Multi-level personalization of neuromusculoskeletal models to estimate physiologically plausible knee joint contact forces in children

Neuromusculoskeletal models are a powerful tool to investigate the internal biomechanics of an individual. However, commonly used neuromusculoskeletal models are generated via linear scaling of generic templates derived from elderly adult anatomies and poorly represent a child, let alone children with a neuromuscular disorder whose musculoskeletal structures and muscle activation patterns are profoundly altered. Model personalization can capture abnormalities and appropriately describe the underlying (altered) biomechanics of an individual. In this work, we explored the effect of six different levels of neuromusculoskeletal model personalization on estimates of muscle forces and knee joint contact forces to tease out the importance of model personalization for normal and abnormal musculoskeletal structures and muscle activation patterns. For six children, with and without cerebral palsy, generic scaled models were developed and progressively personalized by (1) tuning and calibrating musculotendon units' parameters, (2) implementing an electromyogram-assisted approach to synthesize muscle activations, and (3) replacing generic anatomies with image-based bony geometries, and physiologically and physically plausible muscle kinematics. Biomechanical simulations of gait were performed in the OpenSim and CEINMS software on ten overground walking trials per participant. A mixed-ANOVA test, with Bonferroni corrections, was conducted to compare all models' estimates. The model with the highest level of personalization produced the most physiologically plausible estimates. Model personalization is crucial to produce physiologically plausible estimates of internal biomechanical quantities. In particular, personalization of musculoskeletal anatomy and muscle activation patterns had the largest effect overall. Increased research efforts are needed to ease the creation of personalized neuromusculoskeletal models

Improved Control Strategy on Buck-Boost Converter Fed DC Motor with Fuzzy Logic Controller

This paper presents comparison of the performance of Fuzzy Logic Controller with that of conventional closed loop controller for buck-boost converter fed dc motor based on voltage control method. For ac to dc conversion, diode bridge rectifier-chopper configuration gives higher input power factor than that of thyristor controlled rectifiers. So, one such configuration called ac-dc buck-boost converter feeding a dc drive is taken up for a detailed study in this paper. The performance of the proposed method is investigated using MATLAB simulation models of buck-boost converter fed dc motor

A Voyager Over the Coast of Kudankulam

28The recent sighting of Amur Falcons in the Kudankulam coastline has brought fresh enthusiasm to the naturalists in the region

As long as the sun shines

23-25The issue of nuclear radiation has to be looked at logically

Project Turtle – Narora

43-45Project Turtle - Narora is a humble attempt to save freshwater turtles, the keystone species that helps to keep the ecosystem health

Fall of the Vultures

26-27Millions of vultures lived in this country only a few decades ago but now their population has drastically reduced

Sale of tobacco products among minors in a satellite township near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. An observational study

Background Prevalence of smoking among minors is 18.2% in Malaysia. The legal age to buy tobacco products in Malaysia is 18 years and the Government intends to raise the permissible age to 21 years. The aim of the study was to assess the environment of the shops selling tobacco products about its sale among minors. The objective also included structured interviews of the sales personal regarding their knowledge and attitude towards the sale of tobacco products among minors. Methods Two researchers observed 31 shops/restaurants selling tobacco products (cigarettes/shisha). Shops within 500 meters of schools and universities were studied. Observations included presence of signages regarding ban on sales of tobacco products to minors and also the ban on sale of single sticks/loose cigarettes. Sales person of these shops willing to be interviewed were administered with a questionnaire and data was collected. Collected data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Results Out of 31 places, 5 were restaurants catering shisha and 26 were selling cigarettes. Two restaurants were catering shisha smoking to minors. Among the 26 shops selling cigarettes only 42.3% (n=11) had a clear signage regarding ban on sales of tobacco products to minors. Loose cigarettes were sold in 35 %( n=9) of the shops. Out of 26 shops, only 7 sales person were willing to be interviewed by the researcher (DDD). All interviewed individuals, were aware about the adverse health effects of smoking and the legal age to buy tobacco products in Malaysia. Five sales person agreed that they had sold tobacco products to minors. [Descriptive Statistics Showing Signages and sales] Conclusions Minors would be tempted to try tobacco products if strict ban is not enforced. Even though current laws exist to address the ban of tobacco products among minors, implementation seems to be weak in the studied locality. The authorities should monitor sale of tobacco products in future

Role of Bacteria-Derived Exopolysaccharides in Inflammatory Bowel Disease with a Special Focus on Cyanobacterial Exopolysaccharides

International audienceInstances of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract, are rapidly increasing in western and newly industrialized countries. Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are one of the strategies to enhance the gut microbiota and modulate the immune-inflammatory response deregulation in IBD patients. EPSs are produced by commensal bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Additionally, Cyanobacteria species are promising sources of novel EPS and have potential pharmaceutical and therapeutic applications. The presence of uronic acids and sulphate groups in Cyanobacterial EPSs is an important factor that gives EPSs an anionic charge that is not seen in other prokaryotic species. This feature may impact their physico-chemical characteristics and biological properties. Additionally, Cyanobacterial EPSs have a wide range of biotechnological applications that include use as thickeners, stabilizers, and gelling agents in the food and pharmaceutical sectors. The present review focuses on the role of EPSs in IBD, with a special focus on EPSs derived from Cyanobacteria. This review also covers the biological properties of Cyanobacterial EPS in immuno-inflammatory responses and against pathogens as well as its role in biotechnological applications. Overall, Cyanobacterial EPSs have therapeutic potential against IBD due to their anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties that can reduce inflammation and regulate the immune response and restore the gut microbiota of patients

An investigation into toothbrush wear related to months of use among university students

Background: Toothbrushes should be replaced every 3 to 4 months as older brushes lose their plaque removal ability. Older brushes may not be able to remove plaque from pits and fissures seen on the occlusal surfaces of the teeth or from the proximal areas between the teeth. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the wear seen on used toothbrushes (UTB) and the relation of wear with regards to the period of toothbrush use. Material and methods: UTB were collected from university students studying courses in arts and sciences faculties, excluding health sciences faculties, during an oral health awareness campaign conducted by the Faculty of Dentistry. A validated questionnaire was used to collect descriptive data regarding toothbrushing habits. Two calibrated examiners scored the UTB according to the Rawls et al. index. Authors also examined different types of toothbrushes and the cleanliness of the toothbrush handles. Results: The findings of the study show that 58.0% of the UTB were in good condition for optimal plaque removal (scores 0 and 1), whereas the remaining 42% were not in suitable condition for optimal plaque removal (scores 2 and 3). The UTB measured with Rawls et al.’s index were used for 2.7, 4.5, 5.9, and 7.0 months (mean number of months), respectively. Conclusion: Many factors, in addition to period of use, come into play with regards to the splaying of toothbrush bristles. Dental professionals should educate their clients about and reinforce the need to replace toothbrushes after 3 to 4 months of use or after significant wear of the bristles, whichever comes first