Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence in Neuromuscular Disease Rehabilitation: A Comprehensive Review and Algorithmic Approach

Neuromuscular diseases present profound challenges to individuals and healthcare systems worldwide, profoundly impacting motor functions. This research provides a comprehensive exploration of how artificial intelligence (AI) technology is revolutionizing rehabilitation for individuals with neuromuscular disorders. Through an extensive review, this paper elucidates a wide array of AI-driven interventions spanning robotic-assisted therapy, virtual reality rehabilitation, and intricately tailored machine learning algorithms. The aim is to delve into the nuanced applications of AI, unlocking its transformative potential in optimizing personalized treatment plans for those grappling with the complexities of neuromuscular diseases. By examining the multifaceted intersection of AI and rehabilitation, this paper not only contributes to our understanding of cutting-edge advancements but also envisions a future where technological innovations play a pivotal role in alleviating the challenges posed by neuromuscular diseases. From employing neural-fuzzy adaptive controllers for precise trajectory tracking amidst uncertainties to utilizing machine learning algorithms for recognizing patient motor intentions and adapting training accordingly, this research encompasses a holistic approach towards harnessing AI for enhanced rehabilitation outcomes. By embracing the synergy between AI and rehabilitation, we pave the way for a future where individuals with neuromuscular disorders can access tailored, effective, and technologically-driven interventions to improve their quality of life and functional independence.

Improvement of learning and memory abilities and motor function in rats with cerebral infarction by intracerebral transplantation of neuron-like cells derived from bone marrow stromal cells

BACKGROUND： Transplantation of fetal cell suspension or blocks of fetal tissue can ameliorate the nerve function after the injury or disease in the central nervous system, and it has been used to treat neurodegenerative disorders induced by Parkinson disease. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effects of the transplantation of neuron-like cells derived from bone marrow stromal cells （rMSCs） into the brain in restoring the dysfunctions of muscle strength and balance as well as learning and memory in rat models of cerebral infarction. DESIGN ： A randomized controlled experiment.SETTING ： Department of Pathophysiology, Zhongshan Medical College of Sun Yat-sen University.MATERIALS ： Twenty-four male SD rats （3-4 weeks of age, weighing 200-220 g） were used in this study （Certification number：2001A027）. METHODS： The experiments were carried out in Zhongshan Medical College of Sun Yat-sen University between December 2003 and December 2004. ① Twenty-four male SD rats randomized into three groups with 8 rats in each： experimental group, control group and sham-operated group. Rats in the experiment al group and control group were induced into models of middle cerebral artery occlusion （MCAO）. After in vitro cultured, purified and identified with digestion, the Fischer344 rMSCs were induced to differentiate by tanshinone IIA, which was locally injected into the striate cortex （18 area） of rats in the experimental group, and the rats in the control group were injected by L-DMEM basic culture media （without serum） of the same volume to the corresponding brain area. In the sham-operated group, only muscle and vessel of neck were separated. ② At 2 and 8 weeks after the transplantation, the rats were given the screen test, prehensile-traction test, balance beam test and Morris water-maze test. ③ The survival and distribution of the induced cells in corresponding brain area were observed with Nissl stained with toluidine blue and hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining in the groups.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES ： ① Results of the behavioral tests （time of the Morris water-maze test screen test, prehensile-traction test, balance beam test）; ② Survival and distribution of the induced cells.RESULTS： All the 24 rats were involved in the analysis of results. ① Two weeks after transplantation, rats with neuron-like cells grafts in the experimental group had significant improvement on their general muscle strength than those in the control group [screen test： （9.4±1.7）, （4.7±1.0） s, P 〈 0.01]; forelimb muscle strength [prehensile-traction test： （7.6±1.4）, （5.2±1.2） s, P 〈 0.01], ability to keep balance [balance beam test： （7.9±0.74）, （6.1±0.91） s, P 〈 0.01] and abilities of learning and memory [latency to find the platform： （35.8±5.9）, （117.5±11.6） s, P 〈 0.01; distance： （623.1±43.4）, （1 902.3±98.6） cm, P 〈 0.01] as compared with those in the control group. The functional performances in the experimental group at 8 weeks were better than those at two weeks, which were still obviously different from those in the sham-operated group （P 〈 0.05）. ② The HE and Nissl stained brain tissue section showed that there was nerve cell proliferation at the infarcted cortex in the experiment group, the density was higher than that in the control group, plenty of aggregative or scattered cells could be observed at the site where needle was inserted for transplantation, the cells migrated directively towards the area around them, the cerebral vascular walls were wrapped by plenty of cells; In the control group, most of the cortices were destroyed, karyopyknosis and necrosis of neurons were observed, normal nervous tissue structure disappeared induced by edema, only some nerve fibers and glial cells remained.CONCLUSION： The rMSCs transplantation can obviously enhance the motor function and the abilities of learning and memory in rat models of cerebral infarction.

Mathematical simulations of the galvanic coupling intra-body communication by using the transfer function method

The galvanic coupling intra-body communication （IBC） was mathematically simulated based on the proposed transfer function. Firstly, a galvanic coupling IBC circuit model was developed and the corresponding parameters were discussed. Secondly, the transfer function of the galvanic coupling IBC was derived and proposed. Finally, the signal attenuation characteristics of the galvanic coupling IBC were measured along different signal transmission paths of actual human bodies, while the corresponding mathematical simulations based on the proposed transfer function were carried out. Our investigation showed that the mathematical simulation results coincided with the measured results over the frequency range of 100kHz to 5MHz, which indicated that the proposed transfer function could be useful for theoretical analysis and application of the galvanic coupling IBC.

Effects of Diet with "Lianteng" Additive of Chinese Herbal Medicine on Blood Biochemical Indexes,Immune and Antioxidant Function of Guangxi Sanhuang Chickens

[Objectives]This trial was conducted to investigate the effects of diet with"Lianteng"additive of Chinese herbal medicine on blood biochemical indexes,immune and antioxidant function of Guangxi Sanhuang chickens.[Methods]480 Guangxi Sanhuang chickens at the age of 1 d were divided into 4 groups randomly and each group was assigned to 6 replicates with 20 chicks in each replicate;groups A,B and C were treatment groups and fed basal diets with 0.1%,0.2%and 0.4%of"Lianteng"additive of Chinese herbal medicine respectively during a trial of 70 d.Group D was control group and fed only basal diet.The serum samples were taken from 6 chicks in each group at the age of 21,35 and 49 d respectively and analyzed for biochemical,immune and antioxidant parameters in serum.[Results]Results from the trial showed that no difference was found in serum content of GLU,TG,TP,TC,and UN in the measurement at the age of 21,35 and 49 d(P>0.05);however,the content of ALB from groups A and B at 35 d was significantly higher than that from group D(P<0.01),and the ALB content from group B at 49 d was also higher than that from group D(P<0.05);the IgM content at 49 d from group A was lower than that from group D(P<0.05),in addition to this,there was no differences found in the contents of IgG,IgM and IFN-y among groups A,B,C and D during the trial(P>0.05);but the content of IL-2 from groups A and B at 49 d was significantly greater than that from group D(P<0.05);T-AOC from groups A,B and C at 49 d was very significantly higher than that from group D(P<0.01),and the one of group B at 35 d was still obviously higher than that of group D(P<0.05);also at 49 d,the GSH content in groups A and B was much greater than that in group D(P<0.01);T-SOD activity of group B and C at 35 d was distinctly greater than that of group D(P<0.05).[Conclusions]It can be concluded that the addition of 0.2%of"Lianteng"additive of Chinese herbal medicine in diet can increase immune function in a certain extent and promote the antioxidant ability observably for Guangxi Sanhuang chickens.

An enhanced functional ability questionnaire(faVIQ) to measure the impact of rehabilitation services on the visually impaired

AIM: To develop a short,enhanced functional ability Quality of Vision(faVIQ) instrument based on previous questionnaires employing comprehensive modern statistical techniques to ensure the use of an appropriate response scale,items and scoring of the visual related difficulties experienced by patients with visual impairment. · METHODS: Items in current quality-of-life questionnaires for the visually impaired were refined by a multi-professional group and visually impaired focus groups. The resulting 76 items were completed by 293 visually impaired patients with stable vision on two occasions separated by a month. The faVIQ scores of 75 patients with no ocular pathology were compared to 75 age and gender matched patients with visual impairment. ·RESULTS: Rasch analysis reduced the faVIQ items to 27. Correlation to standard visual metrics was moderate(r =0.32-0.46) and to the NEI-VFQ was 0.48. The faVIQ was able to clearly discriminate between age and gender matched populations with no ocular pathology and visual impairment with an index of 0.983 and 95% sensitivity and 95% specificity using a cut off of 29.·CONCLUSION: The faVIQ allows sensitive assessment of quality-of-life in the visually impaired and should support studies which evaluate the effectiveness of low vision rehabilitation services.

A Comparative Study on Obama's Speeches from the Perspective of Interpersonal Function

This paper attempts to conduct a comparative study on Obama’s two speeches—his second inaugural address and his commencement speech in The Ohio State University in 2013 based on Halliday’s theory of Interpersonal Function.The author finds that mood,modality and personal pronouns are the major language means used to realize the interpersonal function;in his two speeches,Obama makes different choices of those resources,and different choices indicate different attitudes and intentions.

Functional Contentment Model: Optimizing Quality of Life for Nursing Home Residents with Dementia

The Functional Contentment Model (FCM) attains two objectives: 1) building a relationship focused plan of care for nursing home residents diagnosed with dementia;and 2) maximizing and maintaining older adults’ contentment, peace, and happiness while living in dementia care environments. There are three essential components within the FCM: 1) Person/Family Centered Care;2) Slow Medicine;and 3) Team Care Management. The principles of “Person/Family-Centered Care” are coupled with the philosophy of “Slow Medicine,” and neither can exist without the engagement of “Team Care Management.” In short, the FCM maximizes the older adult’s potential functioning in activities of daily living, cognition, gross and fine motor skills, communication, and physical well-being, while maintaining the highest possible level of contentment, peace, and happiness. This is accomplished through dynamically utilized professional modalities adapted to the changing needs of the older adult resident—pharmacologic, physical and occupational therapies, family education and involvement, dietary, spiritual, stimulating activities, as well as any individualized modality. The lead for operationalizing the Functional Contentment Model is the nursing home medical director, whose key role is assuring a team approach to care including the older adult resident, the family, and all staff (dietary, housekeeping maintenance as well as care and administrative staff). The FCM is a culture change model that has implications in practice and policy for each nursing home.

Motor outcomes of patients with a complete middle cerebral artery territory infarct

Detailed knowledge of motor outcomes enables to establish proper goals and rehabilitation strate-gies for stroke patients. Several previous studies have reported functional or motor outcomes in patients with a middle cerebral artery territory infarct. However, little is known about motor outcome in patients with a complete middle cerebral artery territory infarct. In this study, we investigated the motor outcomes in 23 patients with a complete middle cerebral artery territory infarct. All of these patients received comprehensive rehabilitative management, including movement therapy and neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the affected finger extensors and ankle dorsiflexors, for more than 3 months. Motor outcomes were measured at 6 months after stroke onset using the Medical Research Council, Motricity Index, the modified Brunnstrom Classification, and Functional Ambula-tion Category scores. The motor function of the lower extremities was found to be better than that of the upper extremities. After receiving rehabilitation treatments for 3–6 months, about 70% of these patients were able to walk independently （Functional Ambulation Category scores 3）, but no pa-tient achieved functional hand recovery.

Dynamic interaction nursing intervention on functional rehabilitation and self-care ability of patients after aneurysm surgery

BACKGROUND Nursing practices based on the dynamic interaction model have been shown to be superior to generic nursing practices.However,whether this model is effective in patients recovering from intracranial aneurysm surgery is not well studied.AIM To investigate the effect of nursing based on a dynamic interaction model on functional rehabilitation of patients after aneurysm surgery.METHODS A total of 86 cases in our hospital with intracranial aneurysm from April 2019 to April 2021,were selected and divided into the study group and the control group,with 43 patients in each group.The control group received routine nursing,and the research group received nursing intervention based on a dynamic interaction model.The daily living ability(activities of daily living,ADL),cognitive function(Simple Intelligent Mental State Scale,MMSE),quality of life(Generic Quality of Life Inventory-74,GQOL-74),self-care ability(Exercise of Self-Care Agency scale),incidence of complications,and nursing satisfaction were recorded before and after intervention.RESULTS Before intervention,ADL(52.09±6.44),MMSE(18.03±4.11),and GQOL-74(53.68±4.34)scores in the study group were not significantly different from those in the control group(ADL:50.97±7.32,MMSE:17.59±3.82,GQOL-74:55.06±3.98)(P>0.05).After intervention,ADL(86.12±5.07),MMSE(26.64±2.66),and GQOL-74(83.13±5.67)scores in the study group were higher than those in the control group(ADL:79.81±6.35,MMSE:24.51±3.00,and GQOL-74:77.96±6.27)(P<0.05).Before intervention,self-concept(17.46±4.44),self-care skills(25.22±4.20),self-care knowledge(22.35±4.74),and self-care responsibility(15.06±3.29)scores in the study group was similar to those in the control group(self-concept:16.89±5.53,self-care skills:24.59±4.46,self-care knowledge:21.80±3.61,and self-care responsibility:14.83±3.11)(P>0.05).After the intervention,self-concept(26.01±3.18),self-care skills(37.68±6.05),self-care knowledge(45.56±5.83),and self-care responsibility(22.01±3.77)scores in the study group were higher than those in the control group(self-concept:22.97±3.46,self-care skills:33.02±5.65,selfcare skills knowledge:36.81±5.54,and self-care responsibility:17.97±3.56 points)(P<0.05).The incidence of complications in the study group(4.65%)was lower than that in the control group(18.60%)(P<0.05).Nursing satisfaction in the study group(95.35%)was higher than that in the control group(81.40%)(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Nursing intervention based on a dynamic interaction model can improve postoperative cognitive function,daily living ability,self-care ability,quality of life,and patient satisfaction,while reducing the risk of complications.

On the Making of English Language Teachers

Over the years of vigorous development of English language teaching, ELT has been regarded by many as a distinct profession, which will only exist by its practitioners’ developing and perfecting it. As a practitioner of the profession, an ELT teacher is to possess and acquire technical qualities, a professional understanding and personal qualities consisting in personality, intelligence & aptitude, attitude & motivation, competence in the English language.

On the hydro－spectrum of deep wells and the response ability of well－aquifer system

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New era of cystic fibrosis:Full mutational analysis and personalized therapy

Despite its apparently simple genetics,cystic fibrosis(CF) is a rather complex genetic disease.A lot of variability in the steps of the path from the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator(CFTR) gene to the clinical manifestations originates an uncertain genotype- phenotype relationship.A major determinant of this uncertainty is the incomplete knowledge of the CFTR mutated genotypes,due to the high number of CFTR mutations and to the higher number of their combinations in trans and in cis.Also the very limited knowledge of functional effects of CFTR mutated alleles severely impairs our diagnostic and prognostic ability.The final phenotypic modulation exerted by CFTR modifier genes and interactome further complicates the framework.The next generation sequencing approach is a rapid,lowcost and high-throughput tool that allows a near complete structural characterization of CFTR mutated genotypes,as well as of genotypes of several other genes cooperating to the final CF clinical manifestations.This powerful method perfectly complements the new personalized therapeutic approach for CF.Drugs active on specific CFTR mutational classes are already available for CF patients or are in phase 3 trials.A complete genetic characterization has been becoming crucial for a correct personalized therapy.However,the need of a functional classification of each CFTR mutation potently arises.Future big efforts towards an ever more detailed knowledge of both structural and functional CFTR defects,coupled to parallel personalized therapeutic interventions decisive for CF cure can be foreseen.

Effects of Water Weight-Loss Walking Training on Lower Limb Motor Function and Gait in Stroke Patients

Background: Water weight-loss walking training is an emerging physical therapy technique, which provides new ideas for improving the motor function of stroke patients and improving the quality of life of patients. However, the rehabilitation effect of water weight-loss training in stroke patients is currently unclear. Objective: To analyze the effect of water weight loss walking training in stroke patients. Methods: A total of 180 stroke patients admitted to our hospital from January 2019 to December 2021 were selected and randomly divided into two groups. The control group received routine walking training, and the research group performed weight loss walking training in water on this basis. The lower limb motor function, muscle tone grade, daily living ability, gait and balance ability were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Results: Compared with the control group, the FMA-LE score (Fugl-Meyer motor assessment of Lower Extremity), MBI score (Modified Barthel Index) and BBS score (berg balance scale) of the study group were higher after treatment, and the muscle tone was lower (P Conclusion: Water weight loss walking training can enhance patients’ muscle tension, correct patients’ abnormal gait, improve patients’ balance and walking ability, and contribute to patients’ motor function recovery and self-care ability improvement.

The Reliability and Validity of Toe Grip Strength as an Index of Physical Development in 4- to 5-Year-Old Children

Studies on TGS （toe-grip strength） are currently proliferating as a result of the development of the dynamometer. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the reliability and validity of TGS as a physical function in preschool aged children. The participants were 153 preschoolers. Each participant was measured in terms of his or her TGS and completed a MAT （motor ability test）. The reliability of the measurements was investigated via Pearson＇s r and Cronbach＇s a through a test-retest method, as well as a Bland-Altman plot. The validity of the TGS value was investigated by measuring the correlation between TGS and each component of the MAT, the principal component analysis, and a two-way layout ANOVA with general linear model （gender and age）. All reliability coefficients were more than 0.70. Though all components of the MAT relating to TGS were found to be significant （P 〈 0.05）, these correlations were weak. However, TGS was found to be a physical function that relating to the lower limbs and develops with aging. Therefore, TGS was found to be a highly reliable measure of physical function performance in preschoolers.

Does Exercise in Older Adults Predict Problem Solving? The Role of Personality

Research suggests that physical fitness is positively associated with cognitive functioning in older adults, and that executive functions may be associated in particular. This study explored whether personality supplemented the relationship between physical activity and problem-solving. A computerized version of the Tower of London provided number of errors and time to completion as dependent variables using a sample of 65 community-dwelling older people. The NEO-FFI assessed the Big 5 dimensions of personality. Choice reaction time was used to control for changes in speed of processing with increased age. Age remained a significant predictor of both dependent variables, with neuroticism and agreeableness also showing predictive ability. Aerobic fitness was not associated with either outcome measure, suggesting that there might be differential effects of exercise on measures of different executive functions. Personality factors appear to have a stronger association with the cognitive function that has been reported previously.

Makeup Activates Brain Activity in Visually Impaired Persons: Evaluation by Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Cosmetics are used to improve physical appearance, but the benefits may be limited to people without visual impairment. The importance of attractiveness among blind persons has not been assessed. We investigated the influence of makeup on brain activity of blind persons using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Participants were 7 blind females (BFs) who learned to fully apply makeup and 9 mostly age-matched normally sighted females (NSFs). Brain activity was measured using fMRI before and after application of makeup and during a makeup image task in each state. In the default mode network at rest, there was no difference between the BFs and NSFs. However, a lateral visual network to the opposite side was observed in the NSFs, whereas no such network was noted in the BFs. A weak network was noted in the BFs in the occipital fusiform gyrus and temporal occipital fusiform cortex, and an extensive visual area network defect was noted. Also, activity after makeup application was significantly higher in the nucleus accumbens, pallidum, and hippocampus. Activity in the right middle cingulate gyrus, right cerebral white matter, and right anterior cingulate gyrus was higher before makeup in both BFs and NSFs, and the activity was significantly higher and more extensive in the BFs. In conclusion, applying makeup is a personally rewarding activity, even for BFs, as it strongly activates the reward system and the reward/memory system network, even in the absence of a visual area network.

IMPROVEMENT TO THE EVAPORATION DUCT MODEL BY INTRODUCING NONLINEAR SIMILARITY FUNCTIONS IN STABLE CONDITIONS

Modified refractivity (M) profile is an important parameter to describe the atmospheric refraction environment,as well as a key factor in uniquely evaluating electromagnetic propagation effects.In order to improve the model-derived M profile in stable (especially very stable) conditions,three nonlinear similarity functions,namely BH91,CB05,SHEBA07,are introduced in this paper to improve the original Babin_V25 model,and the performances of these modified models are verified based on the hydrometeorological observations from tower platforms,which are finally compared with the original Babin_V25 model and Local_HYQ92 model.Results show that introducing nonlinear similarity functions can significantly improve the model-derived M profile;especially,the newly developed SHEBA07 functions manage to reduce the predicted root mean square (rms) differences of M and M slope (for both 0-5m and 5-40m) by 64.5%,16.6%,and 60.4%,respectively in stable conditions.Unfortunately,this improved method reacts little on the evaporation duct height;in contrast,Local_HYQ92 model is capable of reducing the predicted rms differences of M,M slope (for both 0-5m and 5-40m),and evaporation duct height by 76.7%,40.2%,83.7%,and 58.0% respectively.Finally,a new recommendation is made to apply Local_HYQ92 and Babin_SHEBA07 in very stable conditions considering that M slope is more important than evaporation duct height and absolute M value in uniquely determining electromagnetic propagation effects.