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Takemoto R, Kobayashi J, Oomori Y, Takahashi K, Saito I, Kawai M, Mitsumata T. Fabrication of Apparatus Specialized for Measuring the Elasticity of Perioral Tissues. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 17:3654. [PMID: 39124318 PMCID: PMC11313372 DOI: 10.3390/ma17153654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
On the human face, the lips are one of the most important anatomical elements, both morphologically and functionally. Morphologically, they have a significant impact on aesthetics, and abnormal lip morphology causes sociopsychological problems. Functionally, they play a crucial role in breathing, articulation, feeding, and swallowing. An apparatus that can accurately and easily measure the elastic modulus of perioral tissues in clinical tests was developed, and its measurement sensitivity was evaluated. The apparatus is basically a uniaxial compression apparatus consisting of a force sensor and a displacement sensor. The displacement sensor works by enhancing the restoring force due to the deformation of soft materials. Using the apparatus, the force and the displacement were measured for polyurethane elastomers with various levels of softness, which are a model material of human tissues. The stress measured by the developed apparatus increased in proportion to Young's modulus, and was measured by the compression apparatus at the whole region of Young's modulus, indicating that the relation can be used for calibration. Clinical tests using the developed apparatus revealed that Young's moduli for upper lip, left cheek, and right cheek were evaluated to be 45, 4.0, and 9.9 kPa, respectively. In this paper, the advantages of this apparatus and the interpretation of the data obtained are discussed from the perspective of orthodontics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Takemoto
- Division of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry & Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8514, Japan
| | - Junya Kobayashi
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Niigata University, Niigata 950-2181, Japan
| | - Yuko Oomori
- Department of Orthodontics, Niigata University Medical & Dental Hospital, Niigata 951-8520, Japan
| | - Kojiro Takahashi
- Department of Orthodontics, Niigata University Medical & Dental Hospital, Niigata 951-8520, Japan
| | - Isao Saito
- Division of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry & Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8514, Japan
| | - Mika Kawai
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Niigata University, Niigata 950-2181, Japan
| | - Tetsu Mitsumata
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Niigata University, Niigata 950-2181, Japan
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Haris F, Jan YK, Liau BY, Hsieh CW, Shen WC, Tai CC, Shih YH, Lung CW. Plantar pressure gradient and pressure gradient angle are affected by inner pressure of air insole. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1353888. [PMID: 38529404 PMCID: PMC10961410 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1353888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Clinically, air insoles may be applied to shoes to decrease plantar pressure gradient (PPG) and increase plantar gradient angle (PGA) to reduce foot ulcers. PPG and PGA may cause skin breakdown. The effects of different inner pressures of inflatable air insoles on dynamic PPG and PGA distributions are largely unknown in non-diabetics and people with diabetes. This study aimed to explore the impact of varying inner air insole pressures on PPG and PGA to establish early mitigation strategies for people at risk of foot ulcers. A repeated measures study design, including three air insoles (80 mmHg, 160 mmHg, and 240 mmHg) and two walking durations (10 and 20 min) for a total of six walking protocols, was tested on 13 healthy participants (height, 165.8 ± 8.4 cm; age, 27.0 ± 7.3 years; and weight, 56.0 ± 7.9 kg, BMI: 20.3 ± 1.7 kg/m^2) over three consecutive weeks. PPG, a measurement of the spatial variation in plantar pressure around the peak plantar pressure (PPP) and PGA, a variation in the gradient direction values at the three plantar regions, big toe (T1), first metatarsal head (M1), and second metatarsal head (M2), were calculated. This study indicated that PPG was lower at 80 mmHg air insoles after 20 min of walking in the M1 region (p = 0.010). The PGA in the M2 increased at an air insole of 80 mmHg compared to 240 mmHg (p = 0.015). Compared to 20 min, the 10 min walking duration at 240 mmHg of air insole had the lowest PPG in the M1 (p = 0.015) and M2 (p = 0.034) regions. The 80 mmHg air insole significantly lowered the PPG compared to a 160 mmHg and 240 mmHg air insole. Moreover, the 80 mmHg air insole significantly decreased PPP and increased PGA compared to the 160 mmHg and 240 mmHg air insole. A shorter walking period (10 min) significantly lowered PPG. The findings of this study suggest that people with a higher risk of foot ulcers should wear softer air insoles to have a lower PPG, as well as an increased PGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahni Haris
- Department of Healthcare Administration, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Nursing, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Yih-Kuen Jan
- Rehabilitation Engineering Lab, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Ben-Yi Liau
- Department of Automatic Control Engineering, Feng Chia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Wei Hsieh
- Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Cheng Shen
- Department of Digital Media Design, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Cheng Tai
- International Ph.D. Program for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yin-Hwa Shih
- Department of Healthcare Administration, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Wen Lung
- Rehabilitation Engineering Lab, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
- Department of Creative Product Design, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Zhang Y, Wang Z, Sun Q, Li Q, Li S, Li X. Dynamic Hydrogels with Viscoelasticity and Tunable Stiffness for the Regulation of Cell Behavior and Fate. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:5161. [PMID: 37512435 PMCID: PMC10386333 DOI: 10.3390/ma16145161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) of natural cells typically exhibits dynamic mechanical properties (viscoelasticity and dynamic stiffness). The viscoelasticity and dynamic stiffness of the ECM play a crucial role in biological processes, such as tissue growth, development, physiology, and disease. Hydrogels with viscoelasticity and dynamic stiffness have recently been used to investigate the regulation of cell behavior and fate. This article first emphasizes the importance of tissue viscoelasticity and dynamic stiffness and provides an overview of characterization techniques at both macro- and microscale. Then, the viscoelastic hydrogels (crosslinked via ion bonding, hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, and supramolecular interactions) and dynamic stiffness hydrogels (softening, stiffening, and reversible stiffness) with different crosslinking strategies are summarized, along with the significant impact of viscoelasticity and dynamic stiffness on cell spreading, proliferation, migration, and differentiation in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures. Finally, the emerging trends in the development of dynamic mechanical hydrogels are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Zhang
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China (Q.L.)
- National Center for International Joint Research of Micro-Nano Moulding Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Zhuofan Wang
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China (Q.L.)
- National Center for International Joint Research of Micro-Nano Moulding Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Qingqing Sun
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Qian Li
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China (Q.L.)
- National Center for International Joint Research of Micro-Nano Moulding Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Shaohui Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiaomeng Li
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China (Q.L.)
- National Center for International Joint Research of Micro-Nano Moulding Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
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Aguilar-Nuñez D, Cervera-Garvi P, Aguilar-Garcia M, Cuevas-Cervera M, Gonzalez-Muñoz A, Navarro-Ledesma S. Ultrasound Strain Elastography Reliability in the Assessment of the Plantar Fascia and Its Relationship with the Plantar Thickness in Healthy Adults: An Intra and Interobserver Reliability Study in Novice Evaluators. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2040. [PMID: 37509678 PMCID: PMC10377694 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11072040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was aimed at verifying both the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of measuring plantar fascia stiffness for a given image in healthy active adults. METHODOLOGY This study is reported following the Guidelines of Reporting Reliability and Agreement Studies. A total of 20 plantar fascia from healthy volunteers were analyzed. The thickness of the plantar fascia was measured vertically from the anterior edge of the inferior calcaneal border to the inferior border of the plantar fascia and the ultrasound elastography measurement was taken at the calcaneal insertion of the plantar fascia with the region of interest one centimeter away from the insertion. RESULTS The ultrasound strain elastography measurements: the right intraobserver 1 showed an ICC value of 0.9 and the left intraobserver 1 showed an ICC value of 0.78, while the right intraobserver 2 showed an ICC value of 0.91 and the left intraobserver 2 showed an ICC value of 0.83. Interobserver measurements showed excellent reliability with a right ICC value of 0.8 and a left ICC value of 0.9 for the plantar fascia thickness measurements. DISCUSSION The results of this study showed a strong correlation between left and right plantar fascia thickness. The intraobserver reliability was excellent for both plantar fascia ultrasound strain elastography and thickness measurements, with interobserver measurements showing excellent reliability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Aguilar-Nuñez
- Department of Nursing and Podiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malaga, Arquitecto Francisco Penalosa 3, Ampliación de Campus de Teatinos, 29071 Malaga, Spain
- Clinica Ana Gonzalez, Avenida Hernan Nuñez de Toledo 6, 29018 Malaga, Spain
| | - Pablo Cervera-Garvi
- Department of Nursing and Podiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malaga, Arquitecto Francisco Penalosa 3, Ampliación de Campus de Teatinos, 29071 Malaga, Spain
| | - Maria Aguilar-Garcia
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus of Melilla, University of Granada, Querol Street, 5, 52004 Melilla, Spain
| | - Maria Cuevas-Cervera
- Clinica Ana Gonzalez, Avenida Hernan Nuñez de Toledo 6, 29018 Malaga, Spain
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus of Melilla, University of Granada, Querol Street, 5, 52004 Melilla, Spain
| | - Ana Gonzalez-Muñoz
- Clinica Ana Gonzalez, Avenida Hernan Nuñez de Toledo 6, 29018 Malaga, Spain
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus of Melilla, University of Granada, Querol Street, 5, 52004 Melilla, Spain
| | - Santiago Navarro-Ledesma
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus of Melilla, University of Granada, Querol Street, 5, 52004 Melilla, Spain
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Jiang ZZ, Shen HL, Zhang Q, Ye G, Li XC, Liu XT. Elasticity evaluation of the plantar fascia: A shear wave elastography study involving 33 early-stage plantar fasciopathy subjects. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1060728. [PMID: 36589438 PMCID: PMC9801482 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1060728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Plantar fasciopathy, the most common foot condition seen in elderly and athletic populations, can be diagnosed and differentially diagnosed with imaging modalities such as ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE). However, standard guidelines for ultrasound elastography of the plantar fascia are lacking. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of the region of interest (ROI) on the evaluation of the plantar fascia elasticity and confirm the screening accuracy of SWE in the early-stage of plantar fasciopathy. Methods: This was an observational case‒control study involving 50 feet of 33 early-stage plantar fasciopathy subjects (the plantar fasciopathy group) and 96 asymptomatic feet of 48 healthy volunteers (the non-pain group). Clinical information, including age, gender, height, weight, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Scale score (AOFAS), and the symptom duration, were recorded. All participants underwent both conventional ultrasound and SWE evaluation. The plantar fascia elastic parameters included SWEsingle-point, calculated with a single-point ROI set at the greatest thickness of the plantar fascia, and SWEmulti-point, calculated by multipoint ROIs set continuously from the origin at the calcaneus to about 2 cm from the calcaneal origin. Results: The plantar fasciopathy group presented a higher VAS score (median [IQR), 4.00 (3.00) vs. 0.00 (0.00), p < 0.001] and lower AOFAS score [median (IQR), 79.50 (3.00) vs. 100.00 (10.00), p < 0.001] than the non-pain group. The median plantar fascia thickness of the plantar fasciopathy group was significantly greater than that of the non-pain group [median (IQR), 3.95 (1.37) mm vs 2.40 (0.60) mm, p < 0.001]. Abnormal ultrasound features, including echogenicity, border irregularities, and blood flow signals, were more prominent in the plantar fasciopathy group than in the non-pain group (29% vs. 0%, p < 0.001; 26% vs. 1%, p < 0.001; 12% vs. 0%, p < 0.001, respectively). Quantitative analysis of the plantar fascia elasticity revealed that the difference between the value of SWEsingle-point and SWEmultipoint was significant [median (IQR), 65.76 (58.58) vs. 57.42 (35.52) kPa, p = 0.02). There was a moderate and significant correlation between the value of SWEsingle-point and heel pain. However, there was no correlation between the value of SWEmultipoint and heel pain. Finally, we utilized the results of SWEsingle-point as the best elastic parameter reflecting clinical heel pain and found that SWEsingle-point could provide additional value in screening early-stage plantar fasciopathy, with an increase in sensitivity from 76% to 92% over conventional ultrasound alone. Additionally, compared with conventional ultrasound and SWE, the use of both improved the accuracy of screening for plantar fasciopathy. Although there were no significant differences in the negative predictive value of conventional ultrasound, SWE, and their combination, the positive predictive value when using both (90.20%) was significantly greater than that when using conventional ultrasound (74.50%) or SWE alone (76.50%). Conclusion: The plantar fascia elastic parameter calculated with single-point ROIs set at the greatest thickness of the plantar fascia is positively correlated with fascia feel pain. Single-point analysis is sufficient for the screening of the early-stage plantar fasciopathy using SWE. SWEsingle-point may provide additional valuable information for assessing the severity of plantar fasciopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Zhen Jiang
- Department of Ultrasound, Shaoxing People’s Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hua-Liang Shen
- Department of Ultrasound, Shaoxing People’s Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, Shaoxing People’s Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Gang Ye
- Pain Management, Shaoxing People’s Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiu-Cheng Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Shaoxing People’s Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xia-Tian Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Shaoxing People’s Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China,*Correspondence: Xia-Tian Liu,
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Murayama M, Inami T, Shima N, Yoneda T, Nosaka K. Changes in biceps brachii muscle hardness assessed by a push-in meter and strain elastography after eccentric versus concentric contractions. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9214. [PMID: 35655084 PMCID: PMC9163354 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13184-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in biceps brachii muscle hardness assessed by a push-in meter (PM) and strain elastography (SE) were compared between eccentric (ECC) and concentric contractions (CON) of the elbow flexors to test the hypothesis that muscle hardness would increase greater after ECC. Ten men performed 5 sets of 10 ECC with their non-dominant arms and 5 sets of 10 CON with their dominant arms using a dumbbell corresponding to 50% of maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) force at 90º elbow flexion. Before and 1–4 days after the exercise, MVIC force, elbow joint angles, upper-arm circumference, and muscle soreness as muscle damage makers, and biceps brachii muscle hardness at maximally extended elbow joint by PM and SE were measured. Changes in these measures over time were compared between ECC and CON. All muscle damage markers showed greater changes after ECC than CON (p < 0.001). Muscle hardness assessed by PM and SE increased (p < 0.05) and peaked at 4 days post-ECC with 154.4 ± 90.0% (PM) and 156.2 ± 64.2% (SE) increases from the baseline, but did not change significantly after CON. The changes in muscle hardness post-ECC were correlated between PM and SE (r = 0.752, p < 0.001). A correlation (p < 0.001) between the normalized changes in resting elbow joint angle and changes in muscle hardness assessed by PM (r = − 0.772) or SE (r = − 0.745) was also found. These results supported the hypothesis and suggest that the increases in muscle hardness after ECC were associated with muscle damage (increased muscle stiffness), and PM and SE detected muscle hardness changes similarly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuyoshi Murayama
- Institute of Physical Education, Keio University, Address 4-1-1, Hiyoshi, Kouhoku-ku, Yokohama, 223-8521, Japan.
| | - Takayuki Inami
- Institute of Physical Education, Keio University, Address 4-1-1, Hiyoshi, Kouhoku-ku, Yokohama, 223-8521, Japan
| | - Norihiro Shima
- Department of Sport and Health Science, School of Sport and Health Science, Tokai Gakuen University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Tsugutake Yoneda
- Department of Physiology, School of Health and Sports Science, Juntendo University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kazunori Nosaka
- Centre for Human Performance, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia
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Patwari M, Chatzistergos P, Sundar L, Chockalingam N, Ramachandran A, Naemi R. A quantitative comparison of plantar soft tissue strainability distribution and homogeneity between ulcerated and non-ulcerated patients using ultrasound strain elastography. Proc Inst Mech Eng H 2022; 236:722-729. [PMID: 35199619 DOI: 10.1177/09544119221074786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The primary objective of this study was to develop a method that allows accurate quantification of plantar soft tissue stiffness distribution and homogeneity. The secondary aim of this study was to investigate if the differences in soft tissue stiffness distribution and homogeneity can be detected between ulcerated and non-ulcerated foot. Novel measures of individual pixel stiffness, named as quantitative strainability (QS) and relative strainability (RS) were developed. Strain Elastography data obtained from 39 (nine with active diabetic foot ulcers) patients with diabetic neuropathy. The patients with active diabetic foot ulcer had wound in parts of the foot other than the first metatarsal head and the heel where the elastography measures were conducted. RS was used to measure changes and gradients in the stiffness distribution of plantar soft tissues in participants with and without active diabetic foot ulcer. The plantar soft tissue homogeneity in superior-inferior direction in the left forefoot was found to be significantly (p < 0.05) higher in ulcerated group compared to non-ulcerated group. The assessment of homogeneity showed potentials to further explain the nature of the change in tissue that can increase internal stress. This can have implications in assessing the vulnerability to plantar soft tissue damage and ulceration in diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayank Patwari
- Computer Aided Medical Procedures, Technische Universität München, Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Panagiotis Chatzistergos
- Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies, School of Health, Science and Wellbeing, Staffordshire University, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, UK
| | | | - Nachiappan Chockalingam
- Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies, School of Health, Science and Wellbeing, Staffordshire University, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, UK
| | | | - Roozbeh Naemi
- Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies, School of Health, Science and Wellbeing, Staffordshire University, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, UK
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Smith SG, Yokich MK, Beaudette SM, Brown SHM, Bent LR. Cutaneous Sensitivity Across Regions of the Foot Sole and Dorsum are Influenced by Foot Posture. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 9:744307. [PMID: 35096786 PMCID: PMC8792506 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.744307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the processing of tactile information is crucial for the development of biofeedback interventions that target cutaneous mechanoreceptors. Mechanics of the skin have been shown to influence cutaneous tactile sensitivity. It has been established that foot skin mechanics are altered due to foot posture, but whether these changes affect cutaneous sensitivity are unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential effect of posture-mediated skin deformation about the ankle joint on perceptual measures of foot skin sensitivity. Participants (N = 20) underwent perceptual skin sensitivity testing on either the foot sole (N = 10) or dorsum (N = 10) with the foot positioned in maximal dorsiflexion/toe extension, maximal plantarflexion/toe flexion, and a neutral foot posture. Perceptual tests included touch sensitivity, stretch sensitivity, and spatial acuity. Regional differences in touch sensitivity were found across the foot sole (p < 0.001) and dorsum (p < 0.001). Touch sensitivity also significantly increased in postures where the skin was compressed (p = 0.001). Regional differences in spatial acuity were found on the foot sole (p = 0.002) but not dorsum (p = 0.666). Spatial acuity was not significantly altered by posture across the foot sole and dorsum, other than an increase in sensitivity at the medial arch in the dorsiflexion posture (p = 0.006). Posture*site interactions were found for stretch sensitivity on the foot sole and dorsum in both the transverse and longitudinal directions (p < 0.005). Stretch sensitivity increased in postures where the skin was pre-stretched on both the foot sole and dorsum. Changes in sensitivity across locations and postures were believed to occur due to concurrent changes in skin mechanics, such as skin hardness and thickness, which follows our previous findings. Future cutaneous biofeedback interventions should be applied with an awareness of these changes in skin sensitivity, to maximize their effectiveness for foot sole and dorsum input.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone G.V.S. Smith
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Maiya K. Yokich
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Shawn M. Beaudette
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
- Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen H. M. Brown
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Leah R. Bent
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Leah R. Bent,
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Rubitschung K, Sherwood A, Crisologo AP, Bhavan K, Haley RW, Wukich DK, Castellino L, Hwang H, La Fontaine J, Chhabra A, Lavery L, Öz OK. Pathophysiology and Molecular Imaging of Diabetic Foot Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11552. [PMID: 34768982 PMCID: PMC8584017 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic foot infection is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputations worldwide. In addition, diabetes mellitus and sequela of the disease are increasing in prevalence. In 2017, 9.4% of Americans were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM). The growing pervasiveness and financial implications of diabetic foot infection (DFI) indicate an acute need for improved clinical assessment and treatment. Complex pathophysiology and suboptimal specificity of current non-invasive imaging modalities have made diagnosis and treatment response challenging. Current anatomical and molecular clinical imaging strategies have mainly targeted the host's immune responses rather than the unique metabolism of the invading microorganism. Advances in imaging have the potential to reduce the impact of these problems and improve the assessment of DFI, particularly in distinguishing infection of soft tissue alone from osteomyelitis (OM). This review presents a summary of the known pathophysiology of DFI, the molecular basis of current and emerging diagnostic imaging techniques, and the mechanistic links of these imaging techniques to the pathophysiology of diabetic foot infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Rubitschung
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-8542, USA; (K.R.); (A.S.); (A.C.)
| | - Amber Sherwood
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-8542, USA; (K.R.); (A.S.); (A.C.)
| | - Andrew P. Crisologo
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0558, USA;
| | - Kavita Bhavan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-8542, USA; (K.B.); (L.C.)
| | - Robert W. Haley
- Department of Internal Medicine, Epidemiology Division, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-8542, USA;
| | - Dane K. Wukich
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-8542, USA;
| | - Laila Castellino
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-8542, USA; (K.B.); (L.C.)
| | - Helena Hwang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-8542, USA;
| | - Javier La Fontaine
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-8542, USA; (J.L.F.); (L.L.)
| | - Avneesh Chhabra
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-8542, USA; (K.R.); (A.S.); (A.C.)
| | - Lawrence Lavery
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-8542, USA; (J.L.F.); (L.L.)
| | - Orhan K. Öz
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-8542, USA; (K.R.); (A.S.); (A.C.)
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Rubitschung K, Sherwood A, Crisologo AP, Bhavan K, Haley RW, Wukich DK, Castellino L, Hwang H, La Fontaine J, Chhabra A, Lavery L, Öz OK. Pathophysiology and Molecular Imaging of Diabetic Foot Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111552. [PMID: 34768982 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111552.pmid:34768982;pmcid:pmc8584017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic foot infection is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputations worldwide. In addition, diabetes mellitus and sequela of the disease are increasing in prevalence. In 2017, 9.4% of Americans were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM). The growing pervasiveness and financial implications of diabetic foot infection (DFI) indicate an acute need for improved clinical assessment and treatment. Complex pathophysiology and suboptimal specificity of current non-invasive imaging modalities have made diagnosis and treatment response challenging. Current anatomical and molecular clinical imaging strategies have mainly targeted the host's immune responses rather than the unique metabolism of the invading microorganism. Advances in imaging have the potential to reduce the impact of these problems and improve the assessment of DFI, particularly in distinguishing infection of soft tissue alone from osteomyelitis (OM). This review presents a summary of the known pathophysiology of DFI, the molecular basis of current and emerging diagnostic imaging techniques, and the mechanistic links of these imaging techniques to the pathophysiology of diabetic foot infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Rubitschung
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-8542, USA
| | - Amber Sherwood
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-8542, USA
| | - Andrew P Crisologo
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0558, USA
| | - Kavita Bhavan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-8542, USA
| | - Robert W Haley
- Department of Internal Medicine, Epidemiology Division, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-8542, USA
| | - Dane K Wukich
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-8542, USA
| | - Laila Castellino
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-8542, USA
| | - Helena Hwang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-8542, USA
| | - Javier La Fontaine
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-8542, USA
| | - Avneesh Chhabra
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-8542, USA
| | - Lawrence Lavery
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-8542, USA
| | - Orhan K Öz
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-8542, USA
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Estimation of Various Walking Intensities Based on Wearable Plantar Pressure Sensors Using Artificial Neural Networks. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21196513. [PMID: 34640838 PMCID: PMC8512589 DOI: 10.3390/s21196513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Walking has been demonstrated to improve health in people with diabetes and peripheral arterial disease. However, continuous walking can produce repeated stress on the plantar foot and cause a high risk of foot ulcers. In addition, a higher walking intensity (i.e., including different speeds and durations) will increase the risk. Therefore, quantifying the walking intensity is essential for rehabilitation interventions to indicate suitable walking exercise. This study proposed a machine learning model to classify the walking speed and duration using plantar region pressure images. A wearable plantar pressure measurement system was used to measure plantar pressures during walking. An Artificial Neural Network (ANN) was adopted to develop a model for walking intensity classification using different plantar region pressure images, including the first toe (T1), the first metatarsal head (M1), the second metatarsal head (M2), and the heel (HL). The classification consisted of three walking speeds (i.e., slow at 0.8 m/s, moderate at 1.6 m/s, and fast at 2.4 m/s) and two walking durations (i.e., 10 min and 20 min). Of the 12 participants, 10 participants (720 images) were randomly selected to train the classification model, and 2 participants (144 images) were utilized to evaluate the model performance. Experimental evaluation indicated that the ANN model effectively classified different walking speeds and durations based on the plantar region pressure images. Each plantar region pressure image (i.e., T1, M1, M2, and HL) generates different accuracies of the classification model. Higher performance was achieved when classifying walking speeds (0.8 m/s, 1.6 m/s, and 2.4 m/s) and 10 min walking duration in the T1 region, evidenced by an F1-score of 0.94. The dataset T1 could be an essential variable in machine learning to classify the walking intensity at different speeds and durations.
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Using Bidimensional Multiscale Entropy Analysis of Ultrasound Images to Assess the Effect of Various Walking Intensities on Plantar Soft Tissues. ENTROPY 2021; 23:e23030264. [PMID: 33668190 PMCID: PMC7995977 DOI: 10.3390/e23030264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Walking performance is usually assessed by linear analysis of walking outcome measures. However, human movements consist of both linear and nonlinear complexity components. The purpose of this study was to use bidimensional multiscale entropy analysis of ultrasound images to evaluate the effects of various walking intensities on plantar soft tissues. Twelve participants were recruited to perform six walking protocols, consisting of three speeds (slow at 1.8 mph, moderate at 3.6 mph, and fast at 5.4 mph) for two durations (10 and 20 min). A B-mode ultrasound was used to assess plantar soft tissues before and after six walking protocols. Bidimensional multiscale entropy (MSE2D) and the Complexity Index (CI) were used to quantify the changes in irregularity of the ultrasound images of the plantar soft tissues. The results showed that the CI of ultrasound images after 20 min walking increased when compared to before walking (CI4: 0.39 vs. 0.35; CI5: 0.48 vs. 0.43, p < 0.05). When comparing 20 and 10 min walking protocols at 3.6 mph, the CI was higher after 20 min walking than after 10 min walking (CI4: 0.39 vs. 0.36, p < 0.05; and CI5: 0.48 vs. 0.44, p < 0.05). This is the first study to use bidimensional multiscale entropy analysis of ultrasound images to assess plantar soft tissues after various walking intensities.
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