GAIT Element Research Articles

Effects of gait training with weight support feedback walker on walker dependence, lower limb muscle activation, and gait ability in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury: A pilot randomized controlled trial

Background Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition affecting an individual’s life, particularly through lower extremity paralysis, which limits walking and daily activities. Objectives This study investigated the effects of weight support feedback walker (WSFW) gait training on walker dependence, lower limb muscle activation, and gait ability in patients with incomplete SCI (ISCI). Methods Eleven subjects capable of walking > 20 m with and without a walker were randomly assigned to WSFW gait training (n = 6) or conventional walker (CW) gait training groups (n = 5). All subjects underwent standard physical therapy for 4 weeks. Additionally, the WSFW group participated in WSFW gait training, whereas the CW group participated in CW gait training conducted for 30 min per day, thrice per week, for 4 weeks. Walker dependence (the average force pressing WSFW with the user's arm during walker gait), lower extremity muscle activity (rectus femoris, biceps femoris, and medial gastrocnemius), and gait ability (gait elements: velocity, cadence, step length, and step length asymmetry) were measured to investigate the effects of training. Results The WSFW group showed significant decrease in walker dependence compared to the CW group (P < 0.05). Some lower extremity muscle activation (left side biceps femoris) and velocity of the gait elements were increased in the WSFW group compared with those in the CW group (P < 0.05). Conclusion WSFW gait training could help patients with ISCI transfer their body weight to the paralyzed lower extremity. However, a randomized controlled trial with several subjects is essential to verify the effects of WSFW training.

A Cross-View Gait Recognition Method Using Two-Way Similarity Learning

Gait recognition is a powerful tool for long-distance identification. However, gaits are influenced by walking environments and appearance changes. Therefore, the gait recognition rate declines sharply when the viewing angle changes. In this work, we propose a novel cross-view gait recognition method with two-way similarity learning. Focusing on the relationships between gait elements in three-dimensional space and the wholeness of human body movements, we design a three-dimensional gait constraint model that is robust to view changes based on joint motion constraint relationships. Different from the classic three-dimensional model, the proposed model characterizes motion constraints and action constraints between joints based on time and space dimensions. Next, we propose an end-to-end two-way gait network using long short-term memory and residual network 50 to extract the temporal and spatial difference features, respectively, of model pairs. The two types of difference features are merged at a high level in the network, and similarity values are obtained through the softmax layer. Our method is evaluated based on the challenging CASIA-B data set in terms of cross-view gait recognition. The experimental results show that the method achieves a higher recognition rate than the previously developed model-based methods. The recognition rate reaches 72.8%, and the viewing angle changes from 36° to 144° for normal walking. Finally, the new method also performs better in cases with large cross-view angles, illustrating that our model is robust to viewing angle changes and that the proposed network offers considerable potential in practical application scenarios.

An Atypical Case of Catatonia, Abnormal Gait and Psychosis in an Adolescent with Chronic Cannabis Use

An association between cannabis and psychosis is well established. Cannabis use is known to precipitate schizophrenia in vulnerable individuals and it can exacerbate existing psychosis. However, there is a paucity of knowledge about the emergence of catatonia and abnormal gait associated with cannabis use. History of cannabis use is associated with long-lasting changes in open-chain elements of walking gait. Cannabinoid receptors are located in movement-related brain regions and cannabis use is suggested to affect gait. This report is a unique case of a 16-year-old male with no known past medical history, no past psychiatric history, with family history significant for psychosis who presented to the hospital for bizarre, disorganized behavior, and decreased oral intake following heavy cannabis use over the past three months in the context of a break-up. Upon arrival, he was found to be in a catatonic state with an impaired gait. As catatonia resolved with treatment, he was able to speak and the psychosis surfaced which was addressed with antipsychotics. This case report highlights an atypical but serious clinical picture observed to be precipitated by chronic, heavy cannabis use.

Gait Spatiotemporal Signal Analysis for Parkinson’s Disease Detection and Severity Rating

Deep learning models are used to process and fuse raw data of gait-induced ground reaction force (GRF) for Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and healthy subjects with the aim to categorize PD severity. This is achieved by learning automatically, end-to-end, the spatiotemporal GRF signals, resulting in an effective PD severity classification with mean performance F1-score of 95.5% and F1-score standard errors of 0.28%. Layer-wise relevance propagation (LRP) is used to interpret the models' output and provide insight into which features in the spatiotemporal gait GRF signals are most significant for the models' predictions. This allows their assignment to gait events, implying that while for the classification of healthy gait the heel strike and body balance are the most indicative gait elements, foot landing and body balance are those most affected in advanced stages of PD. The proposed models are resilient to noise and are computationally efficient for processing and classification of large longitudinal GRF signal datasets, therefore they can be useful for detecting deterioration in the postural balance and rating PD severity.

Transcriptional and in silico analyses of MIF cytokine and TLR signalling interplay in the LPS inflammatory response of Ciona robusta

The close phylogenetic relationship between Ciona robusta and vertebrates makes it a powerful model for studying innate immunity and the evolution of immune genes. To elucidate the nature and dynamics of the immune response, the molecular mechanisms by which bacterial infection is detected and translated into inflammation and how potential pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are involved in pathogen recognition in tunicate C. robusta (formerly known as Ciona intestinalis), we applied an approach combining bacterial infections, next-generation sequencing, qRT-PCR, bioinformatics and in silico analyses (criteria of a p-value < 0.05 and FDR < 0.05). A STRING analysis indicated a functional link between components of the Tlr/MyD88-dependent signalling pathway (Tlr2, MyD88, and Irak4) and components of the Nf-κB signalling pathway (Nf-κB, IκBα, and Ikkα) (p-value < 0.05, FDR < 0.05). A qRT-PCR analysis of immune genes selected from transcriptome data revealed Mif as more frequently expressed in the inflammatory response than inflammation mediator or effector molecules (e.g., Il-17s, Tnf-α, Tgf-β, Mmp9, Tlrs, MyD88, Irak4, Nf-κB, and galectins), suggesting close interplay between Mif cytokines and Nf-κB signalling pathway components in the biphasic activation of the inflammatory response. An in silico analyses of the 3′-UTR of Tlr2, MyD88, IκBα, Ikk, and Nf-κB transcripts showed the presence of GAIT elements, which are known to play key roles in the regulation of immune gene-specific translation in humans. These findings provide a new level of understanding of the mechanisms involved in the regulation of the C. robusta inflammatory response induced by LPS and suggest that in C. robusta, as in humans, a complex transcriptional and post-transcriptional control mechanism is involved in the regulation of several inflammatory genes.

High-fat diet-induced GAIT element-mediated translational silencing of mRNAs encoding inflammatory proteins in macrophage protects against atherosclerosis.

Previously, we identified a mechanism of inflammation control directed by ribosomal protein L13a and "GAIT" (Gamma Activated Inhibitor of Translation) elements in target mRNAs and showed that its elimination in myeloid cell-specific L13a knockout mice (L13a KO) increased atherosclerosis susceptibility and severity. Here, we investigated the mechanistic basis of this endogenous defense against atherosclerosis. We compared molecular and cellular aspects of atherosclerosis in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed L13a KO and intact (control) mice. HFD treatment of control mice induced release of L13a from 60S ribosome, formation of RNA-binding complex, and subsequent GAIT element-mediated translational silencing. Atherosclerotic plaques from HFD-treated KO mice showed increased infiltration of M1 type inflammatory macrophages. Macrophages from KO mice showed increased phagocytic activity and elevated expression of LDL receptor and pro-inflammatory mediators. NanoString analysis of the plaques from KO mice showed upregulation of a number of mRNAs encoding inflammatory proteins. Bioinformatics analysis suggests the presence of the potential GAIT elements in the 3'UTRs of several of these mRNAs. Macrophage induces L13a/GAIT-dependent translational silencing of inflammatory genes in response to HFD as an endogenous defense against atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- model.

Effect of Common Pavements on Interjoint Coordination of Walking with and without Robotic Exoskeleton.

Background The analysis and comprehension of the coordination control of a human gait on common grounds benefit the development of robotic exoskeleton for motor recovery. Objective This study investigated whether the common grounds effect the interjoint coordination of healthy participants with/without exoskeletons in walking. Methods The knee-ankle coordination and hip-knee coordination of 8 healthy participants in a sagittal plane were measured on five kinds of pavements (tiled, carpet, wooden, concrete, and pebbled) with/without exoskeletons, using the continuous relative phase (CRP). The root mean square of CRP (CRPRMS) over each phase of the gait cycle is used to analyze the magnitude of dephasing between joints, and the standard deviation of CRP (CRPSD) in the full gait cycle is used to assess the variability of coordination patterns between joints. Results The CRPHip-Knee/RMS of the carpet pavement with exoskeleton is different from that of other pavements (except the tiled pavement) in the midstance phase. The CRPHip-Knee/RMS on the pebble pavement without exoskeleton is less than that on the other pavements in all phases. The CRPHip-Knee/SD of the pebble pavement without exoskeleton is smaller than that of other pavements. The CRPKnee-Ankle/SD with/without exoskeleton is similar across all pavements. Conclusion The compressive capacity of the pavement and the unevenness of the pavement are important factors that influence interjoint coordination, which can be used as key control elements of gait to adapt different pavements for robotic exoskeleton. Novelty We provide a basis of parameter change of kinematics on different common grounds for the design and optimization of robotic exoskeleton for motor recovery.

Prediction of Gait Impairment in Toddlers Born Preterm From Near-Term Brain Microstructure Assessed With DTI, Using Exhaustive Feature Selection and Cross-Validation.

AimTo predict gait impairment in toddlers born preterm with very-low-birth-weight (VLBW), from near-term white-matter microstructure assessed with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), using exhaustive feature selection, and cross-validation.MethodsNear-term MRI and DTI of 48 bilateral and corpus callosum regions were assessed in 66 VLBW preterm infants; at 18–22 months adjusted-age, 52/66 participants completed follow-up gait assessment of velocity, step length, step width, single-limb support and the Toddle Temporal-spatial Deviation Index (TDI). Multiple linear models with exhaustive feature selection and leave-one-out cross-validation were employed in this prospective cohort study: linear and logistic regression identified three brain regions most correlated with gait outcome.ResultsLogistic regression of near-term DTI correctly classified infants high-risk for impaired gait velocity (93% sensitivity, 79% specificity), right and left step length (91% and 93% sensitivity, 85% and 76% specificity), single-limb support (100% and 100% sensitivity, 100% and 100% specificity), step width (85% sensitivity, 80% specificity), and Toddle TDI (85% sensitivity, 75% specificity). Linear regression of near-term brain DTI and toddler gait explained 32%–49% variance in gait temporal-spatial parameters. Traditional MRI methods did not predict gait in toddlers.InterpretationNear-term brain microstructure assessed with DTI and statistical learning methods predicted gait impairment, explaining substantial variance in toddler gait. Results indicate that at near term age, analysis of a set of brain regions using statistical learning methods may offer more accurate prediction of outcome at toddler age. Infants high risk for single-limb support impairment were most accurately predicted. As a fundamental element of biped gait, single-limb support may be a sensitive marker of gait impairment, influenced by early neural correlates that are evolutionarily and developmentally conserved. For infants born preterm, early prediction of gait impairment can help guide early, more effective intervention to improve quality of life.What This Paper Adds:• Accurate prediction of toddler gait from near-term brain microstructure on DTI.• Use of machine learning analysis of neonatal neuroimaging to predict gait.• Early prediction of gait impairment to guide early treatment for children born preterm.

FRAMEWORK FOR PROSTHESIS OPTIMIZATION AND SUBJECT SPECIFIC REHABILITATION FOR TRANSFEMORAL AMPUTEES

This paper presents the development of a new framework for prosthesis optimization and subject-specific rehabilitation program for transfemoral amputees. It combines both experiments and modeling, including gait analysis, subject-specific simulation of gait and finite element modeling of residual limb and prosthesis interaction. Preliminary results demonstrate how reaction forces between the residual limb and prosthesis can be estimated and used as input data for detailed finite element analysis. Gait simulation may provide useful insight in subject-specific rehabilitation program while finite element simulation may provide feedback to prosthesis optimization with respect to various daily activities.

Identification of CPE and GAIT elements in 3’UTR of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) involved in inflammatory response induced by LPS in Ciona robusta

Innate immune responses face infectious microorganisms by inducing inflammatory responses. Multiple genes within distinct functional categories are coordinately and temporally regulated by transcriptional ‘on’ and ‘off’ switches that account for the specificity of gene expression in response to external stimuli. Mechanisms that control transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation are important in coordinating the initiation and resolution of inflammation. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an important cytokine that, in Ciona robusta, is related to inflammatory response. It is well known that in C. robusta, formerly known as Ciona intestinalis, the pharynx is involved in the inflammatory reaction induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection in the body wall. Using this biological system, we describe the identification of two C. robusta MIFs (CrMIF1 and CrMIF2). The phylogenetic tree and modeling support a close relationship with vertebrate MIF family members. CrMIF1 and CrMIF2 possess two evolutionally conserved catalytic sites: a tautomerase and an oxidoreductase site with a conserved CXXC motif. Real-time PCR analysis shows a prompt expression induced by LPS inoculation in CrMIF1 and a late upregulation of CrMIF2 and in silico analyses of 3’UTR show a cis-acting GAIT element and a CPE element in 3’-UTR, which are not present in the 3’-UTR of CrMIF1, suggesting that different transcriptional and post-transcriptional control mechanisms are involved in the regulation of gene expression of MIF during inflammatory response in C. robusta.

The GAIT translational control system.

The interferon (IFN)‐γ‐activated inhibitor of translation (GAIT) system directs transcript‐selective translational control of functionally related genes. In myeloid cells, IFN‐γ induces formation of a multiprotein GAIT complex that binds structural GAIT elements in the 3′‐untranslated regions (UTRs) of multiple inflammation‐related mRNAs, including ceruloplasmin and VEGF‐A, and represses their translation. The human GAIT complex is a heterotetramer containing glutamyl‐prolyl tRNA synthetase (EPRS), NS1‐associated protein 1 (NSAP1), ribosomal protein L13a (L13a), and glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). A network of IFN‐γ‐stimulated kinases regulates recruitment and assembly of GAIT complex constituents. Activation of cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5), mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), and S6K1 kinases induces EPRS release from its parental multiaminoacyl tRNA synthetase complex to join NSAP1 in a ‘pre‐GAIT’ complex. Subsequently, the DAPK‐ZIPK kinase axis phosphorylates L13a, inducing release from the 60S ribosomal subunit and binding to GAPDH. The subcomplexes join to form the functional GAIT complex. Each constituent has a distinct role in the GAIT system. EPRS binds the GAIT element in target mRNAs, NSAP1 negatively regulates mRNA binding, L13a binds eIF4G to block ribosome recruitment, and GAPDH shields L13a from proteasomal degradation. The GAIT system is susceptible to genetic and condition‐specific regulation. An N‐terminus EPRS truncate is a dominant‐negative inhibitor ensuring a ‘translational trickle’ of target transcripts. Also, hypoxia and oxidatively modified lipoproteins regulate GAIT activity. Mouse models exhibiting absent or genetically modified GAIT complex constituents are beginning to elucidate the physiological role of the GAIT system, particularly in the resolution of chronic inflammation. Finally, GAIT‐like systems in proto‐chordates suggests an evolutionarily conserved role of the pathway in innate immunity. WIREs RNA 2018, 9:e1441. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1441This article is categorized under: 1Translation > Translation Regulation2RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA–Protein Complexes3Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Riboswitches

History of cannabis use is associated with altered gait

BackgroundDespite evidence that cannabinoid receptors are located in movement-related brain regions (e.g., basal ganglia, cerebral cortex, and cerebellum), and that chronic cannabis use is associated with structural and functional brain changes, little is known about the long-term effect of cannabis use on human movement. The aim of the current study was to investigate balance and walking gait in adults with a history of cannabis use. We hypothesised that cannabis use is associated with subtle changes in gait and balance that are insufficient in magnitude for detection in a clinical setting. MethodsCannabis users (n=22, 24±6years) and non-drug using controls (n=22, 25±8years) completed screening tests, a gait and balance test (with a motion capture system and in-built force platforms), and a clinical neurological examination of movement. ResultsCompared to controls, cannabis users exhibited significantly greater peak angular velocity of the knee (396±30 versus 426±50°/second, P=0.039), greater peak elbow flexion (53±12 versus 57±7°, P=0.038) and elbow range of motion (33±13 versus 36±10°, P=0.044), and reduced shoulder flexion (41±19 versus 26±16°, P=0.007) during walking gait. However, balance and neurological parameters did not significantly differ between the groups. ConclusionsThe results suggest that history of cannabis use is associated with long-lasting changes in open-chain elements of walking gait, but the magnitude of change is not clinically detectable. Further research is required to investigate if the subtle gait changes observed in this population become more apparent with aging and increased cannabis use.

Gene expression and regulation of molecules involved in pharynx inflammatory response induced by LPS in Ciona intestinalis

In the ascidian Ciona intestinalis, the pharynx (hemopoietic organ) connects the external environment to the gastrointestinal system for two main activities, respiration and food collection, potentially exposing the ascidian to high concentrations of pathogenic microorganisms. Recently, evidence in C. intestinalis has indicated that the pharynx is involved in the inflammatory reaction induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection into the body wall. Immune-related genes such as cytokines, galectins, pro-PO, CAP are expressed in pharynx hemocytes and are up-regulated by the inflammatory agent LPS. Studies of the expression pattern of the immune gene clearly show that in C. intestinalis, as in vertebrates, immune gene expression can be regulated through Alternative Polyadenylation (APA) Mechanism and GAIT element al 3’UTR.

Structural Insights to the 3′ UTR of Gait Elements

Structural Insights to the 3′ UTR of Gait Elements

Comparison of Forward and Backward Walking Trainings on Gait Pattern in Adults

Objectives: Previous research on walking patterns by stages is lacking. This research goal was to assess the influences of Forward Walking - FW and Backward Walking - BW trainings on gait pattern in adults. Methods/Statistical Analysis: There were 20 study subjects in the FW group and 20 in the BW group. The gait pattern was evaluated in all subjects in the same manner before and after the intervention, using a Gait Analyzer. Interventions were conducted for 30 minutes, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. The measured data were analyzed using t-test. Findings: The results in the FW group showed no statistical differences in the values before and after training for step time, step length and foot flat to heel off, while, in the BW group, step time (left and right), step length and foot flat to heel off (left and right) presented statistical differences pre and post training. In clinical application, BW exercise can be offered to those with deficits in these 3 elements based on analysis of gait patterns. Improvements/Applications: Future research needs an intervention by each gait element through systematic analysis of those with inappropriate gait pattern. The researcher hopes research analyzing gait patterns will be actively performed.

LPS injection reprograms the expression and the 3' UTR of a CAP gene by alternative polyadenylation and the formation of a GAIT element in Ciona intestinalis.

The diversification of cellular functions is one of the major characteristics of multicellular organisms which allow cells to modulate their gene expression, leading to the formation of transcripts and proteins with different functions and concentrations in response to different stimuli. CAP genes represent a widespread family of proteins belonging to the cysteine-rich secretory protein, antigen 5 and pathogenesis-related 1 superfamily which, it has been proposed, play key roles in the infection process and the modulation of immune responses in host animals. The ascidian Ciona intestinalis represents a group of proto-chordates with an exclusively innate immune system that has been widely studied in the field of comparative and developmental immunology. Using this biological system, we describe the identification of a novel APA mechanism by which an intronic polyadenylation signal is activated by LPS injection, leading to the formation of a shorter CAP mRNA capable of expressing the first CAP exon plus 19 amino acid residues whose sequence is contained within the first intron of the annotated gene. Furthermore, such an APA event causes the expression of a translational controlling cis-acting GAIT element which is not present in the previously isolated CAP isoform and identified in the 3'-UTR of other immune-related genes, suggesting an intriguing scenario in which both transcriptional and post-transcriptional control mechanisms are involved in the activation of the CAP gene during inflammatory response in C. intestinalis.

Research on Gait Planning of Quadruped Search Robot Based on Non-fragile Reliable Control Strategy with the D-stability

The problem of gait planning for the quadruped search robot is described as an uncertainty discrete system. According to the basic gait elements of the quadruped search robot, the periodic gait of the robot is analyzed on the basis of gait timing diagram. The non-fragile control theory is proposed for gait planning control of quadruped search robot. A non-fragile reliable adaptive controller is designed for adaptive gait transition with the D-stability, which makes the gait planning to be regular, causal and D-stable. The condition of controller is given based on robust control theory, which include theorem 1 and theorem 2. And the approaches of designing the controller are given in terms of linear matrix inequalities. The results given by linear matrix inequalities indicate that the proposed non-fragile reliable robust controller is correct and effective.

Change of Gait Pattern According to Type of Perpendicular Vision and Speed

Walking speed and the field of view is clinical element of gait. Previous studies saw mainly visual feedback effects. The purpose of this study was to see the change of gait pattern according to speed and the kinds of vision which are fixed vertically. This study recruited healthy 15-male and 16-female. The subjects walked 3 minute on the treadmill in 5km, 3km, and 1km each session. The vision of subjects fixed the front, the bottom and the top. Gait pattern (step length, stride length, speed, and cadence) collected using OPTOGait. The date was analyzed by one-way ANOVA. There were significant differences in the gait pattern of speed (p 0.05). Gait speed was related to the stability associated with falls. Because of decreasing step length, stride length and cadence. Slow speed gait was helpful to prevent from fall-down, and useful to control to posture control. In normal subjects, the vision will be considered as not affecting the gait pattern.

Gait optimization of biped robots based on human motion analysis

This paper proposes a dynamically stable and optimal trajectory generation method for biped robots to walk up and down stairs, based on human motion analysis, since a human walks efficiently without high energy consumption, and the energy-efficient locomotion pattern results in a more natural walking pattern. Seven important elements of the human gait on stairs are identified in the analysis of the motion data captured from subjects. Those factors enable us to generate trajectories of biped robots similar to that of human beings walking up-and-down stairs. The dynamics of the robot and human are different in weight distribution, degree of freedom and so on. A real-coded genetic algorithm as an optimization tool is used to produce the optimized gait for the robot and to improve the energy autonomy and stability. Various computer simulations were performed based on a 12-DOF biped robot model with which many of the essential characteristics of the human walking motion on stairs can be captured. The proposed method exhibits its efficiency in quickly finding an optimal trajectory, which is due to not only the nature of genetic algorithms but also a small number of design variables employed. Thus, this makes it possible to generate various locomotion trajectories of biped robots simply by appropriately changing some of the boundary conditions.

The HILDA Complex Coordinates a Conditional Switch in the 3′-Untranslated Region of the VEGFA mRNA

Author SummaryMany cells of our body, particularly cells such as monocyte/macrophages involved in host immunity, are exposed to diverse and constantly changing environments. These cells require mechanisms by which they can rapidly respond to multiple, sometimes conflicting, environmental cues to generate appropriate responses. The 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs), i.e. the noncoding tail of messenger RNAs, often contain multiple protein- and RNA-binding elements, thereby making it an ideal setting for receiving multiple such environmental cues, which can then be integrated into a single response that regulates the gene's expression. Monocytic cells exposed to inflammation and hypoxia produce vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, a critical factor in blood vessel formation. VEGF-A expression is regulated under these conditions via a complex regulatory mechanism that involves its 3′UTR. Here we show how this regulatory switch works. Inflammation induces formation of a four-protein complex that binds an RNA element present in the VEGFA 3′UTR and blocks translation. Hypoxia, however, triggers the assembly of a completely different three-protein complex (termed “HILDA”) that coordinates the function of three neighboring RNA elements to “flip” the RNA conformation in such a way that prevents the first complex from binding, thereby allowing VEGF-A expression. We hypothesize that the VEGFA switch might function to ensure appropriate angiogenesis and tissue oxygenation when cells are exposed to conflicting signals from combined inflammation and hypoxia conditions.