My Passion

Amputees and
Down Syndrome
Health
Jeff Wright
 Problems with Prosthetic limbs

• It has been estimated that more then 3 million people with be

amputees by 2050. (5)

• Advancement in technology has been made with

electromyographic technology. (1,2)

• Current products are cumbersome. (2)

• Forces users to utilize gross motor twitches to control prosthetic.

(2)

• COAPT is currently researching and producing upgraded models

utilizing EMG technology.(2)

• Vellore Institute of Engineering and Technology is also researching

advancements in EMG technology. (1)
 What they have found…

• COAPT was able to develop a second gen product for upper limb
amputees. (2)

• The new product has upgraded sensor to more accurately detect

EMG signals. (2)

• It detects and teaches things that will help the user improve the
function of the product for the user.
(2)

• The Vellore Institute has been working on a new algorithm that will
smoothen the input between the user and the device. (1)
 The Value

• New AI from COAPT will allow a better user interface. Allowing the
device to learn from the user.(2)

• Algorithm from Vellore Institute could improve the smoothness of

the input signal.
(1)
 More then just Trisomy 21

• The difficulties of Trisomy 21 or Down Syndrome are well

documented.
• Many people with Trisomy 21 have learning disabilities and
congenital heart defects. (3)

• The extent of the disability is different from person to person.

 Research

• The University of Montreal have discovered a new mechanism

involved in the expression of children with Down Syndrome.
• The research team found that the various signaling pathways that trigger
synaptic potentiation or depression converge on RCAN1.
• They also determined that the gene regulates calcineurin and can inhibit and
facilitate it.
• They deduced that RCAN1 operates like a switch that regulates synaptic
plasticity affecting learning and memory
• This research opens the possibility of treatments for affected patients.
(3)
 Gene Therpay

• Progress is also being made in Gene Therapy.

• It is believed that the genes are over and under regulated due to the extra
chromosome.
• By normalizing the expression levels of up or downregulated genes to rescue
phenotypes of DS.

(4)
 The Value

• Research in this field could help in changing the lives of many.

• Downs Syndrome is the most common defect causing both
intellectual challenges and congenital heart defects.
(3)

• Research and treatment of the affected patients could improve the

lives of both the patients and the families.
 References

• [1]A. Singha and R. Mugelan, "A Novel Algorithm for Dynamic Control and Modeling of Myoelectric Signals for Prosthetics",
Nanoelectronics, Circuits and Communication Systems, pp. 383-392, 2020. Available: 10.1007/978-981-15-7486-3_35 [Accessed
23 February 2021].

• [2]"Next-Gen Control System for Prosthetics | RoboticsTomorrow", Roboticstomorrow.com, 2021. [Online]. Available:
https://www.roboticstomorrow.com/article/2019/10/next-gen-control-system-for-prosthetics/14246. [Accessed: 23- Feb- 2021].

• [3]"Major discovery in the genetics of Down syndrome", EurekAlert!, 2021. [Online]. Available:
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-02/uom-mdi021920.php. [Accessed: 23- Feb- 2021].

• [4]C. Fillat and X. Altafaj, "Gene therapy for Down syndrome", Progress in Brain Research, pp. 237-247, 2012. Available:
10.1016/b978-0-444-54299-1.00012-1 [Accessed 23 February 2021].

• [5]K. Ziegler-Graham, E. MacKenzie, P. Ephraim, T. Travison and R. Brookmeyer, "Estimating the Prevalence of Limb Loss in the
United States: 2005 to 2050", Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, vol. 89, no. 3, pp. 422-429, 2008. Available:
10.1016/j.apmr.2007.11.005 [Accessed 23 February 2021].