Designing better frog call recognition models

Advances in bioacoustic technology, such as the use of automatic recording devices, allow wildlife monitoring at large spatial scales. However, such technology can produce enormous amounts of audio data that must be processed and analyzed. One potential solution to this problem is the use of automated sound recognition tools, but we lack a general framework for developing and validating these tools. Recognizers are computer models of an animal sound assembled from “training data” (i.e., actual samples of vocalizations). The settings of variables used to create recognizers can impact performance, and the use of different settings can result in large differences in error rates that can be exploited for different monitoring objectives. We used Song Scope (Wildlife Acoustics Inc.) to build recognizers and vocalizations of the wood frog (Lithobates sylvaticus) to test how different settings and amounts of training data influence recognizer performance. Performance was evaluated using precision (the probability of a recognizer match being a true match) and sensitivity (the proportion of vocalizations detected) based on a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve‐determined score threshold. Evaluations were conducted using recordings not used to build the recognizer. Wood frog recognizer performance was sensitive to setting changes in four out of nine variables, and small improvements were achieved by using additional training data from different sites and from the same recording, but not from different recordings from the same site. Overall, the effect of changes to variable settings was much greater than the effect of increasing training data. Additionally, by testing the performance of the recognizer on vocalizations not used to build the recognizer, we discovered that Type I error rates appear idiosyncratic and do not recommend extrapolation from training to new data, whereas Type II errors showed more consistency and extrapolation can be justified. Optimizing variable settings on independent recordings led to a better match between recognizer performance and monitoring objectives. We provide general recommendations for application of this methodology with other species and make some suggestions for improvements.     

Automated auditory detection of a rare,secretive marsh bird with infrequent and acoustically indistinct vocalizations

Autonomous recording units (ARUs) provide a non-invasive and efficient method for acoustic detection of elusive species across large temporal and spatial scales. However, species with indistinct vocalization structures can be a considerable challenge for automated signal recognizers. We investigated the performance of ARUs and signal recognizers in identifying the broadband, short-syllable, pulsed calls of a secretive, threatened marsh bird, the King Rail Rallus elegans. Other sympatric species in the same habitat also have repetitive calls within the same frequency range that can be difficult to distinguish. Following serial ARU deployments at specified sites in known breeding habitat, we conducted standardized callback surveys and nest searches to provide an independent measure of breeder density. To analyse recordings, we developed a signal recognizer based on user-input training files to detect two common call types, kek and grunt. Detections that remained following manual review of recognizer output revealed a previously undescribed seasonal decline and crepuscular diel pattern in calling rate. The rate of the grunt call also predicted density. These patterns emerged despite the recognizer's low precision and high false-positive rate, which were largely due to misclassification of other species' calls, although ambient noise and effective detection radius also limited the detectability of King Rail calls. We demonstrate that with informed ARU scheduling, improved ability to manipulate user-specified parameters within signal detection software, and attention to quality control, even the simplest call structures can be located consistently in a diverse acoustic landscape. Our behavioural findings will inform improvements to auditory surveys and to management of King Rails across their range.     

Early Detection of Pressure Ulcers: Considering the Reperfusion

ObjectivesPressure ulcers are a great handicap for those who develop one. Pressure ulcers can take a long time to heal especially if detected late. These afflictions require a lot of time from the medical personnel and thus a great amount of money. We aim here to check the impact of continuous measurement on the performance of early pressure ulcer detection algorithms.Material and methodsTo detect pressure ulcers early on we use a simulation of a human buttocks to simulate the reaction of it to pressure. This simulation considers the most recent findings about pressure ulcers. In particular, the phenomenon of muscle stiffening when pressure is applied for a long period of time, and the reperfusion phenomenon. We can then simulate pressure captors on the outside interface of the buttocks to use these measurements for detection. We then determine the best threshold on the measured pressures to create standard algorithms that we compare to novel algorithms using an optimized threshold on a calculated damage based on the pressure measurement of the last 2 hours.ResultsWe compare these different algorithms for the early detection of pressure ulcers and show the need to take the measurement variation in time for a better detection. The detection error is improved by 7.3% for balanced classes and 2.7% for a dataset with a majority of healthy buttocks.ConclusionWe showed that taking the evolution of pressure instead of only instantaneous measurement can improve the early detection of pressure ulcer.     

Genetic and Environmental Contributions to Facial Morphological Variation: A 3D Population-Based Twin Study

IntroductionFacial phenotype is influenced by genes and environment; however, little is known about their relative contributions to normal facial morphology. The aim of this study was to assess the relative genetic and environmental contributions to facial morphological variation using a three-dimensional (3D) population-based approach and the classical twin study design.ResultsHeritability of 13 uPC and 17 sPC reached statistical significance, with h² ranging from 38.8% to 78.5% in the former and 30.5% to 84.8% in the latter group. Also, 1222 distances showed evidence of genetic control. Common environment contributed to one PC in both groups and 53 linear distances (4.3%). Unique environment contributed to 17 uPC and 20 sPC and 1245 distances.ConclusionsGenetic factors can explain more than 70% of the phenotypic facial variation in facial size, nose (width, prominence and height), lips prominence and inter-ocular distance. A few traits have shown potential dominant genetic influence: the prominence and height of the nose, the lower lip prominence in relation to the chin and upper lip philtrum length. Environmental contribution to facial variation seems to be the greatest for the mandibular ramus height and horizontal facial asymmetry.     

超声造影与B型超声对人颈动脉内膜-中层厚度及斑块的诊断价值分析

摘要 目的：探讨超声造影（CEUS）与B型超声在诊断人颈动脉内膜-中层厚度（CIMT）及斑块中的临床应用价值。方法：选取2018年10月至2022年12月内蒙古自治区人民医院健康体检者142例,均行颈动脉B型超声和CEUS成像检查。记录左右侧颈动脉各分段点CIMT近壁和远壁值,然后取平均值。采用半定量的方法进行评分,以确定在B型超声和CEUS成像过程中的CIMT可视化。比较B型超声和CEUS成像技术对斑块检出的差异。根据CIMT平均值进行进一步分组,分析CIMT与亚临床左心功能障碍之间的关系。结果：在B型超声成像上,左右侧颈动脉CIMT远壁的可视化评分均明显高于CIMT近壁,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）;在CEUS成像上,左右侧颈动脉CIMT远壁的可视化评分均高于CIMT近壁,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。与B型超声成像模式对比,在CEUS成像模式中左右侧颈动脉CIMT远壁和近壁的可视化评分均得到显著提高,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。142例健康体检者中,B型超声总共检测出271个斑块,CEUS总共检测出293个斑块,斑块检出率组间比较差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。随着CIMT平均值的逐渐增大,LVM逐渐减小,LVGLS逐渐增大,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。CIMT平均值的大小与LVEDD、LVESD和LVEF差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。结论：CEUS改善了CIMT的可视化,并能更好地检测出颈动脉斑块（主要为低回声斑块）,对预测心血管疾病的发生有一定临床价值。     

Distance‐dependent seedling mortality and long‐term spacing dynamics in a neotropical forest community

Negative distance dependence (NDisD), or reduced recruitment near adult conspecifics, is thought to explain the astounding diversity of tropical forests. While many studies show greater mortality at near vs. far distances from adults, these studies do not seek to track changes in the peak seedling curve over time, thus limiting our ability to link NDisD to coexistence. Using census data collected over 12 years from central Panama in conjunction with spatial mark‐connection functions, we show evidence for NDisD for many species, and find that the peak seedling curve shifts away from conspecific adults over time. We find wide variation in the strength of NDisD, which was correlated with seed size and canopy position, but other life‐history traits showed no relationship with variation in NDisD mortality. Our results document shifts in peak seedling densities over time, thus providing evidence for the hypothesized spacing mechanism necessary for diversity maintenance in tropical forests.     

Simulation of images of CDMAM phantom and the estimation of measurement uncertainties of threshold gold thickness

PurposeTo demonstrate a method of simulating mammography images of the CDMAM phantom and to investigate the coefficient of variation (CoV) in the threshold gold thickness (t_T) measurements associated with use of the phantom.MethodsThe noise and sharpness of Hologic Dimensions and GE Essential mammography systems were characterized to provide data for the simulation. The simulation method was validated by comparing the t_T results of real and simulated images of the CDMAM phantom for three different doses and the two systems. The detection matrices produced from each of 64 images using CDCOM software were randomly resampled to create 512 sets of 8, 16 and 32 images to estimate the CoV of t_T. Sets of simulated images for a range of doses were used to estimate the CoVs for a range of diameters and threshold thicknesses.ResultsNo significant differences were found for t_T or the CoV between real and simulated CDMAM images. It was shown that resampling from 256 images was required for estimating the CoV. The CoV was around 4% using 16 images for most of the phantom but is over double that for details near the edge of the phantom.ConclusionsWe have demonstrated a method to simulate images of the CDMAM phantom for different systems at a range of doses. We provide data for calculating uncertainties in t_T. Any future review of the European guidelines should take into consideration the calculated uncertainties for the 0.1 mm detail.     

Fledge or fail: Nest monitoring of endangered black-cockatoos using bioacoustics and open-source call recognition

Ecologists are increasingly using bioacoustics in wildlife monitoring programs. Remote autonomous sound recorders provide new options for collecting data for species and in contexts that were previously difficult. However, post-processing of sound files to extract relevant data remains a significant challenge. Detection algorithms, or call recognizers, can aid automation of species detection but their performance and reliability has been mixed. Further, building recognizers typically requires either costly commercial software or expert programming skills, both of which reduces their accessibility to ecologists responsible for monitoring. In this study we investigated the performance of open-source call recognizers provided by the monitoR package in R, a language popular among ecologists. We tested recognizers on sound data collected under natural conditions at nests of two endangered subspecies of black-cockatoo, the Kangaroo Island glossy black-cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami halmaturinus (n = 23 nests), and the south-eastern red-tailed black-cockatoo Calyptorhynchus banksii graptogyne (n = 20 nests). Specifically, we tested the performance of binary point matching recognizers in confirming daily nest activity (active or inactive) and nesting outcome (fledge or fail). We tested recognizers on recordings from nests of known status using 3 × 3-h recordings per nest, from early, mid and late stages of the recording period. Daily nest activity was correctly assigned in 61.7% of survey days analysed (n = 60 days) for the red-tailed black-cockatoo, and 62.3% of survey days (n = 69 days) for the glossy black-cockatoo. Fledging was successfully detected in all cases. Precision (true positive / true positive + false positive) of individual detections was 70.2% for the south-eastern red-tailed black-cockatoo and 37.1% for the Kangaroo Island glossy black-cockatoo. Manual verification of outputs is still required, but it is not necessary to verify all detections to confirm an active nest (i.e., nest is deemed active when true positives are identified). We conclude that bioacoustics combined with semi-automated post-processing can be an appropriate tool for nest monitoring in these endangered subspecies.     

Objective Detection of Retinal Vessel Pulsation

PurposeRetinal venous pulsation detection is a subjective sign, which varies in elevated intracranial pressure, venous obstruction and glaucoma. To date no method can objectively measure and identify pulsating regions.MethodUsing high resolution video-recordings of the optic disk and retina we measured fluctuating light absorption by haemoglobin during pulsation. Pulsation amplitude was calculated from all regions of the retinal image video-frames in a raster pattern. Segmented retinal images were formed by objectively selecting regions with amplitudes above a range of threshold values. These were compared to two observers manually drawing an outline of the pulsating areas while viewing video-clips in order to generate receiver operator characteristics.Results216,515 image segments were analysed from 26 eyes in 18 research participants. Using data from each eye, the median area under the receiver operator curve (AU-ROC) was 0.95. With all data analysed together the AU-ROC was 0.89. We defined the ideal threshold amplitude for detection of any pulsating segment being that with maximal sensitivity and specificity. This was 5 units (95% confidence interval 4.3 to 6.0) compared to 12 units before any regions were missed. A multivariate model demonstrated that ideal threshold amplitude increased with increased variation in video-sequence illumination (p = 0.0119), but between the two observers (p = 0.0919) or other variables.ConclusionThis technique demonstrates accurate identification of retinal vessel pulsating regions with no areas identified manually being missed with the objective technique. The amplitude values are derived objectively and may be a significant advance upon subjective ophthalmodynamometric threshold techniques.     

Assessing factors influencing communities’ acceptability of mass drug administration for the elimination of lymphatic filariasis in Guyana

BackgroundGuyana is one of four countries in the Latin American Region where lymphatic filariasis (LF) remains endemic. In preparation for the introduction of a new triple drug therapy regimen (ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine, and albendazole (IDA)) in 2019, an acceptability study was embedded within sentinel site mapping in four regions to assess mass drug administration (MDA) coverage and compliance, acceptability, and perceptions about treatment and disease. The results from this survey would inform the rollout of IDA in Guyana in 2019.MethodsData collection for the study occurred in August 2019, using a validated questionnaire administered by trained enumerators. Across all regions, a total of 1,248 participants were sampled by the Filarial Mapping team. Four-hundred and fifty-one participants aged over 18 years were randomly selected for participation in an expanded acceptability questionnaire. All data were captured in Secure Data Kit (SDK).ResultsAcceptability was measured using a mean acceptability score. Unadjusted mean scores ranged from 24.6 to 29.3, with 22.5 as the threshold of acceptability. Regional variation occurred across many indicators of interest: self-rated understanding about LF, mechanisms of LF transmission, LF drug safety and history of treatment during MDA. Region IV (Georgetown) recorded higher knowledge about LF, but lower compliance and acceptability. Number of pills was not perceived as a concern.ConclusionAcceptability of MDA was good across all four regions under study. Results from this study set a baseline level for key indicators and acceptability, from which the acceptability of IDA can be measured. Regional variations across indicators suggest that localized approaches should be considered for social mobilization and MDA delivery to capture these contextual differences.     

Diffuse, short and slow migration among Blue Tits

The knowledge of migration systems in long-distance regular migrants is in many cases extensive. Our understanding of the migratory characteristics of partial migrants, on the other hand, is far more rudimentary. We investigated migratory characteristics of partially migratory Blue Tits Cyanistes caeruleus using ringing recoveries of Swedish birds, to answer questions about geographic migration patterns, age-specific migrations, migration speeds and synchrony of movements. Median migration distance of Swedish Blue Tits was 82 km, with a main autumn direction in the sector between S and W (large directional scatter). Northerly and southerly populations did not differ in migration directions or distances, suggesting chain migration to be the general pattern. A larger proportion of adult Blue Tits remained near the breeding grounds during winter than was the case for juveniles. Some of the migrating birds (17%) seemed not to return in spring but stayed to breed closer to the winter area. Swedish Blue Tits show an exceptionally slow migration speed (median 13 km/day), among the slowest speeds recorded for any migrant bird. The Blue Tit represents an extreme case of diffuse, short and slow bird migration.     

The Janus-faced E-values of HMMER2: extreme value distribution or logistic function?

E-value guided extrapolation of protein domain annotation from libraries such as Pfam with the HMMER suite is indispensable for hypothesizing about the function of experimentally uncharacterized protein sequences. Since the recent release of HMMER3 does not supersede all functions of HMMER2, the latter will remain relevant for ongoing research as well as for the evaluation of annotations that reside in databases and in the literature. In HMMER2, the E-value is computed from the score via a logistic function or via a domain model-specific extreme value distribution (EVD); the lower of the two is returned as E-value for the domain hit in the query sequence. We find that, for thousands of domain models, this treatment results in switching from the EVD to the statistical model with the logistic function when scores grow (for Pfam release 23, 99% in the global mode and 75% in the fragment mode). If the score corresponding to the breakpoint results in an E-value above a user-defined threshold (e.g. 0.1), a critical score region with conflicting E-values from the logistic function (below the threshold) and from EVD (above the threshold) does exist. Thus, this switch will affect E-value guided annotation decisions in an automated mode. To emphasize, switching in the fragment mode is of no practical relevance since it occurs only at E-values far below 0.1. Unfortunately, a critical score region does exist for 185 domain models in the hmmpfam and 1,748 domain models in the hmmsearch global-search mode. For 145 out the respective 185 models, the critical score region is indeed populated by actual sequences. In total, 24.4% of their hits have a logistic function-derived E-value < 0.1 when the EVD provides an E-value > 0.1. We provide examples of false annotations and critically discuss the appropriateness of a logistic function as alternative to the EVD.     

Estimating primate densities using home range and line transect methods: A comparative test with the black colobus monkeyColobus satanas

The line transect method is one of the main methods used to estimate primate densities. Several protocols have been proposed to analyze the data recorded under this method but none of them have been widely accepted since there is a considerable controversy about their respective accuracy. In this study, densities of the black colobus monkeyColobus satanas calculated using eight different protocols were compared with the actual density given by the home range method. Rates of polyspecific associations were also compared. The two most accurate estimates of group density (under- or overestimation <10%) were yielded by the protocol that used the maximum transect-to-animal distance and by that of using a fixed distance of 100 m. These protocols, however, underestimated individual density because counts performed from transects underestimated by 23% the average group size. The six other protocols overestimated group density by 20–195%. Factors that could explain these overestimation were discussed. Because histogram of sighting frequency showed several classes of distances with no records and because groups have been detected as far as 160 m, we suggested that the uneven topography of the study site increased the variability of the sighting distances. Combined with a relatively low number of sightings (n=23), this did not allow to identify a sharp detection distance. Rates of polyspecific association found with the two methods were similar. We recommend to investigate the influence of the topography for bias in density estimates when using the line transect method.     

Automatic exposure control at MDCT based on the contrast-to-noise ratio: Theoretical background and phantom study

PurposeTo develop a new automatic exposure control (AEC) technique based on the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and provide constant lesion detectability.MethodsLesion detectability is affected by factors such as image noise, lesion contrast, and lesion size. We performed ROC analysis to assess the relationship between the optimum CNR and the lesion diameter at various levels of lesion contrast. We then developed a CNR-based AEC algorithm based on lesion detectability. Using CNR- based AEC algorithm, we performed visual evaluation of low-contrast detectability by 5 radiologists on a low-contrast module of the Catphan phantom, a contrast-difference level of 1.0% (difference in the CT number = 10 HU), and objects 3.0–9.0 mm in diameter.ResultsOn step-and-shoot scans the mean detection fraction with CNR-based AEC remained almost constant from 88 to 99 % regardless of the lesion size. We observed the same trend on helical scans, the mean detection fraction with CNR-based AEC exhibited a high score from 91 to 100%. Although CNR-based AEC maintains higher CNR for smaller size or lower contrast lesion, radiation dose on 3 mm lesion resulted in about 13 times larger than that of 9 mm lesion size. CTDI_vol for the CNR-based AEC technique changed dramatically with the SD_Z from 7.5 to 100.0 mGy for step-and-shoot scans and from 9.1 to 121.5 mGy for helical scans.ConclusionsFrom the viewpoint of ROC analysis-based CNR for lesion detection, CNR-based AEC potentially provide image quality advantages for clinical implementation.     

Wolf predation on moose and roe deer: chase distances and outcome of encounters

We examined chase distances of gray wolves Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758 hunting moose Alces alces and roe deer Capreolus capreolus, and recorded details of encounters between wolves and prey on the Scandinavian Peninsula, 1997–2003. In total, 252 wolf attacks on moose and 64 attacks on roe deer were registered during 4200 km of snow tracking in 28 wolf territories. Average chase distances were 76 m for moose and 237 m for roe deer, a difference likely due to variation in body size and vigilance between prey species. A model including prey species, outcome of the attack, and snow depth explained 15–19% of the variation found in chase distances, with shorter chase distances associated with greater snow depth and with successful attacks on moose but not on roe deer. Wolf hunting success did not differ between prey species (moose 43%, roe deer 47%) but in 11% of the wolf attacks on moose at least one moose was injured but not killed, whereas no injured roe deer survived. Compared with most North American wolf studies chase distances were shorter, hunting success was greater, and fewer moose made a stand when attacked by wolves in our study. Differences in wolf encounters with moose and roe deer likely result from different anti-predator behaviour and predator-prey history between prey species.     

Novel long-distance movements by Neotropical bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) evidenced by recaptures in southeastern Brazil

We report recapture data for phyllostomid bats in different types of forests, and at different altitudes, obtained through long-term fieldwork in southeastern Brazil. We provide evidence of long-distance movements, with bats moving up to 120 km from mountains to the beach, with an altitudinal variation of 1,237 m. These movements demonstrate the high mobility of these bats and represent the longest distances recorded for them so far in the Neotropics, besides reinforcing the need for long-term capture and recapture programs aimed at understanding the movement dynamics of bat populations.     

Why longer song elements are easier to detect: threshold level-duration functions in the Great Tit and comparison with human data

Our study estimates detection thresholds for tones of different durations and frequencies in Great Tits (Parus major) with operant procedures. We employ signals covering the duration and frequency range of communication signals of this species (40–1,010 ms; 2, 4, 6.3 kHz), and we measure threshold level-duration (TLD) function (relating threshold level to signal duration) in silence as well as under behaviorally relevant environmental noise conditions (urban noise, woodland noise). Detection thresholds decreased with increasing signal duration. Thresholds at any given duration were a function of signal frequency and were elevated in background noise, but the shape of Great Tit TLD functions was independent of signal frequency and background condition. To enable comparisons of our Great Tit data to those from other species, TLD functions were first fitted with a traditional leaky-integrator model. We then applied a probabilistic model to interpret the trade-off between signal amplitude and duration at threshold. Great Tit TLD functions exhibit features that are similar across species. The current results, however, cannot explain why Great Tits in noisy urban environments produce shorter song elements or faster songs than those in quieter woodland environments, as detection thresholds are lower for longer elements also under noisy conditions.     

Echolocating bats cry out loud to detect their prey

Echolocating bats have successfully exploited a broad range of habitats and prey. Much research has demonstrated how time-frequency structure of echolocation calls of different species is adapted to acoustic constraints of habitats and foraging behaviors. However, the intensity of bat calls has been largely neglected although intensity is a key factor determining echolocation range and interactions with other bats and prey. Differences in detection range, in turn, are thought to constitute a mechanism promoting resource partitioning among bats, which might be particularly important for the species-rich bat assemblages in the tropics. Here we present data on emitted intensities for 11 species from 5 families of insectivorous bats from Panamá hunting in open or background cluttered space or over water. We recorded all bats in their natural habitat in the field using a multi-microphone array coupled with photographic methods to assess the bats' position in space to estimate emitted call intensities. All species emitted intense search signals. Output intensity was reduced when closing in on background by 4-7 dB per halving of distance. Source levels of open space and edge space foragers (Emballonuridae, Mormoopidae, Molossidae, and Vespertilionidae) ranged between 122-134 dB SPL. The two Noctilionidae species hunting over water emitted the loudest signals recorded so far for any bat with average source levels of ca. 137 dB SPL and maximum levels above 140 dB SPL. In spite of this ten-fold variation in emitted intensity, estimates indicated, surprisingly, that detection distances for prey varied far less; bats emitting the highest intensities also emitted the highest frequencies, which are severely attenuated in air. Thus, our results suggest that bats within a local assemblage compensate for frequency dependent attenuation by adjusting the emitted intensity to achieve comparable detection distances for prey across species. We conclude that for bats with similar hunting habits, prey detection range represents a unifying constraint on the emitted intensity largely independent of call shape, body size, and close phylogenetic relationships.     

关节镜下前交叉韧带重建中保留残端对膝关节功能及本体感觉恢复的影响研究

目的:探讨关节镜下前交叉韧带(ACL)重建术中保留韧带残端对ACL损伤患者膝关节功能及本体感觉恢复的影响。方法:回顾性分析2010年1月~2016年3月解放军第174医院收治的ACL损伤患者266例,所有患者均行关节镜下ACL重建,其中保留韧带残端的163例为保留残端组,术中完全清理韧带残端的103例为非保留残端组,所有患者术后随访12个月以上,评价两组患者的膝关节功能及本体感觉恢复情况。结果:术前、术后9个月、术后12个月两组膝关节患侧Lysholm评分、国际膝关节文献委员会膝关节评估表(IKDC)评分、被动活动察觉阀值、被动角度再生试验结果比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05);两组术后各检测时间点的Lysholm评分、IKDC评分较术前均显著提高,被动活动察觉阀值、被动角度再生试验结果较术前明显降低(P0.05);保留残端组术后3个月、6个月的Lysholm评分、IKDC评分高于非保留残端组,被动活动察觉阀值、被动角度再生试验结果低于非保留残端组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:关节镜下ACL重建中保留残端可加快膝关节功能及本体感觉恢复速度,获得满意的临床疗效,值得推广应用。