the differences in transport properties through the molecular energy spectrum,electrostatic difference potential,local density of states(LDOS),and transmission pathway.The results are of great significance for the design of porphine molecular devices in the future.

Test and Evaluation of Stiffness of a Pin Turning Device for Large Marine Engine Crankshafts

In order to prevent unwanted excited vibrations and to secure better machining precision in large size heavy duty machine tools dynamic stiffness is one of the most desirable and critical properties. In the past decades, many researches on machine tool stiffness test and evaluation methodology have been made. However any methodology for a Pin Turning Device (PTD), which is a special kind of turning lathe for machining big size crankshaft pins, is rarely found among them. This study proposes a test and evaluation process of stiffness of a PTD by measuring frequency response function at the tool center point (TCP). For conformance proving for the proposed methodology, stiffness of a PTD obtained by the proposed method with impact hammer test (IHT) has been compared with that determined by FEM.

Functional microfluidics:theory,microfabrication,and applications

Microfluidic devices are composed of microchannels with a diameter ranging from ten to a few hundred micrometers.Thus,quite a small(10-9–10-18l)amount of liquid can be manipulated by such a precise system.In the past three decades,significant progress in materials science,microfabrication,and various applications has boosted the development of promising functional microfluidic devices.In this review,the recent progress on novel microfluidic devices with various functions and applications is presented.First,the theory and numerical methods for studying the performance of microfluidic devices are briefly introduced.Then,materials and fabrication methods of functional microfluidic devices are summarized.Next,the recent significant advances in applications of microfluidic devices are highlighted,including heat sinks,clean water production,chemical reactions,sensors,biomedicine,capillaric circuits,wearable electronic devices,and microrobotics.Finally,perspectives on the challenges and future developments of functional microfluidic devices are presented.This review aims to inspire researchers from various fields engineering,materials,chemistry,mathematics,physics,and more—to collaborate and drive forward the development and applications of functional microfluidic devices,specifically for achieving carbon neutrality.

A SINGLE-CAVITY MULTIPLE-DEVICE HARMONIC OSCILLATOR AT W-BAND

The equivalent circuit of single-cavity multiple-device fundamentaloscillator(SCMDFO)and that of single-device harmonic oscillator(SDHO)proposed byK.Kurokawa and K.Solbach,respectively,are extended and applied to a single-cavitymultiple-device harmonic oscillator(SCMDHO).By means of describing the functions ofnonlinearity of Gunn diodes,the performances of the SCMDHO are analyzed.It is foundthat the voltage amplitudes are similar to those of SDHO,and the ratio of maximum pow-er of harmonic to that of fundamental is identical to that in SDHO when the devices havesame parameters.The harmonic injection locking behavior is also investigated.The injec-tion locking range is greater than that of SDHO if locking gain remains constant.A2-Gunn diode harmonic oscillator was designed.It delivers 30mW output power at103GHz.The mechanical tuning range is 4.15GHz when the output power remains morethan 10mW.The desired operation mode is stable.

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.

基于《国际功能、残疾和健康分类》评价中国智能化辅盲设备的补偿功能

背景:辅盲设备及技术的应用是当今视力障碍人群常用的干预手段,可提高日常生活活动的参与及工作学习能力,帮助其回归家庭、回归社会。数字信息和智能化时代下辅盲设备的形式、技术和功能各有不同,其分类目前暂未能得到有效统一的讨论和评价。目的:基于《国际功能、残疾和健康分类》评价国内视力障碍人群智能化辅盲设备的补偿功能。方法:通过计算机检索中国知网、维普和万方数据库2013-01-01/2023-12-31收录的相关文献。基于《国际功能、残疾和健康分类》理论模式和框架结构,应用术语结构和编码程序归纳相关视力障碍评估类目,整理与分析国内视力障碍的智能化辅盲设备补偿功能研究与分类。结果与结论:①共纳入197篇文献:其中身体功能1篇,包含b2(b210);身体结构1篇,包含s2(s220);活动与参与共119篇,包含d1(10篇,d110、d115、d120、d140、d166),d3(4篇,d315、d325、d345、d360),d4(102篇,d465、d470),d8(3篇,d820、d825);环境因素共76篇,包含e1(72篇,e115、e120、e125、e130、e140、e150、e155、e160),e2(4篇,e210、e240);②基于《国际功能、残疾和健康分类》的视力障碍智能化辅盲设备补偿功能研究分类包含4个部分、8个分类、25个类目,领域涉及身体补偿类、生活用品类、教育学习类、出行导盲类、布局规划类。

基于FFD技术的民用运输机翼尖装置设计研究

首先探究了融合式翼梢小翼倾斜角、高度以及安装角对民用运输机气动特性的影响。然后基于多区域自由变形(FFD,free form deformation)技术、拉丁超立方取样方法(LHS,latin hypercube sampling)、Kriging代理模型以及改进的粒子群算法构建优化设计系统,对融合式翼梢小翼应用优化系统,通过对FFD控制体框架的合理布置,实现了多个控制框架对融合式翼梢小翼的自由变形参数化设计。优化设计结果表明,设计后的融合式翼梢小翼较原始构型减阻效果有明显改善。并通过与"翼尖延伸"、"涡扩散器"和"双叉弯刀"等3种翼尖装置进行调参对比分析,得出一些对翼尖装置设计具有参考价值的结论。

纳米分子器件量子传导中的Green's Function模型

将纳米分子器件的电极和分子本体作为一个系统,考虑到入射电子在原子电极和分子本体中的传导,在电极与分子之间界面上的透射的量子状态,在满足Fisher-Lee关系式的基础上,一个新型的Green’sFunction被设计出来。这一理论模型把三个区域上的不同量子状态完整地表达在一个方程式里,符合物理学基本原理,可以系统地用来研究纳米分子器件的量子传导特性。

Ultrafast laser processing of silk films by bulging and ablation for optical functional devices

Organic proteins are attractive owing to their unique optical properties,remarkable mechanical characteristics,and biocompatibility.Manufacturing multifunctional structures on organic protein films is essential for practical applications;however,the controllable fabrication of specific structures remains challenging.Herein,we propose a strategy for creating specific structures on silk film surfaces by modulating the bulging and ablation of organic materials.Unique surface morphologies such as bulges and craters with continuously varying diameters were generated based on the controlled ultrafast laser-induced crystal-form transition and plasma ablation of the silk protein.Owing to the anisotropic optical properties of the bulge/crater structures with different periods,the fabricated organic films can be used for large-scale inkless color printing.By simultaneously engineering bulge/crater structures,we designed and demonstrated organic film-based optical functional devices that achieves holographic imaging and optical focusing.This study provides a promising strategy for the fabrication of multifunctional micro/nanostructures that can broaden the potential applications of organic materials.

An All‑In‑One Multifunctional Touch Sensor with Carbon‑Based Gradient Resistance Elements

Human–machine interactions using deep-learning methods are important in the research of virtual reality,augmented reality,and metaverse.Such research remains challenging as current interactive sensing interfaces for single-point or multipoint touch input are trapped by massive crossover electrodes,signal crosstalk,propagation delay,and demanding configuration requirements.Here,an all-inone multipoint touch sensor(AIOM touch sensor)with only two electrodes is reported.The AIOM touch sensor is efficiently constructed by gradient resistance elements,which can highly adapt to diverse application-dependent configurations.Combined with deep learning method,the AIOM touch sensor can be utilized to recognize,learn,and memorize human–machine interactions.A biometric verification system is built based on the AIOM touch sensor,which achieves a high identification accuracy of over 98%and offers a promising hybrid cyber security against password leaking.Diversiform human–machine interactions,including freely playing piano music and programmatically controlling a drone,demonstrate the high stability,rapid response time,and excellent spatiotemporally dynamic resolution of the AIOM touch sensor,which will promote significant development of interactive sensing interfaces between fingertips and virtual objects.

Real-time and wearable functional electrical stimulation system for volitional hand motor function control using the electromyography bridge method

Voluntary participation of hemiplegic patients is crucial for functional electrical stimulation therapy.A wearable functional electrical stimulation system has been proposed for real-time volitional hand motor function control using the electromyography bridge method.Through a series of novel design concepts,including the integration of a detecting circuit and an analog-to-digital converter,a miniaturized functional electrical stimulation circuit technique,a low-power super-regeneration chip for wireless receiving,and two wearable armbands,a prototype system has been established with reduced size,power,and overall cost.Based on wrist joint torque reproduction and classification experiments performed on six healthy subjects,the optimized surface electromyography thresholds and trained logistic regression classifier parameters were statistically chosen to establish wrist and hand motion control with high accuracy.Test results showed that wrist flexion/extension,hand grasp,and finger extension could be reproduced with high accuracy and low latency.This system can build a bridge of information transmission between healthy limbs and paralyzed limbs,effectively improve voluntary participation of hemiplegic patients,and elevate efficiency of rehabilitation training.

Do Continuous Flow LVADS Improve Diastolic Dysfunction?

Background: Ventricular assist devices are now used as a bridge to recovery/decision/transplant or as destination therapy in end-stage heart failure. Continued improvements in technology and pump design have made implantation an easier process with reduced operative risks and pump-related adverse events. Considering the beneficial effects of these devices in the clinical setting, it seemed logical to address the long-term effect of the continuous flow pumps on diastolic dysfunction. Methods: This study addresses the effect of HeartMate IITM(HMII) support for 284+/-97 days on echocardiographic parameters of diastolic function. Data from fifteen patients was retrospectively studied status post left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. The data at approximately 1-year post implantation was compared with that obtained prior to implantation. Statistical analyses were performed using the Microsoft Excel Program/MSExcel Stats. Echocardiographic measurements were carried out in accordance with the American Society of Echocardiography guidelines. Results: Of all the echocardiographic parameters assessed only E/Ea and calculated left atrial pressure (LAP) showed a statistically significant decrease. Two parameters that showed a trend towards significance are Ea (septal) and global functional index (p = 0.05). Conclusions: Continuous Flow LVAD support appears to improve diastolic dysfunction. This study has limitations in that we used a single type of continuous flow device (HeartMate IITM) and was conducted as a retrospective analysis. Further studies with larger populations and longer support are required to validate this finding.

Resistance Measured by Airflow Perturbation Compared with Standard Pulmonary Function Measures

Background: Routine lung function testing requires expensive equipment, or requires maximum expiratory effort. The airflow perturbation device (APD) is a light handheld device, allowing for serial measures of respiratory resistance noninvasively and effortlessly. Methods: In a convenience sample of 398 patients undergoing pulmonary function testing, we compared routine spirometric indices (forced expired volume in 1 second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF)), and airways resistance (Raw-272 patients), to measures of respiratory resistance measured with the APD including inspiratory (IR), expiratory (ER) and averaged (AR) resistance. Results: Measures of lung function were significantly correlated (p 0.001). On regression analysis, between 7% - 17% of the variance (R2) for FEV1, PEF, and Raw was explained by APD measurements. Approximately 2/3 of the variance in FEV1 was explained by PEF measurements. Conclusions: APD measurements of lung function correlate with conventional measures. Future studies should be directed at exploring the use of the APD device in serial measures of lung function in patients with lung disease.