Body Systems Research Articles

Extensive Multiorgan and Neurological Involvement on F-18 FDG PET-CT in a Case of Rosai-Dorfman Disease

AbstractRosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare benign proliferative disorder. Lymph nodes are the usual and common sites of involvement. Involvement of the extranodal site is also documented in the literature. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography computed tomography (F18-FDG PET CT) is a valuable whole-body imaging modality in staging and treatment response of various lymphoproliferative and solid organ malignancy. Similarly, PET CT survey can detect the involved sites of various body systems, infective or inflammatory diseases, and provide guidance for biopsy and to reach to diagnosis. Here, we present a case of RDD, who presented with neurological manifestations and on F18-FDG PET CT, diagnosed with multiorgan involvement.

Analisis Bahan Ajar Anatomi Fisiologi Tubuh Manusia (Karya Daniel Suranta Ginting, Et Al)

In the world of education, teaching materials have a crucial role in the teaching and learning process. Teaching materials include all types of materials used by teachers or instructors to support learning activities in the classroom. Thus, teaching materials are prepared to achieve the desired goals, namely mastering the necessary competencies or subcompetencies along with all their aspects. The purpose of this study is to analyze the identity, content and advantages and disadvantages of a teaching material. The method used in this study is the research method of the pustka study. The results of this study are teaching materials on Physiological Anatomy of the Human Body" by Daniel Suranta Ginting, et al, presenting material about the working system of human body organs and explaining the basics of physiological anatomy and metabolic processes of the human body. This book summarizes eleven discussion materials about the organ system of the human body from the musculelenal, endocrine, lymphatic, urinary, reproductive, respiratory, digestive, and metabolic systems of the human body. This teaching material is written by eleven writers from various professional backgrounds and is compiled in collaboration and cooperation from various authors.

Reference Intervals of Mass Coefficients and Absolute Weights of Mini Pigs’ Organs

Introduction. Measurement of weights and calculation of mass coefficients of the laboratory animals’ internal organs are the integral stages of toxicological research. However, the absence of the correct intra-laboratory reference intervals corresponding to the normal values established for the animal population of a research laboratory could hinder the analysis of the mass coefficient changes in the experiment. For example, the data on weights and mass coefficients of mini pigs’ organs is being an issue due to its insufficient availability in the open sources. At the same time, in the literature there is a lot of such kind of data referring to the industrial pig breeds. Due to the wide use of the mini pigs in the pre-clinical research and because in the pig species taxonomy they are considered to be a weight category representing the pigs with reduced mass of the body with similar morphology of the organs and body systems, we have set an objective to determine and calculate the reference intervals of mass coefficients of internal organs relative to the mass of the body and brain, as well as the absolute weights of mini pigs’ internal organs and compare the results with the data on mini and industrial pig breeds in the literature sources.Materials and Methods. The data on 29 males and 29 females of the Vietnamese lop-bellied mini pig breed aged 6 months and older, who used to be in control groups of the various experiments held at JSC “SPA “House of Pharmacy” (Leningrad region) in the period from January 2018 to March 2024, was used to calculate the reference intervals. The statistical analysis was peRussian Federationormed using Microsoft Excel and Reference Value Advisor v2.1 software in compliance with the CLSI guidelines. Calculation of the reference intervals for all parameters was carried out by a robust method, the compliance with the normal distribution law was determined by Anderson–Darling test, in case of abnormal distribution of data, calculation of the reference interval was carried out with the Box–Cox transformation.Results. The data on the absolute weights of organs and their coefficients relative to the body and brain masses were presented in the form of the lower and upper reference limits and confidence intervals for each of the limit. The reference intervals of masses of organs across all parameters in males and females had similar limits, the most comparable values were found for the heart and brain parameters. The calculated interval of the heart absolute weight in males was 28.3–253 g, that of the brain was 46.5–93.7 g; in females these intervals were 42.9–279 g and 55.5–81.8 g respectively. Upon comparing the obtained data with the literature sources, it was found that the majority of the absolute weights of all measured mini pigs’ organs had fitted in the limits of the reference values, whereas the masses of the lungs and liver were at the lower limit or below the calculated intervals. The values of the absolute weights of most of the organs of the industrial pig breeds were higher than that of mini pigs, which was due to the difference in the body size and mass of the studied animal breeds. When comparing the mass coefficients of organs in relation to the body mass, it was found that the coefficients of most organs of the industrial breeds and mini pigs, on the contrary, were within the calculated reference intervals or slightly exceeded them.Discussion and conclusion. The calculated reference intervals of the mass coefficients of some organs in relation to the body mass, as well as the absolute weights of the spleen in mini pigs are comparable with the data available in literature for the industrial meat pig breeds. At the same time, the data available in the literature sources on the absolute weights of organs and their mass coefficients relative to the body mass of mini pigs, in most cases, have fitted into the calculated intervals. To increase the prognostic value of the obtained reference intervals, the analysis of a larger size sample is necessary.

Neurological and Psychiatric Clinical Manifestations of Sjögren Syndrome.

Sjögren Syndrome is a systemic autoimmune disorder that presents mainly with sicca symptoms, but frequently affects other body systems which can lead to a wide variety of manifestations. Understanding the neurological and psychiatric manifestations of Sjögren Syndrome can help with an earlier diagnosis of this disease and leads to better clinical outcomes. We provide an updated overview of the central neurological manifestations, peripheral neurological manifestations and psychiatric manifestations and their diagnosis when associated with primary Sjögren Syndrome. The epidemiology and clinical features of the neurological and psychiatric manifestations are derived from different cohort studies and review articles that were selected from PubMed searches conducted between January 2024 and March 2024. The absence of diagnostic criteria and the scarcity of large, robust studies makes the recognition of the neurological and psychiatric manifestations of Sjögren Syndrome more difficult. Maintaining a high index of suspicion in clinical practice and a close collaboration between the Neurologist and the Rheumatologist will facilitate the diagnosis and management of these patients.

The Effects of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment on Brain Activity: A Scoping Review of MRI and EEG Studies.

Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is a hands-on therapy aiming to achieve the global homeostasis of the patient. OMT focuses on treating the somatic dysfunctions characterized by tissue modifications, body asymmetry, and range-of-motion restrictions. The benefits related to OMT are thought to be associated with the interconnectedness of the body's systems and the inherent capacity for self-healing. However, whether OMT can influence brain activity, and, consequently, neurophysiological responses is an open research question. Our research investigates the literature to identify the effects of OMT on brain activity. The main purpose of the research question is: can OMT influence brain activity and consequently neurophysiological responses? A scoping review was conducted, searching the following databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, and OSTEOMED.DR (Osteopathic Medical Digital Repository), Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), and Science Direct. The initial search returned 114 articles, and after removing duplicates, 69 were considered eligible to be included in the final sample. In the end, eight studies (six randomized controlled trials, one pilot study, and one cross-over study) were finally included and analyzed in this review. In conclusion, OMT seems to have a role in influencing functional changes in brain activity in healthy individuals and even more in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. However, further RCT studies are needed to confirm these findings. Registration protocol: CRD42024525390.

Sustainable preventive maintenance of MMC-based concrete building structures in a harsh environment

The construction industry plays a significant role in environmental strain, attributed mainly to its substantial resource consumption, primarily driven by the surge in residential construction. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) presents an innovative paradigm for designing and constructing infrastructure and buildings more efficiently, using conventional materials with unconventional techniques. The article aims to apply this approach to an MMC-based building structure, minimizing its life cycle impact by optimizing the consumption of building materials, with particular attention to the effects of the maintenance phase from a preventive point of view. This study focuses on assessing the sustainability of reinforced concrete flat slabs employing a hollow structural body system, explicitly emphasizing environmental aggressiveness factors contributing to corrosion, such as carbonation and chlorides. The research explores ten design options for a waterfront public residential building, examining their impact on the economy, the environment, and even society regarding the maintenance cycles required over the structure's lifetime, depending on the preventive strategy employed for each design. In assessing the sustainability of these options, researchers employed a combination of the best-worst method (BWM) and the VIKOR technique, considering nine criteria related to sustainability. The study found that 5 % silica fume concrete is the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly option, with hydrophobic impregnation reducing social impacts. However, compared to one- and two-dimensional evaluations, the study demonstrates the importance of simultaneously considering a design's life cycle's economic, environmental, and social impacts to achieve sustainability in maintenance with a holistic view. This approach led to an 86 % higher sustainability rating for a design using sulforesistant cement in the concrete mix than the baseline.

Factors Influencing the Acceptance or Rejection of Dietary and Body Norm Systems Favorable to the Prevention and Control of Type 2 Diabetes Among Sub-Saharan Africa migrants: A Scoping Review.

The systems of dietary and body that favor the prevention and control of type 2 diabetes (T2D) go against what is vital for most of the migrant population, exposing them to conflicts of norms that are difficult to reconcile. The purpose of this scoping review is to identify factors that may influence the acceptance or rejection of dietary and body norm systems favorable to the prevention and control of T2D by sub-Saharan Africa migrants living with T2D. An electronic search of studies from 2011 to 2022, published in English, Italian, French, or Portuguese was conducted in seven databases and in gray literature. The selection of articles was done independently and blindly by six teams of two researchers in accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria defined by the PICO. Seven studies were included. The results show several factors influencing the acceptance or rejection of dietary and body norms systems favorable to the prevention and control of T2D among the migrants from sub-Saharan Africa, mainly social network, income, availability, and affordability of foods, among others. Given the paucity of studies available on factors influencing the acceptance or rejection of body norm systems favorable to the prevention and control of T2D by sub-Saharan Africa migrants living with T2D, further studies are needed to better document these factors. A better understanding of these factors and their influence on the well-being of migrant people from sub-Saharan Africa living with T2D could help guide policy, research, and interventions so that they are better adapted to the realities of these populations.

How bodily perception parallels distal perception

Abstract Bodily perception is standardly contrasted with distal perception. In this paper, I argue that the standard view overlooks a significant respect in which bodily perception parallels distal perception. The parallel is motivated by a comparison between two cross-modal illusions. The ventriloquism effect manifests cross-modal relations between the distal senses of vision and audition and multi-sensory experiences jointly constituted by vision and audition. Thermal referral is a laboratory induced illusion that involves the bodily sensory systems underlying the perception of pressure and heat. I argue that thermal referral indicates the presence of cross-modal relations and multi-sensory experiences of a type sufficiently similar to those manifested by the ventriloquism effect to suggest that pressure and thermal perception parallel vision and audition at the level of bodily perception.

Ultrastructural changes in the adrenal gland in terms of age and gender-related

Objectives: The adrenal glands are endocrine organs that synthesise hormones with crucial functions in the body. This irreplaceable structure performs multiple functions, from metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins to sex development. Any disorder concerning the adrenal glands can give rise to life-threatening conditions. The aging process inevitably affects the adrenal glands. The effects of ageing are marked by a rise in cortisol secretion in the zona fasciculata and a decrease in androgen secretion in the zona reticularis. Elevated cortisol levels in the blood disturb most bodily systems in favour of catabolism, amplifying the cellular decline and destruction that accompanies ageing. The deterioration of the adrenal glands relates not just to spongiocytes and chromaffin cells, but also to the endothelium, which enables circulation. It is clear that a decline in vascular function will have a negative impact on endocrine activities. Our study aims to explore the influence of ageing on the adrenal glands in rats, analysing sex-specific ultrastructural scales. Materials and Methods: A total of 28 Sprague-Dawley rats, 14 males and 14 females, were planned to be used in the study. Of these 28 rats, 4 females and 4 males will constitute the control group. The rats in the control group will be approximately 10 weeks old, and the rats in the experimental group, which will represent the aged group, will be 19 weeks old. All animals in the study will be anaesthetised and then sacrificed by removal of the heart. The right and left common carotid arteries were removed from the sacrificed animals. Collected vessels prepared for TEM examination. For each animal, at least four TEM images were taken from four different sections from the same block. Results: Our findings demonstrate that the ageing process not only affects spongiocytes within the adrenal gland, but also contributes to the deterioration of endothelial cells. As anticipated, our results indicate the presence of senescence and apoptosis in endothelial cells. The observed vascular separations and ruptures are due to the endothelial deterioration. Spongiocytes experienced hypertrophy to compensate for the functional deficiencies following a decrease in their number due to ageing. Elevated levels of lipofuscin, lipid droplets, and lysosomes were discovered in spongiocytes. Impaired endothelium potentially contributes to certain changes in spongiocytes. Conclusions: While ageing-related changes appear similar in both genders, males tend to be more impacted.

ANALISIS REGRESI LOGISTIK ORDINAL UNTUK MEMODELKAN TINGKAT.KEPARAHAN.PENYAKIT HIV/AIDS.DI RUMAH SAKIT DAERAH IDAMAN BANJARBARU

HIV is a virus that infects the immune system cells, thereby damaging the human immune system. AIDS is a collection of symptoms that arise due to the compromised immune system of the human body as a result of a positive infection by the HIV virus. HIV/AIDS remains a complex and significant global health issue. Despite advancements in treatment and prevention, the severity of HIV/AIDS remains a primary focus in healthcare management efforts. This study aims to determine the factors influencing the severity of HIV/AIDS patients at the Regional Hospital of Idaman Banjarbaru using ordinal logistic regression analysis. Ordinal logistic regression is employed to understand the relationship between the dependent variable (severity of the disease) and independent variables, where the dependent variable is ordinal in scale. The data used for this analysis is secondary data extracted from the inpatient medical records of the Idaman Banjarbaru Regional Hospital, comprising a total of 68 cases of HIV/AIDS. Assumed factors influencing the severity of patients include gender, age, duration of hospitalization, education, employment status, marital status, and place of residence. The analysis results indicate a significant relationship between the severity of HIV/AIDS patients and marital status. The highest likelihood of patients experiencing HIV/AIDS is in the divorced response category with a stage 3 category, where the probability value is 0.943. Individuals in the married and divorced categories are 1.53 times more likely to experience HIV/AIDS with a stage 4 status and complications ranging from 3 to 5. Keywords: Severity of Disease, HIV/AIDS, Ordinal Logistic Regression, Odds Ratio

Systems-level computational modeling in ischemic stroke: from cells to patients.

Ischemic stroke, a significant threat to human life and health, refers to a class of conditions where brain tissue damage is induced following decreased cerebral blood flow. The incidence of ischemic stroke has been steadily increasing globally, and its disease mechanisms are highly complex and involve a multitude of biological mechanisms at various scales from genes all the way to the human body system that can affect the stroke onset, progression, treatment, and prognosis. To complement conventional experimental research methods, computational systems biology modeling can integrate and describe the pathogenic mechanisms of ischemic stroke across multiple biological scales and help identify emergent modulatory principles that drive disease progression and recovery. In addition, by running virtual experiments and trials in computers, these models can efficiently predict and evaluate outcomes of different treatment methods and thereby assist clinical decision-making. In this review, we summarize the current research and application of systems-level computational modeling in the field of ischemic stroke from the multiscale mechanism-based, physics-based and omics-based perspectives and discuss how modeling-driven research frameworks can deliver insights for future stroke research and drug development.

Attention and Interoception Alter Perceptual and Neural Pain Signatures-A Case Study.

Fluctuations of chronic pain levels are determined by a complex interplay of cognitive, emotional and perceptual variables. We introduce a pain tracking platform composed of wearable neurotechnology and a smartphone application to measure and predict chronic pain levels and its interplay with other dimensions of experience. Our method measures, dynamically and at home, pain strength, phenomenal and neural time series collected with an online tool and low-density EEG. Here we used data from a single participant who performed an attention task at home for a period of 20 days to investigate the role of attention to different bodily systems in chronic pain. We show a relationship between emotions and pain strength while allocating attention to the heartbeat, the breathing, the affected or the unaffected limb. We found that pain was maximal when attending to the affected limb and decreased when the participant focused on his breathing or his heartbeat. These results provide interesting insights regarding the role of attention to interoceptive signals in chronic pain. We found power changes in the delta, theta, alpha and beta (but not in the gamma) band between the four attention conditions. However, there was no reliable association of these changes to pain intensity ratings. Theta power was higher when attention was directed to the unaffected limb compared to the others. Further, the pain ratings, when attending to unaffected limb, were associated with alpha and theta power band changes. Overall, we demonstrate that our neurophysiology and experience tracking platform can capture how body attention allocation alters the dynamics of subjective measures and its neural correlates. This research approach is proof of concept for the development of personalized clinical assessment tools and a testbed for behavioural, subjective and biomarkers characterization.

Identification and distribution of fluoride in Singkep Island, Lingga Regency, Riau Islands

The consumption of fluoride below the safe limit can result in dental caries, while high concentrations can lead to fluorosis, which can potentially impair the body's systems. One geological factor that influences the concentration of fluoride in water is the type of rock through which the water passes, including granite and its weathering products. The area is located within the Tandjungbuku Formation, which is predominantly composed of granite rock and contains several areas with Mining Business Permits (IUP) for commodities such as silica sand. This research serves as a form of mitigation in response to mining activities, post-mining, and the development of an industrial area. One anticipated impact is an increase in fluoride concentration in the research area, originating from both natural geological processes and human activities. The investigation involved geological mapping, petrographic analysis, XRD, and XRF analysis. Water sampling was conducted for both surface water and groundwater from wells in Resang Tandjungbuku Village. The research area consists of two rock units: granite, which acts as a non-aquifer layer, and colluvial deposits, which function as a free aquifer. Petrographic analysis identified minerals associated with fluoride, such as plagioclase, amphibole, and biotite. This was supported by XRD analysis with the presence of biotite, muscovite and kaoline minerals. XRF results revealed fluoride values in granite rock at 0.23% or 2300 ppm, further confirming granite as a source of fluoride. Analysis of fluoride in surface water showed values ranging from 0.01 to 4.24 mg/L, while groundwater consistently had a value of 0.01 mg/L.

The short-term effect of COVID-19 infection history on semen parameters in men referred to infertility centres.

Context In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic became a threat to human health and induced global concern. The SARS-CoV-2 virus causes various disorders in the body's systems, and the reproductive system is no exception. Further, the rate of infertile couples is increasing and part of this is related to male infertility. Aims The aim of the present study was to investigate the impacts of COVID-19 infection history on semen quality in men referred to public and private infertility centres. Methods In this research, patients were divided into two groups: 88 men with a history of COVID-19 (Covid+) and 51 men without (Covid-). After semen collection, sperm parameters, fertilisation rate and oxidative stress were investigated. Key results Sperms with normal morphology and mature chromatin in patients with COVID-19 infection history decreased, and seminal oxidative stress and sperm DNA fragmentation were increased; moreover, the fertilisation rate in the Covid+ group decreased in compare to the Covid- group. Conclusion COVID-19 infection increases oxidative stress in the semen, so has a negative effect on some sperm parameters and fertilisation rate. Implications COVID-19 infection impairs semen quality by increasing in oxidative stress, thus reducing the fertility potential.

ВЛИЯНИЕ ДЕФИЦИТА ВИТАМИНА Д НА ФИЗИЧЕСКУЮ ФОРМУ И РАБОТОСПОСОБНОСТЬ СПОРТСМЕНОВ

Purpose: Study of the effect of vitamin D deficiency on the physical fitness and performance of athletes, as well as providing up-to-date information on the diagnosis and treatment of this hypovitaminosis. Material and methods: The data of domestic and foreign literature on the effect of vitamin D deficiency on the physical form and performance of athletes were analyzed. The search was carried out using electronic databases MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, eLIBRARY for the period from 2007 to 2022. For the search, we used keywords and their combinations: “athletes”, “physical performance”, “stress fracture “, “vitamin D”. A total of 33 sources were analyzed. Results: Vitamin D plays an important role in the human body. With its deficiency in athletes, there is an increase in the risk of injury, a decrease in the functional abilities of muscles and an increase in the risk of stress fractures of bones. A prolonged and pronounced deficiency of this vitamin in athletes leads to a deterioration in general well-being, a disruption in the functioning of almost all body systems, a decrease in the level of working capacity and sports performance. The fundamental method of treatment and prevention of vitamin D deficiency in athletes is the correction of lifestyle, training schedule and the use of specialized supplements containing cholecalciferol. Discussion: The required amount of cholecalciferol intake varies from 400 to 2000 IU / day, depending on many factors, including the amount of sun exposure during the day, age, gender, severity of deficiency, ethnicity, etc. Athletes also need to consume sufficient amounts of micro- and macronutrients, especially calcium and magnesium. When taking cholecalciferol, one should take into account the possibility of intoxication, which occurs due to the consumption of excessive amounts of supplements of this vitamin. Conclusions: At the moment, due to the widespread prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in athletes and its negative impact on the health and performance of an athlete, there is a need for more active measures aimed at the timely diagnosis of this hypovitaminosis and its treatment.

Effect of Chemotherapy and Radiation Treatment on Body System among Women Suffering from Cervical Cancer.

Effect of Chemotherapy and Radiation Treatment on Body System among Women Suffering from Cervical Cancer.

Diabetes and Oral Health: Advancements in Prevention, Screening and Treatment of Periodontal Diseases

ABSTRACT Diabetes is a pervasive metabolic disorder that notably impacts various body systems, including oral health. One of the critical manifestations of diabetes in oral health is its exacerbating effect on periodontal diseases. Recent advancements in the prevention, screening, and treatment of periodontal diseases have become increasingly significant due to the bidirectional link between periodontal health and diabetes management. This review explores contemporary strategies and technological innovations in the comprehensive management of periodontal diseases among diabetic patients. It highlights the integration of digital dentistry tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) and teledentistry in enhancing diagnostic precision and treatment outcomes. Preventive measures, including new pharmacological formulations and lifestyle interventions tailored for diabetic individuals, are discussed. Additionally, the review underscores the importance of routine screening protocols that incorporate glycemic control status to refine treatment plans for periodontal therapies. Furthermore, advancements in regenerative therapies, including the application of growth factors and stem cell therapy, are examined for their potential to restore periodontal tissue integrity, offering promising directions for future research and clinical practice. Through a synthesis of recent literature, this review aims to provide insights into effective periodontal disease management strategies that are critical for improving the overall health and quality of life of individuals with diabetes.

Interventions Addressing Symptoms in Older Adults with Multimorbidity: An Umbrella Review.

This umbrella review was to synthesize the summarized evidence-based research regarding interventions addressing symptoms in older populations with multimorbidity. Three databases including PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and CINAHL were searched systematically. The JBI Methodology for Umbrella Reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statements were used to report this review. Six reviews published between 2016 and 2010 were included for analysis. Interventions were mixed and included components on health-related behaviors, body systems or functions, activities and participation domains, and the environment. Outcomes concerning physiological/clinical functioning were most reported. The evidence regarding the symptoms-related interventions was mixed, but all showed promising outcomes compared with usual care or not. To sum up, this umbrella review reveals the lack of strong empirical evidence for the effectiveness of intervention addressing symptoms in older adults with multimorbidity. It highlights the need to evaluate the established approach of interventions further to support this population.

Smoking contribution to the global burden of metabolic disorder: A cluster analysis

Introduction and objectivesSmoking is associated with various health risks, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In this retrospective cohort study, we aimed to determine whether smoking is harmful to the whole metabolic system. MethodsWe collected data from 340 randomly selected participants who were divided into three groups: smokers (n=137), non-smokers (n=134), and ex-smokers (n=69). We obtained information on participants’ body mass index, waist circumference, indicators of glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, bone metabolism, and uric acid from health screen data during the past three years. A cluster analysis was used to synthesize each participant's overall metabolic characteristics. ResultsAccording to the cluster analysis, the 340 participants were divided into three groups: excellent metabolizers (137, 40.3%), adverse metabolizers (32, 9.4%), and intermediate metabolizers (171, 50.3%). The Chi-squared test analysis shows that people with different smoking statuses have different metabolic patterns. Non-smokers had the highest proportion of excellent metabolizers (56%), and current smokers had the highest proportion of adverse metabolizers (15.3%). The proportion of adverse metabolizers (5.8%) in the ex-smoker group was clinically relevantly lower than that of current smokers. ConclusionThe statistically significant differences in the distribution of smokers into different metabolic clusters indicate that smoking has adverse effects on the whole metabolic system of the human body, which further increases the existing global burden of metabolic disorders.

GaitNet+ARL: A Deep Learning Algorithm for Interpretable Gait Analysis of Chronic Ankle Instability.

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a major public health concern and adversely affects people's mobility and quality of life. Traditional assessment methods are subjective and qualitative by means of clinician observation and patient self-reporting, which may lead to inaccurate assessment and reduce the effectiveness of treatment in clinical practice. Gait analysis becomes a commonly used approach for monitoring human motion behaviors, which can be applied to specific diagnosis and assessment of CAI. However, it is still challenging to recognize the pathological gait pattern for CAI subjects. In this paper, we propose an integrated deep learning framework to solve the CAI recognition problem using kinematic data. Specifically, inspired by the biomechanics of human body system, we create a simple graph neural network (GNN), termed GaitNet, that operates on a spatial domain and exploits interactions among 3-D joint coordinates. We also develop an attention reinforcement learning (ARL) model that determines attention weights of frames on a temporal domain, which is combined with GaitNet for prediction. The effectiveness of our method is validated on the kinematic NEU-CAI dataset which is collected in our institution using a stereophotogrammetric system. According to extensive experiments, we demonstrate that the selected key phases (i.e., sequences of frames with high attentions) significantly increase the predictability of the proposed biomechanics-based GNN model to differentiate between CAI cohort and control cohort. Moreover, we show a significant prediction accuracy improvement (20%-25%) by our approach compared to state-of-the-art machine learning and deep learning methods.