Smartphone camera or inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor-based systems can be independently used to provide accurate indoor positioning results. However, the accuracy of an IMU-based localization system depends on the magnitude of sensor errors that are caused by external electromagnetic noise or sensor drifts. Smartphone camera based positioning systems depend on the experimental floor map and the camera poses. The challenge in smartphone camera-based localization is that accuracy depends on the rapidness of changes in the user’s direction. In order to minimize the positioning errors in both the smartphone camera and IMU-based localization systems, we propose hybrid systems that combine both the camera-based and IMU sensor-based approaches for indoor localization. In this paper, an indoor experiment scenario is designed to analyse the performance of the IMU-based localization system, smartphone camera-based localization system and the proposed hybrid indoor localization system. The experiment results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed hybrid system and the results show that the proposed hybrid system exhibits significant position accuracy when compared to the IMU and smartphone camera-based localization systems. The performance of the proposed hybrid system is analysed in terms of average localization error and probability distributions of localization errors. The experiment results show that the proposed oriented fast rotated binary robust independent elementary features (BRIEF)-simultaneous localization and mapping (ORB-SLAM) with the IMU sensor hybrid system shows a mean localization error of 0.1398 m and the proposed simultaneous localization and mapping by fusion of keypoints and squared planar markers (UcoSLAM) with IMU sensor-based hybrid system has a 0.0690 m mean localization error and are compared with the individual localization systems in terms of mean error, maximum error, minimum error and standard deviation of error. Indoor localization systems are classified as either building dependent or building independent based on the sensors used for localization . The mosWe implemented an IMU-based indoor localization system. The proposed IMU system uses the accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer for position estimation. A pitch based estimator is used for step detection and step length estimation. A sensor fusion algorithm is used for heading estimation. The user position is estimated by using step length and heading information.We followed an oriented fast rotated binary robust independent elementary features (ORB)-SLAM algorithm proposed by Mur-Artal et al.  for the We developed a SLAM by fusion of keypoints and squared planar markers (UcoSLAM) algorithm proposed by Munoz-Salinas et al.  for the We proposed hybrid indoor localization systems using an IMU sensor and a smartphone camera. The sensor fusion is achieved by a Kalman filter and the proposed systems reduced the IMU sensor errors and heading errors from camera-based localization systems.In this paper, a camera-based system is introduced to the IMU localization system. However, it should be noted that in the camera based localization system, rapid user direction changes affect the effectiveness of the camera pose estimation. In the proposed hybrid systems, the results from the IMU-based system are used to compensate the heading error from the camera-based system. Similarly, the IMU sensor errors are compensated for by utilizing results from the camera-based system. Summarily, in this paper, we propose hybrid indoor localization systems that combine the results from IMU and camera based systems to improve positioning accuracy. Experimental results demonstrate the effect of the proposed hybrid fusion method and the proposed hybrid method reduces the sensor errors for IMU localization and heading error for the camera based localization system. The main contributions of this paper are as follows:The rest of the paper is organized as follows: in Indoor localization has been studied in the past and recent times based on different localization techniques and technologies used ,13,14,15The IMU-based indoor localization uses an accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer sensors for position estimation and is also known as pedestrian dead reckoning (PDR). Different PDR approaches ,17 have A camera based localization system has a major role when the experiment area is independent from the building infrastructure. This method is also known as computer vision ,50,51,52To reduce the sensor errors from IMU-based localization and heading errors for the camera-based system, various studies have proposed a hybrid indoor localization approach. In hybrid based localization, we use the IMU data and camera data together for position estimation. The basic models explained in ,100,101 The proposed model for indoor localization using IMU sensor and smartphone camera-based system is shown in The model presented in our previous work  is the sTo enhance the indoor position accuracy, we used smartphone camera for localization when the privacy of the user is not a concern. The IMU sensor based localization gives accurate user position results for indoor localization. However, the user position results are not free from sensor error and it is necessary to compensate this sensor error by adding a smartphone camera to the system. In this paper, we used two algorithms for camera based localization. The most common camera based localization algorithm is the ORB-SLAM which gives the user position indoors. However, the keypoints mismatch and camera pose problems, the ORB-SLAM shows heading errors and some user position results are missing during the experiment time. To overcome these problems, we used UcoSLAM algorithm for localization. The UcoSLAM uses special markers called ArUco markers for localization. The ArUco markers solved the camera localization heading problems and improved the position accuracy for localization.The model presented in  is used The ORB-SLAM approach uses natural landmarks (keypoints) for localization. However, it is unstable over time or insufficient for indoor localization. To improve the indoor localization accuracy, the UcoSLAM method proposed in  is used The UcoSLAM follows the same procedure used in the visual SLAM approaches for camera pose estimation. The main difference in the UcoSLAM approach is the combined use of keypoints and ArCuo markers for tracking and relocalization. The UcoSLAM system contains a map of the environment which is created and updated every time a new frame is available to the system. The UcoSLAM starts with map initialization. For map initialization, it uses homography, fundamental matrix (using keypoints)  and one k is the variable used for the recursive execution of Kalman filter, t is the sample period, A is the state-transition matrix, B is the controlled input matrix, The objective of hybrid indoor localization is to improve the indoor position accuracy by reducing the IMU and camera sensor errors. For combining IMU localization results with camera based localization results, we used a linear Kalman filter (LKF) instead of other sensor fusion frameworks. The LKF is computationally light and we tackle the problem in a linear perspective. The model presented in  is used updating .Predicting:Updating:The variables used in the LKF algorithm are summarized in To evaluate the performance and accuracy of the proposed hybrid indoor localization systems, we considered an experiment scenario shown in The experiment was conducted using an Android 5.0.2 Lollipop platform  on the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge smartphone with Exynos 7420 processor and 3 GB ram. A Biscuit™ Programmable Wi-Fi 9-Axis absolute orientation sensor is used for IMU localization. To reduce the computational complexity and delay problems from the proposed algorithm, we carried out the proposed algorithm in an external server computer instead of smartphone to estimate the final user position. The length of the experiment area is 3.1 m and the width is 6 m. The experiment is carried out strictly along the reference path. The IMU sensor and smartphone camera data are collected during the user motions in the reference path. The localization algorithms use the collected data and estimate the current user position. For ground truth value estimation, the starting position of the user is assumed as zero and manually measured the coordinates of the reference path. To analyze the performance of the proposed system, we compared the estimated position results from the localization systems with ground truth values and estimated the user position error in terms of meters. From To improve the indoor localization accuracy from IMU-based and camera based localization systems, we proposed a hybrid indoor localization system using IMU and camera features together and the estimated position results from proposed hybrid systems are shown in From L is the total number of data samples used for the localization. The average localization error results of IMU-based localization, camera based localization and proposed hybrid localization systems are shown in The accuracy of the proposed hybrid localization systems is evaluated using the average localization error and probability distribution function of localization errors. The average localization error From From This paper presented hybrid indoor localization system using IMU sensor and smartphone camera. The IMU sensor errors are reduced by smartphone camera pose and the heading errors from camera-based localization is overcome by the IMU localization results. The proposed hybrid method show better positioning results compared to the individual localization method. We proposed a Kalman filter based sensor fusion framework for hybrid localization approaches which enhanced the results of the proposed methods. To improve the indoor position accuracy, the authors intend to utilize optical flow and ultrasonic sensors in the proposed system in future work.


This collection of review articles on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been compiled by enthusiastic post-graduate students within the Marie Curie Initial Training Network CELLEUROPE. It starts with two reviews of current research with a historical perspective and focus on either animal or human HSCT studies.Boieri et al. summarize the importance of early animal experiments from the 1950's including graft-vs.-host disease (GvHD) a major complication of HSCT, initially termed “runt disease.” The article focuses on the contribution of animal experiments to the understanding of the pathophysiology of acute and chronic GvHD and the development of therapies to overcome these complications. It ends with a discussion of general advantages and limitations of animal models for studying GvHD.Juric et al. They describe the development of conditioning therapies enabling engraftment of HSC. The pivotal role of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing technologies for the introduction and continuous improvement of HSCT is explained. The shift from serological to molecular methods is discussed in view of their importance for the utilization of matched unrelated donors. Further parameters affecting HSCT outcome are introduced focusing on stem cell sources ranging from bone marrow to peripheral HSC and cord blood. The article closes with an outlook on new developments, such as the adoptive transfer of T cells engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) directed against antigens present on leukemic cells.The historic milestones of HSCT in man are reviewed by Ghimire et al. discuss in detail the pathophysiology of GvHD explaining initiation and course of both the acute and chronic forms and introducing new strategies to limit these complications. Despite these efforts, especially chronic GvHD remains a major challenge that warrants further research.Dickinson et al. summarize clinical observations and experimental results demonstrating that allogeneic T cells in the graft reduce the risk of relapse of malignancy after HSCT. They describe the development of donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) as a means to treat relapse. In addition, newer strategies are explained including the infusion of allogeneic mismatched natural killer (NK) cells or tumor antigen-specific T cells.The risk to elicit GvHD by transplantation of allogeneic T cells is balanced by their potential for profound graft-vs.-leukemia (GvL) effects, giving rise to curative therapies for malignancies. Ogonek et al.. It is of the utmost importance for the success of HSCT, that the various immune cell subsets recover and regain function in a timely manner. Neutrophils are the first cells that usually reappear within the first month after the conditioning therapy. They are followed in the first 3 months by NK cells and then by T cells. B cell recovery takes longer and may need up to 2 years post-HSCT. The reconstitution of regulatory T cells is explained focusing on factors which influence reconstitution, such as immunosuppressive treatment. Finally, the reconstitution of virus-specific T cells is reviewed in view of the clinical importance of these cells for avoiding complications such as CMV reactivation.The reconstitution of the immune system after HSCT is reviewed by Juric et al. review the recent developments and start with a discussion of cellular biomarkers, such as CD19+CD21low B cells that are promising in predicting chronic GvHD. Besides cells, serum molecules have been reported to predict GvHD. In addition to proteins, miRNAs are potentially promising biomarkers for GvHD. Moreover, recent developments to identify biomarkers in urine by proteomic approaches are presented. Juric et al. close by discussing the challenge to validate and integrate the great variety of biomarkers that have been suggested during the last few years.Biomarkers have gained much attention as they may predict the occurrence of GvHD and allow for risk-adapted treatment. Gam et al. discuss the genetic associations of HSCT outcome focusing on non-histocompatibility genes and three specific examples. Firstly, it is discussed how polymorphisms of FOXP3 and FOXP3-regulating microRNAs affect the risk of GvHD. The miR-155 and miR-146a regulatory network, their polymorphisms and role after HSCT is outlined as a second example. Polymorphisms of the MICA gene, which encodes a ligand of the activating NK cell receptor NKG2D, are introduced as a third example. Furthermore, mRNA and miRNA expression profiling studies aiming at the identification of HSCT associated risks are summarized. The review ends with a discussion of the few genome wide association studies, which have been performed so far to elucidate the role mainly of non-HLA polymorphisms in controlling the outcome of HSCT.Reis et al. outlines recent developments in cellular immunotherapies for HSCT-associated complications. These include the transfer of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) or MSC-derived extracellular vesicles to treat GvHD. Further complications are infections occurring in the immunocompromised patients. In recent years, strategies to employ anti-virus-specific T cells in the therapy of viral infections have been developed. Relapse is another outcome that can be targeted by cellular immunotherapies, e.g., with CAR T cells and in this chapter the challenges of these new and fascinating therapeutic strategies is discussed.The final review by This collection of articles is dedicated to Professor Bent Rolstad (1947-2016), an enthusiastic and committed supervisor of two of the project's post-graduate students and Professor Jon van Rood (1926-2017), who was encouraging and supportive to the students in writing and revising the articles.RD drafted the manuscript, which AD, HG, and EH revised. All authors approved the final version.The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.


Objective: To investigate the validity of microscopy as a diagnostic tool for urinary tract infection in general practice.Methods: (Design/setting) A systematic review was conducted by searching Medline for clinical studies made in general practice, outpatient clinics or similar settings in which the accuracy/validity of microscopy was evaluated with urine culture as the reference standard.Results: Our search resulted in 108 titles. 28 potentially eligible studies were retrieved for full-text reading. We included eight studies involving 4582 patients in this review. The quality of the studies was moderate to high. Specificity ranged from 27% to 100%, sensitivity from 47% to 97%. The variation between studies did not allow for meta-analysis.Conclusion: We did not find substantial evidence to determine the clinical validity of microscopy performed in general practice on urine samples from patients with symptoms of UTI.Urinary tract infection is common in general practice. Methods for precise diagnosis are needed in order to avoid inappropriate treatment.Currently no evidence-based consensus exists regarding the use of urinary microscopy in general practice.We did not find substantial evidence to determine the overall clinical validity of microscopy performed in general practice on urine samples from patients with symptoms of UTI.Light microscopy with oil immersion had high sensitivity and specificity but is time-consuming. Phase-contrast microscopy is quick and had high specificity but lower sensitivity. Urinary tract infection (UTI) is common in general practice . UTI symDiagnosing UTI using clinical history and urine dipstick is a common strategy in most countries, but these approaches result in a high rate of false positives leading to overtreatment with antibiotics ,5. The rA rapid and accurate test for identification of patients at high or low risk of having bacteria in the urine is needed. Point of care (POC) microscopy is an alternative rapid-test for this purpose, which is frequently used in Danish general practice .POC microscopy using either a traditional light microscope or a phase-contrast microscope enables the clinician to quantify the number of bacteria seen per field of vision, determine the morphology of the organisms (rod or cocci), and describe their type of motility  ,10. PhasThe aim of this systematic review was to determine the clinical validity, i.e. sensitivity and specificity, of microscopy performed in general practice on urine samples from patients with symptoms of UTI, using urine culture as a reference standard.A systematic search of the literature was performed using the bibliographic database Medline. Medline was searched for scientific articles in English, Swedish, Norwegian and Danish, restricting the search to studies published in 1975 or later. Search words included urinary tract infections, cystitis, bacteriuria, microscopy, primary health care, general practice, family practice and outpatient clinic. The full search string can be seen in Diagnostic studies, in which the accuracy/validity of urine microscopy on urine from patients with symptoms of urinary tract infections performed in general practice, outpatient clinics or a similar setting by the GP or general practice staff with urine culture at the microbiological department as reference standard were eligible for inclusion.Information on publication date, setting, sample size, country, inclusion criteria, type of urine sample, staining, type and power of microscope, sediment, number of fields examined, how the study defines infection in both microscope and reference standard was extracted independently by AB and AH, and discrepancies were discussed and corrected. If these measures were not directly provided in the article, we calculated them if possible. Data on absolute numbers of true and false positives and negatives or predictive values on urine microscopy was extracted. When only one was reported, the others were calculated. To allow dichotomization, culture results presented as equivocal and contaminated were grouped with the negative results, because these three results usually have the same clinical consequences.The risk of bias of included studies was assessed by using the QUADAS-2 tool . Quality108 potentially eligible studies were identified searching Medline. After full text reading 100 studies were excluded thus resulting in eight eligible studies . The maiFour of the studies were judged to have moderate risk of bias. Four studies were considered having low risk of bias. The most common error was in the process of patient selection (not a consecutive sample). The quality of the included studies is summarized in The studies differed in which technique of microscopy was used, in how many practices were included, and in what cut-offs they used for measuring infection. The prevalence of UTI varied between 17–82% in the eight studies. Sensitivity (SEN) in the studies varied between 47% and 97%. The specificity (SPE) was varying between 27% and 100%. The positive predictive value (PPV) of microscopy was high in most of the studies, between 73% and 100%. The negative predictive value (NPV) varied between 41% and 97%.The study using light microscopy with oil immersion gave the highest clinical accuracy  . Phase-cThis systematic review did not find consistent evidence to determine the clinical validity of microscopy in general practice. Due to pronounced heterogeneity of the studies, they were difficult to compare. However, one study using oil immersion light microscopy showed high clinical accuracy. Another study involving 776 patients using phase-contrast microscopy, which is the technique most commonly used in Denmark today, showed high specificity but a low sensitivity. The quality of the studies was moderate to high.This systematic review is the first to systematically assess the literature on the accuracy of POC microscopy as a diagnostic tool for patients with symptoms of UTI in general practice. Two persons reviewed the literature on urine microscopy, attempting to include all available original studies dealing with microscopy in general practice. We only included studies performed in general practice or similar and not studies made in other settings, so the result is applicable to all general practices. In the included studies, patients had symptoms of UTI much like the typical UTI-patient in general practice. Thus, we believe the results can be considered relevant to all general practices. The review identified both single-center and multicenter studies.3 cfu/ml for primary uropathogens in the reference test. The studies did not describe a screening process of the urine samples at the laboratory, but it is possible that the negative urine-microscopy sometimes was confirmed by another urine-microscopy at the lab in which case the study would be expected to yield falsely high accuracy measures. Also, significant growth in urine culture from a symptomatic patient can be questioned as a good reference standard for UTI. However, this is the most commonly used definition and it has some clinical value since patients without significant bacteriuria tend to recover faster without treatment than those with [5 cfu/ml, this would be expected to affect sensitivity negatively. The risk of bias in the process of patient selection was high in some of the studies. Furthermore, the prevalence of UTI varies a lot between the studies (17% and 82%), this could be explained by inclusion of patients, whom may have had doubtful symptoms or been asymptomatic although the studies stated all patients were symptomatic. However, the variation in the prevalence of significant bacteriuria across countries and studies is consistent with findings in previous studies [The included studies varied in microscopic technique and applied cut-off, being both an advantage by adding diversity to the review and a disadvantage because of the difficulty in comparing the studies. Unfortunately, this variation did not allow us to perform meta-analysis. None of the studies used todays cut-off of 10ose with ,21. Sinc studies .The number of studies on each technique did not allow us to make robust conclusions about the clinical validity of microscopy in general practice. However, to our best knowledge, the most common microscopy methods in general practice today in Scandinavia is either light microscopy of centrifuged, unstained urine with a magnification of x400 or phase-contrast microscopy of un-centrifuged, unstained urine with the same magnification. This review succeeded in finding literature on both methods.Microscopy of urine for bacteria and leukocytes has been thoroughly investigated in the hospital setting both with and without centrifugation and staining and found that oil-immersion microscopy on centrifuged, gram-stained urine is most precise . One stuEvidence from the secondary sector is often used when implementing new diagnostics in general practice. The validity of the tests is often misjudged, because of the predictive values are influenced by the prevalence and the difference between patients and doctors in the two sectors ,24. Howe3 cfu/ml in the reference found about the same [Dipstick is the only alternative for rapid on-site diagnostics for UTI in general practice. One large review on the validity of urine dipstick found dipstick testing to be useful as a screening test in general practice but lead to high levels of overtreatment if other diagnostics were not applied . A largethe same .A systematic review from 2010 found that using urine microscopy as an add-on to urine dipstick slightly improved the sensitivity . HoweverAnother POC testing method is POC culture performed in general practice. One study on POC dipslides have shown sensitivity and specificity of 88% and 90%, respectively . AnotherNew diagnostic POC testing methods, such as rapid immunoassay test, are being developed and could have a place in testing for UVI in future studies .This review did not find solid evidence to determine the clinical validity of microscopy performed in general practice on urine samples from patients with symptoms of UTI. The lack of evidence is due to few available studies, wide variation of the cut-offs for the index test, the level of magnification and the method of microscopy.Immersion oil microscopy gave the highest clinical accuracy and phase-contrast microscopy had high specificity and could possibly be a good add-on test to urine dipstick to avoid over-diagnosis. With the current available evidence, phase-contrast microscopy seems to be a valid and feasible screening-test for bacteriuria in patients with symptoms of UTI in general practice. When general practices use urine microscopy, they should always send urine to culture when in doubt. Future studies on current methods for urine microscopy should use predefined cut-offs and algorithms to investigate if microscopy could be a cost-effective add-on test to urine dipstick in order to avoid both antibiotic overtreatment and unnecessary urine cultures.


The electromyogram was recorded from the bilateral medial gastrocnemius (MG) and soleus (SL) muscles. We analyzed delta-band coherence, that reflects comodulation of muscle activity, between the bilateral homologous muscles (MG-MG and SL-SL pairs). The origin of this bilateral comodulation is suggested to be the subcortical system. Also, we examined beta-band coherence, that is related to the corticospinal drive, between the unilateral muscles (MG-SL pair) in the right leg. Results indicated that the bilateral delta-band coherence for the MG-MG pair was significantly smaller in the 75% forward lean than quiet standing and 35% forward lean tasks for the young adults . The bilateral delta-band coherence for the SL-SL pair was significantly smaller in the 75% forward lean than 35% forward lean task for the young adults (p = 0.027). Furthermore, the unilateral beta-band coherence was larger in the forward lean than quiet standing task for the young adults . Contrarily, the elderly adults did not demonstrate such changes. These findings suggest the importance of decreasing the synchronous bilateral activation and increasing the unilateral cortical control of the plantar flexor muscles for the successful forward postural lean performance, and that aging impairs this modulatory ability.Aging can impair an ability to lean the body forward to the edge of the base of support. Here, we investigated, using a coherence analysis, common inputs to bilateral and unilateral plantar flexor muscles to test a hypothesis that the age-related impairment would be related to strong synchronous bilateral activation and reduced cortical control of these muscles. Healthy young ( Functional tasks in daily activities, such as reaching out for an item, often times require shifting of the weight toward the edge of the base of support. Leaning of the body imposes higher demands on the postural control system, and age-related general declines in physical function commonly lead to difficulty in performing tasks involving weight shifting. It has been reported that elderly adults show less controlled lean path and greater sway at the maximal lean position, when compared to young adults . FurtherControl of posture is a complicated neuromuscular mechanism requiring effective and efficient activation of postural muscles, and a number of previous studies have explored how plantar flexor muscles are coordinated during standing as the center of mass locates in front of the ankle joint . It has Accordingly, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of aging on the modulation of common input to the bilateral and unilateral plantar flexor muscles when changing the postural position between quiet standing and forward leaning, using the coherence analysis. More specifically, we examined the previously identified delta-band coherence between the bilateral homologous plantar flexor muscles  , and alsFourteen young  and nineteen elderly adults  participated in the present study. We recruited the young adults from Nagoya University and the elderly adults from the local community. None of the subjects had neurological, orthopedic, cognitive, or psychiatric problems that influence the postural balance. They also had normal or corrected-to-normal vision, and were all right-foot dominant, which was determined by asking the predominant foot used for kicking a ball. The ethics committee of Nagoya University approved this study, and all subjects gave written informed consent before participating the experiment. The experiment was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.Figure 1 depicts an illustration of the experimental setup and a flow chart of this experiment. There were three tasks to be performed for each subject: quiet standing and two tasks requiring the subjects to lean their body forward to 35 and 75% of the maximum lean distance (35 and 75% forward lean tasks). Before beginning the tasks, we assessed the maximum forward lean distance. The subjects were asked to stand on a force plate with their feet parallel to each other (heel-to-heel distance of 15 cm), and the feet positions were marked and kept constant during the whole experiment. They were further instructed to lean their body forward by dorsiflexing the ankle joints while maintaining the rest of their body straight. The greatest lean distance, that was determined based on the center of pressure (COP) displacement, out of three trials was adopted as the maximum lean distance and used to calculate a distance to lean in the 35 and 75% forward lean tasks. In the quiet standing task, the subjects were asked to stand quietly and look at a fixation sign on a PC monitor set 1 m in front of them. In the 35 and 75% forward lean tasks, the subjects were instructed to lean as when the maximum lean distance was determined. A green horizontal target line representing a 35 or 75% of the maximum forward lean and two yellow horizontal lines at +5% and -5% of the target line were displayed on the PC monitor. The subject’s COP position was also presented on the PC monitor as a red line progressing from left to right, which moved upward/downward as the subject leaned forward/backward. The subjects were asked to keep their COP on the green target line as accurately and consistently as possible. The task duration was 40 s, and the order of the tasks was randomized among the subjects. Two practice trials were performed before each forward lean task to familiarize the subjects with the tasks.1, after the skin was gently abrased and cleaned with alcohol, as these two muscles are mainly involved in postural control  were placed on the bilateral medial gastrocnemius (MG) and SL muscles according to the SENIAM recommendations control . The sen control . EMG sigFigure 2. The data during the middle 30 s of the collection period were analyzed using a customized Matlab script . After low-pass filtering the anteroposterior COP signals at 15 Hz with a fourth-order zero phase lag Butterworth filter, we calculated the SD and mean speed of anteroposterior COP displacement. The SD reflects the variability of postural displacement. For the forward lean tasks, we additionally calculated the average of absolute difference between the COP position and the target line to quantify the error from the target.Examples of the anteroposterior COP displacement data are shown in Coherence between the EMG recordings was computed based on methods provided by Halliday and colleagues  to quantPxx(f) and Pyy(f) are the auto-spectra of the signals x and y, and Pxy(f) is the cross-spectra at the frequency f. They were calculated with a discrete Fourier transform of non-overlapping segments of 1024 data points. The coherence function is a number ranging from zero to one: zero indicates that two signals are completely independent, and one indicates that two signals are identical. For each analysis, 95% confidence limit was applied to identify the significant coherence. In the present study, the coherence was estimated in the following muscle pairs: right MG and left MG (MG-MG), right SL and left SL (SL-SL), and right MG and right SL (MG-SL). We analyzed the unilateral coherence in the dominant right leg because it was expected to be used more for the control of forward lean posture than the non-dominant left leg.We also calculated the pooled coherence function to summarize and visualize the average difference among tasks and age groups using the following equation .f from individual subject, Li is the number of segments, and k is the number of subjects.post hoc analysis and planned comparison analysis between the tasks within each group were performed with Bonferroni’s correction. We additionally analyzed correlation between either the SD or mean speed of COP displacement and each of the averaged coherence values using the Pearson’s correlation coefficients. The statistical analyses were conducted using R  at the significant level of 0.05.The effects of task and age on the COP parameters (SD and mean speed of COP displacement and error from the target) were assessed with a two-way (task × age) repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Similar to previous studies , we averFigure 3. A two-way repeated measure ANOVA on the SD of COP displacement revealed main effects of task  and age  as well as their interaction . Post hoc analysis indicated that the SD was significantly smaller in the 35%  and 75%  forward lean tasks than quiet standing task for the young adults. There were significant differences between age groups in the 35%  and 75%  forward lean tasks. An analysis on the mean speed of anteroposterior COP displacement demonstrated main effects of task  and age . Post hoc analysis showed that the mean speed was significantly higher in the 75% forward lean task than 35% forward lean and quiet standing tasks for both groups . Also, it was significantly higher in the 35% forward lean than quiet standing task for both groups . An analysis on the error from the target line revealed main effects of task  and age .Results of the COP parameters are presented in Figure 4 to visualize the difference among tasks and age groups. The mean z-transformed delta- and beta-band coherence values are presented in Figure 5. A two-way repeated measure ANOVA on the delta-band coherence for the MG-MG pair revealed main effects of task  and age . Planned comparison analysis demonstrated that the delta-band coherence for the MG-MG pair was significantly smaller in the 75% forward lean task than 35% forward lean  and quiet standing tasks  for the young adults. An analysis on the delta-band coherence for the SL-SL pair also revealed main effects of task  and age . Planned comparison analysis showed that the delta-band coherence for the SL-SL pair was significantly smaller in the 75% forward lean than 35% forward lean task  for the young adults. A two-way repeated measure ANOVA on the beta-band coherence for the MG-SL pair indicated a main effect of task  and an interaction between task and age . Post hoc analysis demonstrated that the beta-band coherence for the MG-SL pair was larger in the 35 and 75% forward lean than quiet standing task  for the young adults. There was no statistically significant difference between the tasks for the elderly adults. Thus, we performed post hoc power analysis for detecting difference between the quiet standing and 75% forward lean task in the elderly adults using GPower  in the 75% forward lean task for the young adults. For the elderly adults, the SD and speed of COP displacement were both positively correlated with the delta-band coherence for the SL-SL pair in the quiet standing task . The speed of COP displacement was also correlated positively with the beta-band coherence for the MG-SL pair in the 35%  and 75% forward lean tasks  for the elderly adults.There was positive correlation between the SD of COP displacement and the delta-band coherence for the SL-SL pair (The present study investigated, using the coherence analysis, the common input to the bilateral and unilateral plantar flexor muscles during quiet standing and forward postural lean in young and elderly adults. Main results indicated that the bilateral delta-band coherence was significantly smaller in the 75% forward lean task as compared to the other tasks for the young adults. Also, the unilateral beta-band coherence was found to be significantly larger in the 35 and 75% forward lean than quiet standing task for the young adults. Contrarily, such changes were not significant in the elderly adults. It is likely that elderly adults have difficulty in modulating the common inputs to bilateral and unilateral plantar flexor muscles when leaning the body forward.Because corticomuscular coherence has been reported mainly in the beta band , intermuIn agreement with previous observations , we founCorrelation analysis between the COP parameter and the strength of coherence revealed different patterns of correlation among the age groups. The positive correlation for the bilateral delta-band coherence during quiet standing in the elderly adults may indicate that the bilateral low-frequency oscillations influenced the force output variability  and thusSignificant differences in the mean COP speed and the error from the target line between two forward lean tasks expectedly indicate that the difficulty of the task became greater as the lean distance became larger. With respect to the coherence values, the significant decrease in the delta-band coherence was observed primarily in the 75% forward lean task. In contrast, the magnitude of increase in the beta-band coherence was not different between two forward lean tasks. These two observations may imply that the modulation of cortical activity is a primary strategy employed during a slight body leaning, and the magnitude of bilateral comodulation becomes an important factor as the body moves close to the edge of the base of support. Not merely the task difficulty but the fear of falling, therefore, are likely associated with the bilateral comodultion of plantar flexor muscles.This study has several limitations. First, this study included planned comparisons and was slightly underpowered to examine a difference in the coherence between the postural tasks in the elderly adults. Further studies with a larger sample are needed to confirm this study’s findings. Second, we did not measure the angle of the hip, knee, or ankle joint, or activity of upper-leg or back muscles that could be involved in maintaining a forward postural lean position. As aging can reduce muscle strengths and cause joint degeneration, consideration of these factors would have strengthened our discussion. Third, visual feedback of the COP position that was provided in the forward lean tasks to keep the lean distance constant might have had some influence on the present results, although its effect on postural control still remains under debate . How theIn summary, this study demonstrates the importance of decreasing the delta-band coherence between bilateral homologous plantar flexor muscles and increasing the beta-band coherence among unilateral plantar flexor muscles when maintaining a forward postural lean position. Aging further appears to impair such a modulatory ability. High-quality forward leaning performance likely requires a smooth shift from more synchronous bilateral activation to more unilateral cortical control of plantar flexor muscles. Therefore, interventions focusing on this factor may be beneficial for improving voluntary control of forward lean posture.TW, KI, and IN designed the study. TW, KS, and ST performed the experiments. TW analyzed the data. TW and IN interpreted results of the experiments. TW drafted the manuscript. All authors approved the final version of the manuscript.The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.


Involutional entropion and upper eyelid ptosis are common eyelid diseases in the elderly population. They represent a frequent cause of discomfort and often result in significant visual and functional impairment. The surgical management of these disorders includes various treatment options and techniques and is usually carried out in multiple time sessions.We report the case of a 72 year old female patient, suffering from right eye involutional lower eyelid entropion and ptosis, who was treated synchronously for both conditions, by applying the lateral tarsal strip procedure and the levator resection technique.The synchronous treatment of involutional entropion and ptosis is an alternative treatment strategy, which could potentially improve surgical outcome, while reducing postoperative recovery time and treatment costs. Eyelid ptosis and involutional entropion are frequent eyelid disorders affecting people of advanced age. The prevalence of involutional entropion is about 2% in the elderly population , 2. It iTo date no sufficient data exist regarding the incidence of upper eyelid ptosis , 8. LimiInvolutional entropion may cause significant discomfort to the patient. Pathological findings may include lateral and medial canthal tendon laxity, lower retractor laxity, dry eye syndrome, chronic blepharitis, and chronic conjunctivitis .Ptosis may cause a variety of symptoms such as blurred vision, tearing/epiphora, or an impaired upper visual hemifield, which often results in an abnormal head posture of the patient . TypicalThe laxity of the lateral and medial canthal tendon and false insertion of the lower retractors are the main causative factors of senile entropion , 12. OthThe main pathogenesis mechanism of blepharoptosis is involutional changes at the levator aponeurosis . The levSurgical techniques for the treatment of involutional entropion include the lateral tarsal strip procedure , the usePtosis is usually treated by applying the levator resection technique , the FasWe describe the case of a woman suffering from right eye involutional lower eyelid entropion and right upper eyelid ptosis, who was successfully treated synchronously for both conditions, by applying the lateral tarsal strip procedure and the levator resection technique.A 72 year old Caucasian female was admitted to our clinic with unilateral chronic symptoms of blurred vision, increased tearing, and foreign body sensation. The clinical examination revealed periocular dermatochalasis, lower eyelid laxity, dry eye disease, chronic blepharitis, chronic conjunctivitis, and superficial punctate keratopathy. A diagnosis of right eye upper eyelid ptosis and lower eyelid involutional entropion was made. A decision for the synchronous surgical treatment of both conditions followed, by using the lateral tarsal strip procedure and the levator resection technique. During the preoperative assessment the levator muscle's function and the severity of the ptosis were evaluated. The levator function was good and the severity of the ptosis was moderate (3mm). In addition, the clinical evaluation of the lower eyelid showed no punctum horizontal displacement.The surgical procedure for both conditions was carried out under local anesthesia. The lower eyelid entropion was treated first. A lateral canthotomy and transection of the lateral canthal tendon were performed. The eyelid was then divided into anterior and posterior lamellae. A tarsal strip was fashioned from the posterior lamella and was then sutured to the periosteum at the lateral orbital wall, by using 5-0 ethibond double spatula sutures. Wound closure was achieved, by using absorbable 6-0 sutures (Vicryl), first for the orbicularis muscle and finally for the skin tissue.Then the levator resection technique was performed in order to correct the ptosis. An incision, through the skin and orbicularis muscle, along the eyelid crease, was made. Dissection through the orbital septum followed. A double armed 5-0 ethibond suture was then placed through the anterior surface of the upper tarsus. Each of the needles was then placed through the healthy/homogenous part of the levator aponeurosis. The procedure led to the augmentation of the levator function.The patient received topical antibiotic and corticosteroid treatment postoperatively for 10 consecutive days and was clinically assessed thereafter for the following 2 years.The procedure performed resulted in the restoration of the upper and lower eyelid normal anatomy as well as in a significant reduction of the patient's discomfort and symptoms. During the 1-year and 2-year follow-up clinical assessments no clinical signs of recurrency were found. The pre- and postoperative (at 1 year follow up) VFQ-25 questionnaire revealed significant improvement of the patient's quality of life .Senile entropion and aponeurotic ptosis are common eyelid disorders in the elderly population. They represent a frequent cause of significant eye discomfort. Both diseases are caused by complex involutional processes. Their surgical management, when applying the lateral tarsal strip and the levator resection techniques, is generally simple and in most cases produces good and long-lasting results.The surgical procedures involved are usually performed separately and can be a significant burden for the patient, as postoperative recovery time and discomfort are often important disability factors. The adherence of the patient to potential future therapies may also be lower, if the surgical procedures involved are performed asynchronously. Moreover, if the life expectancy in the developed world increases, more people are expected to suffer from such diseases in the future. As a result, the treatment costs will be higher for the healthcare systems. Therefore it is important to find ways in which the suffering of the patient is less and the treatment becomes more cost-efficient.In our case, the successful surgical management of the involutional entropion and the aponeurotic ptosis led to a significant reduction of the patient's postoperative discomfort and total recovery time, as both diseases were treated synchronously. The VFQ-25 questionnaire also showed significant improvement of the patient's quality of life. In addition, the synchronous procedure proved to be cost-efficient, due to the shorter time needed for the surgery completion and for the patient's hospitalization.The synchronous surgical treatment of involutional entropion and aponeurotic ptosis is an alternative way to treat these frequent eyelid disorders. The lateral tarsal strip and the levator resection techniques are surgical procedures that can be easily performed by the eye surgeon. The synchronous surgical treatment might improve the patient's adherence to therapy and could be more cost effective for the healthcare system, while causing less postoperative disability.


There is an increasing awareness of the importance of oral health and its associated risk factors among older adults. This symposium includes four papers that address cognitive function, social support and oral health problems and symptoms among older adults in the U.S. and China. Lu and his colleagues examined the reciprocal relationship between cognitive function and complete tooth loss Chinese adults age 50+ using the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal study. The results show that there is a reciprocal relationship between these two indicators. The second paper used the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (PINE) and examined the associations between tooth/gums symptoms and changes in cognitive function in Chinese older immigrants. The results reveal that having teeth symptoms was associated with a decline in cognitive function. Using the same PINE data, the third paper examined the association between different characteristics of social relationships and the number of oral health problems among U.S. older Chinese adults. Wu and her colleagues conducted a partner-assisted pilot intervention to improve oral health for community-dwelling older adults with either mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia. The results of this 6-month intervention show that persons in the treatment group had more improvement in oral hygiene than those in the control group. Findings from these four papers illustrate that cognitive function, social support, and oral health are interrelated. This symposium highlights the importance of improving cognitive health, social support, and oral health for middle-aged and older adults.


Inspired by helical or spiral veins, which endow plants with excellent flexibility and elasticity to withstand storms, we present novel hollow microsprings with ionic liquid encapsulation for flexible and stretchable electronics. The microsprings were generated by using a coaxial capillary microfluidic device to consecutively spin poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) presolution and an ionic liquid, which formed laminar flows in the coaxial injection microfluidic channels. The fast phase inversion of PVDF helps to form the core-shell structure of a microfiber and guarantees the in situ encapsulation of ionic liquid. The hybrid microfiber can then spiral and be further solidified to maintain the helical structure with increasing flow rates of the injection fluids. Because of the feasible and precise control of the injection fluids during the microfluidic spinning, the resultant microsprings have controlled core-shell structures, helical pitches, and corresponding electromechanical properties. By further embedding them into stretchable films, the simple paradigm of a flexible device shows great conductive performance in tensile tests and even motion cycles, which could be explored as a promising candidate in stretchable sensors, flexible electronics, and electronic skins. Soft and stretchable conductors are essential components in soft robotics as well as wearable, conformable, and deformable electronics –5. TheirIn this paper, we present a novel hollow microspring with ionic liquid encapsulation using a microfluidic spinning approach for flexible and stretchable conduction . HelicalHere, we employed a coaxial capillary microfluidic device with the function of consecutive generation of hollow poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) microsprings with ionic liquid encapsulation. Because of the low Reynolds number of the PVDF presolution and ionic liquid, they formed laminar flows in the coaxial injection channels of the microfluidic device. The fast phase inversion of PVDF helps to form the core-shell structure of the microfiber and guarantees the in situ encapsulation of ionic liquid. With increased flow rate of the fluid, the microfiber could then spiral and be further solidified to maintain the helical structure. Because the spinning and spiraling process could be precisely controlled by tuning the phase flow rates and the distance between the outlet tip and the bottom of the collection container, helical microfibers with desired morphologies and microstructures can be continuously generated. As a result, a series of microsprings with different conductivities could be generated and by embedding them into flexible films, they still had great flexibility and electronic performances, showing their practical value for flexible and stretchable conductors. These features proved that the generated microsprings are highly usable in smart flexible electronics.In a typical experiment, a coflow microfluidic system was assembled by coaxially inserting the inner spindle capillary into the outer tapered injection capillary. The generation of core-shell structured microfibers usually depends on the fast and simultaneous gelation along both the inner and outer layers of the precursor flow in microfluidic channels. During a typical spinning process, inner and sheath fluids are introduced into the microfluidic channels to form a coaxially laminar flow due to their small Reynolds numbers. The laminar flow can then be solidified at this stage via phase inversion. The fast reaction can keep the structure of the generated microfibers the same as the laminar flows; thus the microfiber with core-shell structures can be solidified and extruded continuously. Moreover, when there is a flow rate difference between the jetting stream and the surrounding fluid, the stream deforms and begins to spiral in the collection pool. Thanks to the continuous solidification of the extruded microfibers, this helical structure can be fixed and maintained and thus helical microfibers with core-shell structures can be spun continuously.In this research, for flexible conduction ability, an ionic liquid  was chosen as the core fluid. [Emim]BF4 is a widely used electrolyte and has advantages of nonvolatility, nonflammability. The nonvolatility makes it stable during the microfluidic spinning and spiraling processes together with the following embedding and stretching applications; the nonflammability proves the safe and stable encapsulation amounts of the ionic liquids in microsprings under different weather temperature or animal heats. The electrical conduction of our microfiber depends on the free ions in the encapsulated ionic liquids, which are relevant to their amounts. Thus, the unchangeable amount could stabilize the conductivity of the microsprings. To achieve a uniform shell structure for encapsulation, the sheath phase of PVDF dissolved in N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) was chosen as the shell material of the microspring because of the rapid phase inversion of DMF induced fast solidification. The inner ionic liquid and sheath PVDF solutions were then simultaneously introduced into the relevant microfluidic channels . The out−1 (framework of aromatic ring), 2984 cm−1(C-H), 1185 cm−1(C-C)) suggested the successful encapsulation during the spinning process. By tuning the flow rates of the inner and sheath flow rates and the distance between the outlet of the microfluidic device and the bottom of the collection pool, the helical pitches of the solidified microfibers can also be precisely regulated  characterization Figures . It was ρILsL/S), where ρILs, L, and S refer to the resistivity of the ionic liquid, length of the microfiber, and the cross-sectional area of the inner core, respectively  was recorded, as shown in When the fabricated conductive microfibers were stretched, they were also able to respond, as explained by their obvious resistance change as a function of strain. The stiffness of the core-shell structured microfibers was first tested before recording their relative resistance change  was bought from Aladdin. Polyvinylidene fluoride  was from Sigma-Aldrich. N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) was purchased from Sinopharm Chemical Reagent Co., Ltd . Solutions were all filtered before being pumped into glass microcapillary devices. Ecoflex® 00-30 was purchased from Smooth-On, Inc . Water with a resistivity of 18.2 MΩμm (World Precision Instruments) were firstly tapered and sanded to the desired orifice. The orifice of the spindle tip was about 80 μm and that of the tapered tip was about 100 μm. The spindle capillary was then assembled coaxially into the tapered one as the inner flow channel. A transparent epoxy resin was used to seal the capillaries where necessary.The capillary microfluidic device was constructed by coaxially aligning one glass capillary with a spindle tip and one with a tapered tip on glass slide. Two capillaries with outer and inner diameters of 1.0 mm and 800 The inner phase was ionic liquid  and the sheath fluid is PVDF dissolved in DMF at a volume-to-volume concentration of 1:10. A glass vial containing deionized water was put under the outlet of the microfluidic device keeping the liquid covering its tip. The inner flow rates could be changed in 0.1-0.5 mL/h, and the sheath flow rates could be 2-7 mL/h to generated microsprings with different morphologies.Firstly the generated microfibers were cut into desired lengths, which were longer than the final tested length to prevent the leaking of the inner ionic liquid. PDMS is also one of the widely used and outstanding elastomeric matrixes, however, in the case of the microfiber with extremely small helical pitch, and could be stretched more than 120%, in which PDMS may not be qualified. As a result, Ecoflex® 00-30 was chosen to produce the elastomeric layer. The two compartments of Ecoflex® 00-30 were mixed in equal volume and homogenized, and the mixture was uniformly coated on the flexibly arranged microfibers. The composites were solidified at room temperature for about 1 hour.The microfluidic spinning process was observed by a fast camera . Bright-field microscopic images were snapped by a stereomicroscope  equipped with a CCD camera . The cross-sectional microstructure of microspring was characterized by a field emission scanning electron microscope . The infrared spectra were collected with a Thermo Scientific Nicolet iS50 FTIR spectrometer. The stiffness of the generated microfiber and cycle tests of strain-stress performance of the flexible film integrated with conductive microsprings were characterized by Single Column Table Top Systems .The conductivity tests of the generated microfibers were carried out by using a traditional two-probe technique on a semiconductor characterization system . Because the cross-sectional areas of the microfibers were small, the two ends of the microfibers were all firstly coated with the same amount of silver glues to increase the contact area with the probe. A vernier caliper was used to record the strain of the tested microfibers during the stain process. The real-time resistance change was recorded by a digital multimeter . Similar to the measurement of microfibers, the two terminal cross-sectional areas of the films were first coated with the same amount of silver glues, covered by conductive tapes, and then connected to the digital multimeter.


Microgels—small gels of submicron to micron size—are widely used in food, cosmetics and biomedical applications because of their biocompatibility and/or fast response to external environments. However, the properties of “single” microgels have not been characterized due to limitations in preparation technologies and measurement methods for single microgels with sizes in the multi-micrometer range. The synthesis of multiple shapes of single microgels and their characterization are important for further functionalization and application of gel-based materials. In this review, we explain the recent advancements in microgel fabrication and characterization methods for single microgels. The first topic discussed includes the self-assembly methods for single microgel fabrication using physical phenomena such as phase separation, interfacial wetting and buckling instability. The second topic deals with methods for analyzing the mechanics of single microgels and the differences between their mechanical characteristics and those of bulk gels. The recent progress in the fabrication and characterization of single microgels will bring important insights to the design and functionalization of gel-based materials. Polymer gels are viscoelastic materials that can store large amounts of liquid in their polymer networks. The liquid, which constitutes the majority of the polymer gel, contributes to their soft and hydrophilic properties. Because of these characteristics, polymer gels have become ubiquitous and indispensable. For example, the biocompatibility and biodegradability of hydrogels are beneficial for biomedical applications ,2; the cWith progress in the functionalization of polymer gels, the sizes of gels have recently featured in a novel method of regulating the characteristics of gels. On account of their larger surface to volume ratios compared to bulk gels, smaller gels exhibit higher permeabilities, promoting efficient substance transport between gels and their environments ,8. This The question that needs to be answered is whether a single microgel has the same characteristics as a bulk gel. Although the higher permeabilities of microgels compared to bulk gels suggests a negative answer, the elucidation of microgel properties should contribute greatly to the further functionalization of gels.Single microgels have not been characterized due to the limitations in measuring methods, unlike bulk gels and solutions containing microgels ,16. ReceA major strategy for preparing microgels is the gelation of polymers inside microsized emulsions (emulsion polymerization). In general, microgels synthesized by gelation inside emulsions have spherical or core-shell shapes. Although the sphere-based shape is a common morphology for microgels, the synthesis of non-spherical particles has gained attention due to their potential for multiple applications, for example, as building blocks for complex assemblies ,23,24, dIn emulsion polymerization, the mold for gelation is usually spherical because it is the most stable shape for lipid droplets with minimum surface area. The gelation of the polymers confined in spherical droplets results in spherical microgels. The use of liquid-liquid phase separation polymers helps to obtain microgels of various shapes without designing molds. Here, we introduce a method for obtaining non-spherical shaped microgels using microdroplets (water-in-oil emulsion covered with a surfactant layer such as lipid).In the bulk (not in microdroplets), the phase separation of binary polymer solutions causes the appearance of spherical domains that minimizes the interfacial energy before the separation into two phases  gelation and wetting of polymers on the microdroplet surface; and (ii) volume fraction of coexisting phases and size of confinement space. In addition to the phase separation method, it has been shown that nonspherical microgels are formed using microfluidic devices. In this review, we do not explain the details; alternatively, we introduce review articles ,31,32,33Non-spherical microgels have been fabricated by the gelation of gelling-polymer-rich domains upon phase separation and wetting in microdroplets b 34]. T. T34]. THowever, controlling the wetting property of a gelling polymer is not easy since the surface tension between coexisting phases changes before and after gelation. For example, Ma et al. reported that the phase separation pattern changes before and after UV-induced gelation of poly-(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) A 35]. T. T35]. TAt a constant contact angle, changes in volume fractions can vary the shapes of single microgels B. In theBuckling is another useful phenomenon for forming non-spherical microgels . BucklinUsing two consecutive polymerizations, it forms soft core-hard shell structures. Consequently, mismatches between the inner and outer mechanical properties induce buckling of the surface shell. Buckled microgels can be useful for colloidal building blocks, along with smaller spherical microgels .Microgels are soft and deformable microparticles. As mentioned above, it is important to elucidate the mechanical properties of single microgels rather than their solution for application purposes. However, in contrast to the accumulation of the macroscopic mechanical properties of microgel solutions, the microscopic mechanical properties of single microgels were ambiguous. Experimental difficulty was the obstacle in analyzing the microscopic mechanical properties of a single microgel. To solve the problem, methods involving atomic force microscopy (AFM) ,40,41 anIn the case of AFM measurement, two technical difficulties remain: placing soft particles on a flat substrate and avoiding the deformation of the particle during pressing by AFM tips for measurement a. RecentIn the emulsion polymerization method, the physicochemical environments around the monomers of the gels near the surface are different from that in other areas. Therefore, the balance between the rate of surface polymerization and diffusion of the polymerization field across the droplet is considered a factor determining its mechanical properties. In fact, the balance has been reported to change the shell thicknesses of core-shell microgels ,49, whicn-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) microgel has been reported to change greatly depending on the surrounding environment  ..n-isoproRecently, our group measured the elasticities of gelatin single microgels prepared inside microdroplets covered with lipid layers by micropipette aspiration . We founIn addition, in non-spherical microgels , only a As described above, the characteristics of lipid membranes may change the surface gel structure and the mechanical properties of the gels due to lipid membrane-polymer interactions. These effects should be the case for biological single microgels like cytoskeletons underneath cellular membranes. Thus, elucidation of the unique characters of single microgels and their mechanisms should contribute to understanding the nature of living cells.Why does a single microgel show gel elasticity different from that of the bulk gel? This is because gel elasticity is determined by the polymer network structure constituting the gel and the difference in gel elasticity indicates that the micro or nanostructures of microgels are different from those of bulk gels.In the case of emulsion polymerization, gelation starts from the droplet surface of gelling polymers. A balance between the gelation and penetration rates of the cross-linking agent for gelation into the interior possibly renders the network structure of the microgels heterogeneous. This heterogeneous microgel structure could be the reason for the buckling of microgels  40]. If. If40]. Biopolymers such as gelatin are known to correlate with lipids and similar materials in cell membranes . TherefoWithout complicating the molecular design of gelling polymers, it is now possible to change the shape of single microgels by utilizing phase separation between the non-gelling polymer and the gelling polymer inside microdroplets. By developing new methods to measure the elasticity of a single microgel, the unique mechanical properties of microgels (different from those of bulk gels) have been revealed. Further elucidation of the structure of the microgel and the process of gelation and functionalization utilizing the shape and mechanical properties of the microgel are expected in the near future.


Calcification of the lateral collateral ligament of the metacarpophalangeal thumb is a rare pathology. It’s may be due to a deposit of hydroxyapatite crystals. We report the case of a 36-year-old man with chronic pain of MCPP. X-ray and Ultrasound finds a calcium deposit of LCL. Acute calcific tendinitis (ACT), also known as peritendinitis or calcified periarthritis, is an acute inflammatory condition of unknown aetiology commonly occurring in the pericapsular region of the shoulder and less commonly in the hand or wrist. Calcification of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) of the metacarpophalangeal thumb (MCPP) is a very rare pathology. This calcification may be due to a deposit of hydroxyapatite crystals falling within the framework of apatitic rheumatism of the hand. Through an observation of calcific periarthritis with apatite of the hand and the review of the literature, we present the clinical, radiological and therapeutic aspects of this pathology.A 36-year-old man with chronic pain of MCPP. The examination found an inflammatory appearance with oedema, redness and pain on palpation of LCL of MCPP. The mild mobilisation of MCPP was painless. The inflammatory and phosphocalcic balance was normal. Standard X-ray showed LPC calcification of MCPP . UltrasoPeriarticular calcifications with hydroxyapatite deposits were described in 1966 by Mac Carthy and Gatter  Uhthoff Hydroxyapatite calcifications affect men and women equally and are particularly common between 40 and 60 years of age [The disease is usually mono-articular and most often asymptomatic of chance discovery. They can be revealed by acute periarticular inflammation with intense pain preventing mobilisation of the joint and sometimes accompanied by swelling and general signs (fever) with non-specific biological inflammatory syndrome, and this for a few days . Rarely,Localizations of apatitic calcifications in the hand are rare. They sit near the tendon of the carpi-ulnar flexor muscle, in the vicinity of the pisiform bone.They also concern the tendon of the carpal radial flexor opposite the palmar face of the radiocarpal spacing. Hydroxyapatite deposits also have a predilection for the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal proximal joints of the fingers ,9.LCL of MCPP is a rare localisation of apatitic rheumatism.The diagnosis is established by a hand radiography showing the image of amorphous, homogeneous calcium density cluster. Their contours are smooth without cortical and their forms are often ovoid, sometimes triangular, rarely linear . These cComputed tomography is necessary, not for the positive diagnosis, but to specify the topography of calcification most often in a zone of tendinous insertion, and for the exploration of cortical erosions.MRI retains its place in the presence of such calcifications on standard radiographs to diagnose this entity and avoid imaging traps. In addition, it provides a precise description of the morphology and location of calcification and its effect on surrounding structures that may be useful in guiding therapeutic management .The main differential diagnoses to be eliminated are septic arthritis, gouty arthropathies, calcified circumscribed myositis, metabolic abnormalities such as hypervitaminosis D, chronic renal failure, hyperparathyroidism .Symptomatic treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and colchicine is sufficient for recovery. After some painful breakouts, these calcifications can disappear spontaneously. Their persistence indicates surgical excision.An appropriate diagnosis with a correct therapeutic behaviour is the only guarantors of the good results. Any periarticular pain or ligament insertion in the hand should encourage practitioners to request a standard radiological assessment for calcification in favour of an apatitic deposit.


A significant proportion of road construction workers are migrants and prone to HIV infection. This study investigated the psychosocial predictors of consistent condom use among migrant road construction workers in the South-west region of Cameroon using the Health Belief Model (HBM) as the theoretical framework.A cross-sectional survey of a stratified sample of 254 road construction workers was conducted at construction sites along the Kumba-Mamfe road in the South-west region of Cameroon in December 2015. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire and binomial logistic regression was performed to test the strength of association between the independent and the dependent variables using SPSS version 20 at the level 0.05.Only 67 (43.5%) reported consistent condom use. Perception of risk of contracting HIV was also low, 109 (42.9%). None of the constructs of the HBM was significantly associated with consistent condom use. However, perception that road construction workers are prone to HIV (perceived susceptibility) was associated with an increased likelihood of using condom consistently, OR = 2.1 ; perception that consistent condom use could prevent HIV transmission (perceived benefit) was associated with an increased likelihood of using it consistently, OR = 1.9 ; perception by workers that they can refuse sex with their partners if they refuse to use condoms (perceived self-efficacy) was associated with an increased likelihood of using condoms consistently, OR = 1.5 . However, the perception that condom reduces sexual pleasure (perceived barriers) was associated with a reduced likelihood of using it consistently, OR = 0.84 There were no significant associations between the psycho-social constructs of the HBM and consistent condom use. Therefore, interventions to increase the perception of risk of contracting HIV, which is assumed to be the immediate antecedent of consistent condom use is highly recommended. There is enough global evidence on the vulnerability of construction workers to HIV/AIDS. An International Labour Organization (ILO) Report in 2007 listed a number of work and lifestyle factors which expose construction workers to the risk of HIV infection, depending upon their working situations: high mobility, isolation and working in confined environments with limited contacts, very young adults or in sexually active age group, access to and ready availability of sex workers and inadequate access to health services. A significant proportion of these workers are migrants and prone to HIV infection . These mEnvironmental influences like urban lifestyle, low socioeconomic status, peer pressure and other social vices are some of the factors that facilitate infection among road construction workers and the populace. Despite the recently reported decrease in the HIV/AIDS prevalence to 4.3%, Cameroon remains on the list of countries with the highest overall HIV prevalence in West and Central Africa. Prevalence remains relatively high among long-distance truck drivers, female commercial sex workers and other most-at-risk populations . The maiResearch design: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 254 migrant road construction workers at construction sites along the Kumba-Mamfe road in the South-west region of Cameroon in December 2015. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire.Study setting: The study was conducted at the two construction sites along the Kumba-Mamfe road in the South-west region of Cameroon. This road passes through five municipalities in the South-west region of Cameroon: Kumba III, Konye, Nguti, Tinto and Mamfe municipalities, covering a considerable expanse of land. The South-west region has an HIV/AIDS prevalence of 5.7%, which is above the Cameroon national prevalence of 4.3% [ of 4.3% .Study population: The population for this study comprised male construction workers at the two road construction sites along the Kumba-Mamfe road in the South-west region of Cameroon made up of Drivers, Builders, Welders, Iron Benders and unskilled Laborers.Sampling method: A proportionate stratified sampling approach was used whereby for each construction site, a list of all employees was obtained along with their types of work. The research team then attempted to sample a proportionate number of employees from each site in order to make up the predetermined sample size for each construction site. Workers of the HIV/AIDS Prevention Research Network, Cameroon (HIVPREC), acting as peer educators explained to the workers what the survey was all about. Those who were interested consented to participate.Data collection: A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect data for this study. The questionnaire was pretested on a convenience sample of 10 migrant road construction workers who did not take part in the actual study. The questionnaires were administered by trained facilitators of HIVPREC, due to the perceived low level of literacy of the respondents. The validity of the questioned was ensured by designing items to measure the different variables of the study by the first author who is a specialist in HIV research. The questionnaire captured data on socio-demographic characteristics , constructs of the HBM  and condom use. Previous studies guided the development of the questionnaires [onnaires , 13. ComEthical considerations: Respondents were given verbal and written information about the study and signed an informed consent form before participation in the study. No personal or identifying information was retained in the questionnaire. All respondents participated on a voluntary basis and no financial incentives were provided. Permission to conduct this study was obtained from research and ethics committee of the HIV/AIDS Prevention Research Network, Cameroon (HIVPREC) and from the Management of the Kumba-Mamfe road project in the South-west region of Cameroon. Ethical clearance for this study was obtained from the research and ethics committee of the faculty of philosophy, religious and social studies of the Cameroon Christian University (CCU).The regularity of condom use: This was measured with the following question: "How often do you use a condom during sexual intercourse" and it was asked only to the sexually active workers. The response options were "1 = others" (reference category)' and "2 = always".Perceived susceptibility to HIV: This was measured based on the level of agreement with the following item: "Road construction workers are prone to HIV/AIDS". The response options were categorized into "2 = agree" and "1 = disagree". "Disagree" was coded as the index category.Perceived severity of HIV/AIDS: This measure was based on the degree of agreement with the following statement: "HIV/AIDS is a deadly disease". The response options were categorized into "2=agree" and "1 = disagree". "Disagree" was coded as the index category.Perceived benefit of condom use: This was measured based on the level of agreement with the following item: "Consistent condom use during sexual intercourse can prevent HIV transmission". The response options were categorized into "2 = agree" and "1 = disagree". "Disagree" was coded as the index category.Perceived barriers to condom use: This measure was based on the degree of agreement with the following statement: "Condom use decreases sexual pleasure". The response options were categorized into "2 = agree" and "1=disagree". "Disagree" was coded as the index category.Perceived self-efficacy for condom use: This measure was based on the degree of agreement with the following statement: "I feel confident to refuse sex with my partner(s) if they refuse to use condom". The response options were categorized into "2 = agree" and "1 = disagree". "Disagree" was coded as the index category.Socio-demographic variables: The following socio-demographic variables were included in the study: age, categorized into five groups , marital status, categorized into three groups , Religion, categorized into three groups , Educational level categorized into four groups  and occupation, categorized into Driving, Building, Iron bending, Welding and Unskilled labour.Perception of risk of contracting HIV: This was measured with the following question: "How at risk of contracting HIV are you?" The response options were "1=not at risk (reference category)" and "2=at risk".Data analysis: Frequencies, percentages and binomial logistic regression were performed using SPSS version 20 software program at the level 0.05, to examine the likelihood of using the condom consistently during sexual intercourse. Binomial logistic regression predicts the probability that an observation falls into one of two categories of a dichotomous dependent variable based on one or more independent variables that can be either continuous or categorical. The procedure gives rise to estimates of odds of a certain event occurring (consistent condom use), given a set of explanatory variables . To estimate the odds ratios (OR), we built different models predicting consistent condom use during sexual intercourse, using the various constructs of the HBM and the socio-demographic variables. To assess the predictive utility of each construct of the HBM as a whole model, that is how individuals with various combinations of health beliefs are more or less likely to consistently use the condom during sexual intercourse, each component of the HBM was entered into the model one at a time. The significant level for all statistical tests was 5%.Socio-demographic characteristics: The majority of the respondents, 219 (86.2%) were aged 20-49 years; most, 212 (83.5%) were Christians; most, 186 (73.2%) were single and the majority, 170 (66.9%) had up to high school level of education (ducation .Psychosocial predictors of consistent condom use: The psychosocial predictors of consistent condom use in this study were the constructs of the HBM ( the HBM . The maj the HBM .Many factors contribute to the rapid spread of HIV in Cameroon including low condom use, the low socioeconomic status of women and girls, the high prevalence of other STIs, harmful socio-cultural practices and increased movement of people across borders and between urban and rural areas. At-risk populations include long-distance truck drivers and migrant populations such as road construction workers . The HeaAccording to the HBM, for workers to use condoms consistently to prevent HIV transmission they must perceive few barriers to condom use and be able to overcome these barriers. The majority of the respondents in this study, 63.8% perceived that condom decreases sexual pleasure. Therefore because of this barrier, these respondents may not use condoms consistently to prevent HIV transmission. This finding calls for concerted efforts and interventions among road construction workers to enable them to understand that the benefit of condom in preventing HIV/AIDS, outweighs any barrier they might experience in using condom since the consequences of contracting HIV are serious. Going by the tenets of the HBM, It is only when a worker realises that he has the capacity to deal with any barrier to condom use, that he would be able to use it consistently during sexual intercourse. Perceived self-efficacy for condom use is the strength of a worker's belief in his own ability to refuse sex with his partners if they refuse to use condom . A workeIn this study, none of the constructs of the HBM was a significant predictor of consistent condom use. These findings are contrary to other findings among migrant workers in Benin  where peLimitations: This is among the first evidence-based studies on migrant road construction workers in Cameroon that addresses the psychosocial predictors of consistent condom use. The results of the study should be interpreted with the following limitations. Firstly, the study used a cross-sectional design and thus cause-effect relationships could not be ascertained. Secondly, the study relied on self-reported information. Therefore, reports on condom use may be subject to social desirability bias. Thirdly, the study applied venue-based sampling, which may lead to selection bias. Fourthly, the sample size was small, and as such the results might not be generalised to migrant road construction workers in other parts of Cameroon. Despite these limitations, this study provides insight into the psychosocial predictors of consistent condom use among migrant road construction workers in Cameroon.Despite the limitations, this study has shown that migrant road construction workers in Cameroon are at high risk of contracting HIV/AIDS as a result of inconsistent condom use. These findings suggest that perceived barriers to using condoms may overshadow the perceived benefits of condom use and perceived self-efficacy for condom use. Therefore, strategies to increase the perception of risk of contracting HIV/AIDS, and to overcome barriers to condom use should be implemented in HIV/AIDS prevention programmes for migrant road construction workers in Cameroon. The programmes should also aim at increasing workers' self-efficacy that they can use condoms consistently and address strategies on how to overcome barriers in negotiating condom use.Migration, mobility and HIV/AIDS are well-documented interlinked phenomena; high rates of HIV infections are generally found along transport routes and in regions experiencing high seasonal and long-term population mobility as that found in road construction sites;High mobility, isolation and working in confined environments with limited contacts, being very young adults or in sexually active age group, access to and ready availability of sex workers and inadequate access to health services, make migrant road construction works highly susceptible to HIV transmission;The main mode of HIV transmission in Cameroon is sexual intercourse, accounting for 90% of new infections. However, prevention is the first line of defense against HIV/AIDS and the correct and consistent use of condom is a mainstay of HIV prevention approaches.This study adds new knowledge to the existing body of literature because it is the first study to investigate the psychosocial predictors of consistent condom use among migrant road construction workers in Cameroon;This study reports that consistent condom use and perception of risk of contracting HIV among migrant road construction workers in the South-west region of Cameroon are low;However, using the HBM as a framework, there are no significant associations between the psychosocial constructs and consistent condom use at the level 0.05; these findings could be used by policy makers and stakeholders to design and implement programmes and strategies to increase condom use among migrant road construction workers in the South-west region of Cameroon.The authors declare no competing interest.