Saitama Institute of Technology

BACKGROUND Stroke patients can have various somatosensory abnormalities and a practice–research gap exists among various measurements and treatments. Integrating case reports that bridge this gap may provide a solution to addressing this issue. PURPOSE This systematic review integrates case reports detailing the physiotherapy management of stroke patients with recognized somatosensory impairments and determines the characteristics related to somatosensory measures, clinical symptoms, and treatments. METHODS This systematic review was conducted under the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis statement, using PubMed, Cochrane Library, PEDro, CINAHL, and MEDLINE databases for articles published up to February 2024. Two independent authors performed a methodological quality assessment of the case reports. RESULTS This review included 11 articles of low methodological quality, comprising 13 cases. Physiotherapists used 11 types of somatosensory measures and conducted 11 types of somatosensory training. However, all articles lacked clinical decision-making, causing inadequate accuracy, transparency, and usefulness in the case reports and physiotherapy management. CONCLUSION Physiotherapy for stroke patients with somatosensory impairments is characterized by a lack of standard somatosensory measures and an unclear effect of somatosensory impairments on motor function, making recovery prediction difficult and causing an unclear process in treatment practices. Addressing this issue requires case reports and clinical research, highlighting the process from somatosensory examination to diagnosis.

For larger polydispersity, particle aggregates form even under weaker magnetic interactions. Small particles attach to growing clusters of large particles, forming larger aggregates. However, they disturb the internal structure of the clusters.

The egg-shaped pressure shell, an essential component of manned submersibles, has garnered significant attention from researchers. However, the fabrication of such shells, particularly the welding process used to connect petals or frustums into a shell blank, has raised several concerns. This study investigates the distribution of welding residual stresses in a multi-segment frustum-assembled egg-shaped shell using a thermal–elastic–plastic method under an instantaneous heat source. A numerical model for a 12-segment frustum-welded egg-shaped shell is developed, and welding simulations are performed. The model’s boundary conditions are defined by cyclic symmetry, with a mesh element size of 2 mm to enhance computational efficiency. The results are validated through experimental tests. The findings indicate that the residual stress around the weld is tensile, while compressive stress is present on both sides of the weld. The length of the generatrix and the relative inclination angle significantly affect the distribution and overlap of circumferential residual stress, whereas axial residual stress primarily influences its magnitude. Finally, a simplified numerical model of the egg-shaped shell is proposed, with its simulation results showing good agreement with the distribution of welding residual stresses on the shell surface. This study provides valuable insights for optimizing the welding process of egg-shaped pressure shells in manned submersibles.

Attention management is crucial for cognitive development, especially in children. This study presents a novel brain-computer interface (BCI) system that uses EEG signals to classify attention states. It analyzes these signals using a waveform ratio feature extraction method and visualizes attention levels through a drone's altitude. The system provides real-time feedback via a GUI and incorporates gamified elements like drone control to enhance engagement and training efficacy. Experimental results show that positive response mechanisms significantly improve focus and motivation, demonstrating the system's potential to transform traditional attention training methods.

We introduce a novel interpretable neural network (NN) model designed to perform precision bulk reconstruction under the AdS/CFT correspondence. According to the correspondence, a specific condensed matter system on a ring is holographically equivalent to a gravitational system on a bulk disk, through which tabletop quantum gravity experiments may be possible as reported in (Hashimoto et al 2023 Phys. Rev. Res. 5 023168). The purpose of this paper is to reconstruct a higher-dimensional gravity metric from the condensed matter system data via machine learning using the NN. Our machine reads spatially and temporarily inhomogeneous linear response data of the condensed matter system, and incorporates a novel layer that implements the Runge–Kutta method to achieve better numerical control. We confirm that our machine can let a higher-dimensional gravity metric be automatically emergent as its interpretable weights, using a linear response of the condensed matter system as data, through supervised machine learning. The developed method could serve as a foundation for generic bulk reconstruction, i.e. a practical solution to the AdS/CFT correspondence, and would be implemented in future tabletop quantum gravity experiments.

We have developed an N-terminated carbon film electrode that allows accurate determination of the diffusion coefficient of electroactive molecules dissolved in a highly concentrated serum protein solution. The carbon film electrode was formed by the unbalanced magnetron sputtering (UBM) method. Then, nitrogen functional groups were introduced by employing NH3 or H2O plasma treatment. Cyclic voltammetry measurements with ferricyanide ion ([Fe(CN)6]3−) showed that the N-terminated carbon film electrode exhibited great anti-fouling property against simulated serum proteins (50 mg/mL human serum albumin and 15 mg/mL γ-globulin dissolved in 1 M KCl solution). In contrast, glassy carbon, H2O plasma-treated, and especially untreated carbon film electrodes were subject to severe electrode fouling, making it difficult to electrochemically determine the diffusion coefficient of the [Fe(CN)6]3− ion. The control experiment using less adsorptive ethylene glycol as a viscosity modifier showed that the increase in viscosity is a main factor of the decrease in diffusion coefficient for nitrogen plasma treated electrode, which is not significantly affected by the possible interaction between [Fe(CN)6]3− ions and serum proteins. Finally, we applied the electrode for the electrochemical analysis of acetaminophen dissolved in phosphate buffer (0.1 M, pH = 7.0), which suggests that NH3 plasma-treated carbon film exhibits the lowest ΔE increase when we compare ΔE with and without proteins and also a more stable peak current in continuous voltametric measurements compared with other carbon electrodes.

Purpose To clarify the influence of biomechanics on post‐operative clinical outcomes in bicruciate‐retaining total knee arthroplasty (BCR‐TKA). Methods Severe medial osteoarthritis who underwent BCR‐TKA were examined. Each patient was asked to perform a squat (weight‐bearing [WB]) and active assisted knee flexion (non‐WB [NWB]) under single fluoroscopy surveillance. A 2D‐to‐3D registration technique was used. Patients were divided into two groups based on their 1‐year post‐operative patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) using hierarchical cluster analysis. The rotational alignment on computed tomography, anterior stability at 30° of knee flexion, axial rotation of the femur relative to the tibial component and anteroposterior translation of the medial and lateral femorotibial contact points were measured. Results Components did not significantly differ between the groups, with 1.6 ± 5.0° and 5.4 ± 4.7° of femoral internal rotation in the low PROM (N = 28) and high PROM (N = 8) groups, respectively. Moreover, anterior stability did not significantly differ (low PROM: 4.9 ± 1.4 mm, high PROM: 5.3 ± 1.0 mm). The knee externally rotated from 0° to 70° and from 50° to 110° of flexion during WB and NWB, respectively. The low‐PROM group exhibited more external rotation across all ranges of motion. Medial contact points moved backwards from 0° to 30° of flexion during WB, forward from 30° to 100° of flexion, and backwards from 100° to 110° of flexion. The low‐PROM group was positioned more forward throughout the full range of motion during WB. Lateral contact points moved backwards at 0−30° of flexion, forward at 70−100° of flexion, and backwards at 100−110° of flexion during WB, while there was backward movement at 50° of flexion during NWB. Both activities exhibited a more posterior position in the low‐PROM group throughout the full range of motion. Conclusion The femoral component in the low‐PROM group was externally rotated across all ranges of motion, and the lateral contact points were posteriorly located in BCR‐TKA. Level of Evidence Level II, prospective cohort study.

Highlights •Relationship between nursing care needs and cardiac rehabilitation was examined •Patient adherence with cardiac rehabilitation was calculated using data science •Cardiac rehabilitation reduced mortality rates while decreasing nursing care needs •Endocrine and metabolic factors were understood to increase nursing care needs •Cardiac rehabilitation improves healthy life expectancy and socioeconomic factors Abstract Background The social burden of nursing care is increasing with age, particularly for patients with heart failure who often require intensive care. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between nursing care needs and the clinical status of patients with a history of cardiovascular disease, focusing on the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in reducing these needs. Methods This single-gate, multicenter, retrospective observational study included patients of all ages with a history of hospitalization for cardiovascular diseases using government-administered insurance claims and health examination data. Data spanning a four-year period (April 2014 to March 2018) were analyzed, and the effects of CR on nursing care needs and associated factors were examined. Multivariate analysis and propensity score matching were used to adjust for confounding factors, ensuring a robust comparison between CR and non-CR groups. Results A total of 48,456 patients were enrolled, with an average follow-up of 36.1 months. After propensity score matching, patients who participated in CR demonstrated significantly lower mortality rates and reduced nursing care needs compared to those who did not (0.02 ± 0.13 vs. 0.04 ± 0.20, p < 0.01, 0.94 ± 0.27 vs. base: 1, p = 0.05). CR was associated with improved adherence to medications and increased generic drug prescriptions, contributing to better long-term health outcomes. The adjusted odds ratio for CR in reducing nursing care needs was 0.574 (95 % CI, 0.347–0.948, p < 0.05). Conclusions This study confirms the potential critical role of CR in reducing mortality and nursing care needs in patients with cardiovascular disease. Although CR did not directly reduce nursing care costs, it contributed to improved health outcomes and reduced dependency on long-term care services. These findings highlight the benefits of CR as a preventive intervention, especially in aging populations. Further research is needed regarding its long-term economic benefits.

This study focused on the buckling characteristics of egg-shaped shells with single crack and double cracks under axial pressure. First, the geometric parameters of the egg-shaped shell were designed, and a numerical model of the egg-shaped shell was established. Then, the initial crack was introduced into the equatorial weld of the egg-shaped shell, and the effects of the crack on the buckling characteristics under different wall thicknesses were explored, as were the effects of the single crack direction, double crack angle and spacing on the buckling characteristics. Finally, crack-free, single crack and double crack egg-shaped shells were fabricated from Q235 steel. The buckling loads and failure modes of the three egg-shaped shells were obtained via axial compression experiments. The numerical critical buckling loads and buckling modes were compared with the experimental results to verify the accuracy of the numerical model. The results of this study are valuable for the design of egg-shaped shells under axial loading.

Case A 75-year-old woman underwent cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for osteonecrosis of the knee, converted from unicompartmental arthroplasty due to an intraoperative medial tibial plateau fracture. Four years later, she experienced persistent knee pain. Computed tomography revealed tibial malalignments in 2 planes. In vivo kinematic analysis using single-plane fluoroscopy, which can visualize the femorotibial contact, indicated varus thrust with lateral subluxation of the tibial component and the femoral component recessing into the polyethylene insert. Revision TKA affirmed the polyethylene insert breakage. Conclusion Malalignment might have caused mechanical failure, and in vivo kinematic analysis was useful to visualize abnormal kinematics in TKA.

In order to improve the life quality for diabetic patients, a groundbreaking study has designed of a non-invasive sensor capable of monitoring glucose levels in saliva. The non-enzymatic glucose sensor...

The Bi@CNT materials surpasses the theoretical limit for Na ⁺ storage, demonstrating both ultra-fast charge/discharge kinetics and remarkable cycling stability (248.1 mA h g ⁻¹ after 5450 cycles at a current density of 50 A g ⁻¹ ).

Background Nonanatomical anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction occasionally induces ACL failure without an evident injury episode, necessitating revision surgery. Although the in vivo kinematics of ACL deficiency before primary ACL reconstruction are well documented, the kinematics of ACL failure after nonanatomical reconstruction remain unexplored. The aim of this study is to investigate ACL failure kinematics following nonanatomical reconstruction. Patients and methods This study enrolled three patients with ACL failure after nonanatomical reconstruction, 20 normal and 16 ACL-deficient knees. The anteroposterior (AP) translation of the medial and lateral femoral condyles and center of the femur and femoral rotation relative to the tibia during squatting were evaluated using a two- to three-dimensional registration technique under fluoroscopy. Results Medial AP translation of the nonanatomically reconstructed knee in one patient showed posterior location and abnormal kinematics compared with the ACL-deficient knees. In contrast, the lateral AP position of the nonanatomically reconstructed knees in two patients were more posteriorly located and showed more abnormal kinematics than the ACL-deficient knees. Central AP translation of the nonanatomically reconstructed knees in two patients was located more posteriorly throughout the range of midflexion. Femoral rotation of the nonanatomically reconstructed knees showed abnormal kinematics compared with that of the normal and ACL-deficient knees. Conclusions By independently assessing the medial and lateral aspects of the femur, the medial or lateral condyle of the femur of nonanatomically reconstructed knees exhibited a more pronounced abnormality compared with ACL-deficient knees. The femur of the nonanatomically reconstructed knees showed abnormal rotational kinematics. Considering the kinematic aspect, nonanatomical ACL reconstruction should be avoided.

In this paper, I develop a bathroom cleaning robot and a bathtub cleaning robot. I propose a method in which two types of robots share roles to clean the entire bathroom. The bathroom cleaning robot is a stationary robot that cleans the bathroom walls and floor by spraying water. The bathtub cleaning robot is a mobile robot that cleans the sides of the bathtub by scrubbing them while moving back and forth inside the bathtub.

Plasma nitriding is one of the surface modifications that show more effectiveness than other methods. In this study, the plasma‐based ion implantation (PBII) technique was performed on the surface of titanium alloy (Ti‐6Al‐4V, Ti64) using a mixture of nitrogen (N 2 ) and argon (Ar), resulting in a plasma‐nitrided surface (TiN‐Ti64). The surface composition of the TiN‐Ti64 was verified through X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). TiN‐Ti64 demonstrated superior hydrophilicity compared with Ti64. TiN‐Ti64 exhibited higher surface hardness than the original surface. The biological responses of primary human alveolar bone cells (hAVs) were observed on the TiN‐Ti64, revealing greater activation of cell adhesion and spreading compared with Ti64 and the control group (glass coverslip). Moreover, the TiN‐Ti64 significantly promoted cell proliferation compared with Ti64 and tissue culture plates. The mineralization of hAVs on the TiN‐Ti64 showed a significant increase, almost 20% greater than that of Ti64. Furthermore, a significant upregulation of mRNA expression for osteogenic differentiation marker genes, including BMP2 , OCN , OPN , and RUNX2 , was observed in TiN‐Ti64 compared with other conditions. In addition, the TiN‐Ti64 exhibited antibiofilm activity against Streptococcus aureus . In conclusion, the TiN‐Ti64, modified with the PBII technique utilizing a mixture of N 2 and Ar, emerges as a promising alternative for surface modification in dental implant applications.

In this manuscript, a self-assembled electrochemical sensor was prepared by coating with carbon nanotube (CNT) decorated hydrogel (HG) combining with electrodeposition of methylene blue (MB), and then used for the...

Purpose The efficacy of medial pivot total knee arthroplasty (MP TKA) in treating valgus knees that may cause medial instability is unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vivo kinematics of MP TKA for the valgus knees and compare them to those for the varus knees. Methods The kinematics of 19 valgus knees and 19 varus knees operated in the MP TKA were investigated under fluoroscopy during squatting using a two‐ to three‐dimensional registration technique. Accordingly, the valgus and varus knees were evaluated and compared in terms of knee flexion angle, anteroposterior translation for the medial and lateral low contact points, axial rotation and valgus–varus angle of the femoral component relative to the tibial component, as well as kinematic pathways. Results The knee flexion angle was found to be identical in both knees. There was no anterior translation on the medial side of the valgus knees, and no difference was detected between the two knees. On the lateral side, posterior translation was observed in both knees, with no difference between the two. Femoral external rotation was observed in both knees, and no difference was detected between the two. There was no valgus–varus change in the valgus knees, nor was there a difference between the two knees. The valgus knees demonstrated MP motion, whereas the varus knees demonstrated MP motion and bicondylar rollback. Conclusion The medial side of the valgus knees treated with MP TKA showed comparable stable kinematics to the varus knees. The MP TKA is an effective procedure for valgus knees to stabilize the medial compartment. Level of Evidence Level Ⅲ.