bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toward community-based wheelchair evaluation with machine learning methods
Authors: Chen Pin-Wei B , Morgan Kerri 
Published: December 2018

Introduction Upper extremity pain among manual wheelchair users induces functional decline and reduces quality of life. Research has identified chronic overuse due to wheelchair propulsion as one of the factors associated with upper limb injuries. Lack of a feasible tool to track wheelchair propulsion in the community precludes testing validity of wheelchair propulsion performed in the laboratory. Recent studies have shown that wheelchair propulsion can be tracked through machine learning methods and wearable accelerometers. Better results were found in subject-specific machine learning method. To further develop this technique, we conducted a pilot study examining the feasibility of measuring wheelchair propulsion patterns. Methods Two participants, an experienced manual wheelchair user and an able-bodied individual, wore two accelerometers on their arms. The manual wheelchair user performed wheelchair propulsion patterns on a wheelchair roller system and overground. The able-bodied participant performed common daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, and eating. Results The support vector machine built from the wrist and arm acceleration of wheelchair propulsion pattern recorded on the wheelchair roller system predicted the wheelchair propulsion patterns performed overground with 99.7% accuracy. The support vector machine built from additional rotation data recorded overground predicted wheelchair propulsion patterns (F1 = 0.968). Conclusions These results further demonstrate the possibility of tracking wheelchair propulsion in the community.
Progression of the Psychological ACL-RSI Score and Return to Sport After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Prospective 2-Year Follow-up Study From the French Prospective Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Cohort Study (FAST)
Authors: Sadeqi Mansour , Klouche Shahnaz , Bohu Yoann , Herman Serge , Lefevre Nicolas , Gerometta Antoine 
Published: December 2018

Background: Successful return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction requires optimal physical and psychological recovery. The main validated tool to quantify a patient’s psychological readiness to return to sport after this surgery is the Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) scale. Purpose: The primary aim was to analyze the progression of the ACL-RSI score from preoperatively to 2-year follow-up. A secondary goal was to identify the factors associated with returning to the same preinjury sport. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: This prospective study included athletes older than 16 years in all sports and levels of play who underwent primary and revision isolated ACL reconstruction from 2012 to 2015 and responded to all study questionnaires at 2-year follow-up. The primary outcome was the ACL-RSI score obtained preoperatively and at 4-month, 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year follow-up. The secondary outcomes were return to sport (running and the same preinjury sport) and various functional scores. The optimal threshold value of the ACL-RSI score for returning to the same preinjury sport was determined with the receiver operating characteristic curve. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify other factors associated with returning to the same sport at 2-year follow-up. Results: A total of 681 patients were analyzed (467 men, 214 women; mean age, 30.2 ± 9.5 years); 298 (43.8%) patients were professional or competitive athletes. The ACL-RSI score improved significantly over time: 41.3 ± 25.4 preoperatively, 55.1 ± 21.3 at 4 months, 58.3 ± 22.3 at 6 months, 64.7 ± 24.2 at 1 year, and 65.2 ± 25.3 at 2 years ( P < .00001). At 2-year follow-up, 74.9% of patients had returned to running and 58.4% to their same preinjury sport. The ACL-RSI score was significantly higher in patients who had returned to sport and in those who returned to the same level of play or higher ( P < .00001). The optimal ACL-RSI score threshold to return to the same sport at 2-year follow-up was ≥65. Multivariate analysis showed that the predictive factors of returning to the same preinjury sport at 2-year follow-up were primary reconstruction, professional or competitive level of play, an ACL-RSI score ≥60 at 6-month follow-up, and the absence of postoperative complications. Conclusion: The psychological ACL-RSI score improved regularly after ACL reconstruction and was strongly and significantly associated with return to sport. Registration: NCT02511158 ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier)
Biomechanical Comparison of Olecranon Sled Versus Intramedullary Screw Tension Banding for Olecranon Osteotomies
Authors: Kia Cameron , Dukas Alex G. , Marshall Silas T. , Voss Andreas , Obopilwe Elifho , Browner Bruce D. , Mazzocca Augustus D. 
Published: December 2018

Background: Olecranon osteotomies are frequently performed to gain access to the distal humeral articular surface. Repair of the osteotomy or fixation of a simple 2-part olecranon fracture with traditional tension band construct is often plagued by complication. Proximal migration and irritation attributed to hardware are common complications of the standard construct of an intramedullary screw with tension band and are causes for reoperation. Purpose: To compare the biomechanical performance, time of implant, and prominence of an intramedullary screw and tension band construct with that of a newer low-profile continuous loop tension band (Olecranon Sled) construct in an olecranon osteotomy model. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Chevron osteotomies were created in 6 matched pairs of fresh-frozen human elbows (mean age, 66 ± 16 years). Each matched pair was then randomly divided into 1 of 2 groups: fixation with a screw and tension band construct or the Olecranon Sled. Bone mineral density, implant prominence, and time for implantation were recorded. Following olecranon fixation, each specimen underwent cyclic loading of 0 to 10 N for 100 cycles (to simulate unresisted active range of motion) and then 0 to 500 N for 500 cycles (to simulate pushing up from a chair) to measure for any displacement at the osteotomy site. The constructs were then loaded to failure and compared. Results: No differences were found in bone mineral density between the 2 groups ( P = .290). When measured from the tip of the olecranon, the continuous loop tension band had a medial prominence of only 3.57 ± 0.4 mm, as opposed to the intramedullary screw fixation of 7.288 ± 0.762 mm ( P = .027). Total time of implantation, including osteotomy preparation, was a mean 155 seconds shorter with the Olecranon Sled versus the traditional tension band ( P < .05). Because of the fracture of 1 specimen during cyclic loading, it and its matched counterpart were excluded, and only 5 matched pairs were analyzed for displacement and load to failure. There were no significant differences between groups in load to failure or displacement during cyclic loading ( P > .05). Conclusion: The Olecranon Sled device was found to have no difference in biomechanical strength from that of the standard intramedullary screw with tension band construct. The Olecranon Sled was also found to be significantly less prominent while being faster to implant than the intramedullary screw. Clinical Relevance: Evaluating an alternative option to the standard tension band construct is important for patients with olecranon fractures or osteotomies, as standard techniques have been fraught with hardware issues and need for revision surgery.
Study of the microstructure and mechanical properties of halloysite–kaolinite/BaCO3ceramic composites
Authors: Bouzidi Nedjima , Bouzidi Athmane , Nunes Raphael Oliveira , Merabet Djoudi 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTThe present study examined the microstructure and mechanical properties of ceramic composites based on a kaolin from Djebel Debbagh, northeast Algeria, composed mainly of kaolinite and halloysite with the addition of various amounts of BaCO3. The composites were prepared by high-energy ball milling and sintered at 1100°C and 1200°C for 3 h. The samples sintered at 1200°C without BaCO3were composed mainly of mullite, which disappeared with increasing BaCO3content. X-ray diffraction investigation showed the presence of hexacelsian (BaAl2SiO6and BaAl2Si2O8), which disappeared at BaCO3contents >50 wt.% in favour of barium aluminium and barium silicate phases. At 40 wt.% BaCO3content, the porosity of the composites decreased from 0.7% to 0.1% and the microhardness increased from 7 to 8 GPa, respectively, at 1100°C and 1200°C due to the amorphous phase.
The Gümüşköy (Kütahya, Turkey) kaolin deposit and its ceramic properties
Authors: Yanık Gürsel , Ceylantekin Rasim , Taşçı Eda 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTThe Gümüşköy kaolin clay deposit, located ~40 km northwest of Kütahya, Turkey, has promising reserves for ceramic production. In order to evaluate the potential use of this region, five representative clay samples were collected and characterized with X-ray diffraction, polarized light optical microscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, differential thermal analysis and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. According to the Chemical Index of Alteration and Plagioclase Index of Alteration, the kaolin samples were formed by strong chemical alteration of the Tavşanlı volcanites. The clays contain kaolinite, illite, pyrophyllite, montmorillonite and minor halloysite, as well as quartz, plagioclase (andesine), biotite, sanidine, rutile and goethite. The clay samples were used for thermal and physical tests. The plasticity, particle-size distributions firing properties (water absorption, apparent porosity, linear shrinkage, dry bending strength, fired bending strength) and colour parameters of the fired samples were determined. The kaolinitic clay samples from Gümüşköy are suitable for making wall tiles, floor tiles and kiln wares after shaping by dry pressing and extrusion.
Surface-modified halloysite nanotubes as fillers applied in reinforcing the performance of polytetrafluoroethylene
Authors: Cheng Zhi-Lin , Chang Xing-Yu , Liu Zan , Qin Dun-Zhong 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTIn order to improve the dispersibility of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) in polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), the modification of HNT surfaces was studied with three types of modifiers (polymethyl methacrylate [PMMA], sodium dodecyl sulfate [SDS] and carboxylic acid). The modified HNTs were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and contact angle measurements. The HNTs were used to reinforce the mechanical properties of PTFE. The mechanical results indicated that the tensile strength of the modified HNT-filled PTFE nanocomposites (F-HNT/PTFE) improved to an acceptable degree and Young's modulus increased significantly. The tribological results showed that the wear rate of F-HNT/PTFE decreased by 21–82 and 9–40 times compared to pure PTFE and the pristine F-HNT/PTFE, respectively.
Effects of clay-mineral type and content on the hydraulic conductivity of bentonite–sand mixtures made of Kunigel bentonite from Japan
Authors: Kohno Masanori , Nara Yoshitaka , Kato Masaji , Nishimura Tsuyoshi 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTClay-mineral type and content, bulk mineralogical composition and alteration of bentonite are very important factors for the ultra-long-term stabilization of barriers and backfills in radioactive waste disposal. This study investigates the effects of clay-mineral type and content on the swelling characteristics and permeability of bentonite–sand mixtures with clay minerals using one-dimensional swelling-pressure and constant-pressure permeability tests. The hydraulic conductivity of bentonite–sand–clay mineral mixtures increased with increasing content of non-swelling alteration products of montmorillonite. Furthermore, hydraulic conductivity was comparable to that determined with the Kozeny–Carman equation for a specific surface area, suggesting that hydraulic conductivity may be estimated based on the abundance of expected alteration products of montmorillonite. This study provides a basis for evaluation of the hydraulic conductivity of bentonite–sand mixtures with known quantities of expected alteration products of montmorillonite.
Inhibition of complement C1s improves severe hemolytic anemia in cold agglutinin disease: a first-in-human trial
Authors: Jäger Ulrich , D’Sa Shirley , Schörgenhofer Christian , Bartko Johann , Derhaschnig Ulla , Sillaber Christian , Jilma-Stohlawetz Petra , Fillitz Michael , Schenk Thomas , Patou Gary , Panicker Sandip , Parry Graham C. , Gilbert James C. , Jilma Bernd 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Cold agglutinin disease is a difficult-to-treat autoimmune hemolytic anemia in which immunoglobulin M antibodies bind to erythrocytes and fix complement, resulting in predominantly extravascular hemolysis. This trial tested the hypothesis that the anti-C1s antibody sutimlimab would ameliorate hemolytic anemia. Ten patients with cold agglutinin disease participated in the phase 1b component of a first-in-human trial. Patients received a test dose of 10-mg/kg sutimlimab followed by a full dose of 60 mg/kg 1 to 4 days later and 3 additional weekly doses of 60 mg/kg. All infusions were well tolerated without premedication. No drug-related serious adverse events were observed. Seven of 10 patients with cold agglutinin disease responded with a hemoglobin increase &gt;2 g/dL. Sutimlimab rapidly increased hemoglobin levels by a median of 1.6 g/dL within the first week, and by a median of 3.9 g/dL (interquartile range, 1.3-4.5 g/dL; 95% confidence interval, 2.1-4.5) within 6 weeks (P = .005). Sutimlimab rapidly abrogated extravascular hemolysis, normalizing bilirubin levels within 24 hours in most patients and normalizing haptoglobin levels in 4 patients within 1 week. Hemolytic anemia recurred when drug levels were cleared from the circulation 3 to 4 weeks after the last dose of sutimlimab. Reexposure to sutimlimab in a named patient program recapitulated the control of hemolytic anemia. All 6 previously transfused patients became transfusion-free during treatment. Sutimlimab was safe, well tolerated, and rapidly stopped C1s complement–mediated hemolysis in patients with cold agglutinin disease, significantly increasing hemoglobin levels and precluding the need for transfusions. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02502903.
Worldwide practices on flexible endoscope reprocessing
Authors: Kenters N. , Tartari E. , Hopman J. , El-Sokkary Rehab H. , Nagao M. , Marimuthu K. , Vos M. C. ,   ISAC working group, Huijskens E. G. W. , Voss Andreas 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Background
Endoscopy related infections represent an important threat for healthcare systems worldwide. Recent outbreaks of infections with multidrug resistant micro-organisms have highlighted the problems of contaminated endoscopes. Endoscopes at highest risk for contamination have intricate mechanisms, multiple internal channels and narrow lumens that are especially problematic to clean. In light of raised awareness about the necessity for meticulous reprocessing of all types of endoscopes, a call for international collaboration is needed. An overview is presented on current practices for endoscope reprocessing in facilities worldwide.

Method
An electronic survey was developed and disseminated by the International Society for Antimicrobials and Chemotherapy. The survey consisted of 50 questions aimed at assessing the reprocessing of flexible endoscopes internationally. It covered three core elements: stakeholder involvement, assessment of perceived risks, and reprocessing process.

Results
The survey received a total of 165 completed responses from 39 countries. It is evident that most facilities, 82% (n = 136), have a standard operating procedure. There is, however a lot of variation within the flexible endoscope reprocessing practices observed. The need for regular training and education of reprocessing practitioners were identified by 50% (n = 83) of the respondents as main concerns that need to be addressed in order to increase patient safety in endoscope reprocessing procedures.

Conclusion
This international survey on current flexible endoscope reprocessing identified a large variation for reprocessing practices among different health care facilities/countries. A standardised education and training programme with a competency assessment is essential to prevent reprocessing lapses and improve patient safety.
Hydrogen peroxide and sodium hypochlorite disinfectants are more effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms than quaternary ammonium compounds
Authors: Lineback Caitlinn B. , Nkemngong Carine A. , Wu Sophie Tongyu , Li Xiaobao , Teska Peter J. , Oliver Haley F. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundAntimicrobial disinfectants are used as primary treatment options against pathogens on surfaces in healthcare facilities to help prevent healthcare associated infections (HAIs). On many surfaces, pathogenic microorganisms exist as biofilms and form an extracellular matrix that protects them from the antimicrobial effects of disinfectants. Disinfectants are used as all-purpose antimicrobials though very few specifically make biofilm efficacy claims. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of eight registered disinfectants (six registered by the Environmental Protection Agency and two products registered in by the European Chemical Agency) with general bactericidal claims, but currently no biofilm efficacy claims, againstStaphylococcus aureusATTC-6538 andPseudomonas aeruginosaATCC-15442 biofilms. We hypothesized that hydrogen peroxide and sodium hypochlorite disinfectant products would be more effective than quaternary ammonium chlorides.MethodsThis study tested the bactericidal efficacy of eight registered disinfectant products againstS. aureusATCC-6538 andP. aeruginosaATCC-15442 grown on glass coupons using a Center for Disease Control (CDC) biofilm reactor and EPA MLB SOP MB-19. Bactericidal efficacy was determined after treating coupons with disinfectants following standard EPA MLB SOP MB-20.ResultsOverall, sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide disinfectants had significantly higher bactericidal efficacies than quaternary ammonium chloride disinfectants. We also found that all tested disinfectants except for quaternary ammonium chloride disinfectants met and exceeded the EPA standard for bactericidal efficacy against biofilms.ConclusionIn general, bactericidal efficacy against biofilms differed by active ingredient. The efficacies of sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide disinfectants did not vary between strains, but there were significant differences between strains treated with quaternary ammonium chloride disinfectants.
A new hypothesis on the mechanism of nano-filled elastomers reinforcement
Authors: Sokolov Alexander Konstantinovich , Garishin Oleg Konstantinovich , Svistkov Alexander L’vovich 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIncorporation of active fillers to rubber markedly improves the strength properties and deformation characteristics of such materials. One possible explanation of this phenomenon is suggested in this work. It is based on the fact that for large deformations the binder (high-elastic, cross-linked elastomer) in the gaps between the filler particles (carbon black) is in a state close to the uniaxial extension. The greater part of polymer molecular chains are oriented along the loading axis in this situation. Therefore it can be assumed that the material in this state has a higher strength compared to other ones at the same intensity of deformation. In this paper, a new strength criterion is proposed, and a few examples are given to illustrate its possible use. It is shown that microscopic ruptures that occur during materials deformation happen not in the space between filler particles but at some distance around from it without breaking particle “interactions” through these gaps. The verification of this approach in modeling the stretching of a sample from an unfilled elastomer showed that in this case it works in full accordance with the classical strength criteria, where the presence in the material of a small defect (microscopic incision) leads to the appearance and catastrophic growth of the macrocrack.
Design and Evaluation of a Wireless Electrocardiogram Monitor in an Operating Room: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ariès Philippe , Bensafia Kahina , Mansour Ali , Clément Benoît , Vincent Jean-Louis , Nguyen Ba Vinh 
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND:
Wired electrocardiogram monitors are an important component of current perioperative monitoring. Wireless monitoring units could help reduce the number of cables attached to patients and thus improve anesthesia ergonomics and patient management. However, there is concern that electromagnetic interference generated by electrosurgical units may prevent effective wireless signals in the operating room. To evaluate the extent of this problem, we developed a Bluetooth electrocardiogram prototype monitor and compared its electrocardiogram traces to those captured with a standard wired electrocardiogram monitor in our operating room.

METHODS:
Bluetooth electrocardiogram and standard electrocardiogram traces captured from 10 patients undergoing surgical procedures that required use of an electrosurgical unit were compared by analysis of the durations of the P wave, QRS complex, and T wave and the position of the ST segment from the isoelectric line. The impact of the electrosurgical units on the Bluetooth electrocardiogram and S-electrocardiogram recordings was also assessed.

RESULTS:
There were no clinically relevant differences in P wave, QRS complex, or T-wave durations (0.006, 0.004, and 0.017 seconds, respectively) between Bluetooth electrocardiogram and standard electrocardiogram or in the position of the ST segment from the isoelectric line (0.02 mV). Mean differences were near zero, and Bland–Altman limits of agreement for individual differences were narrow (−0.035 to 0.047, −0.03 to 0.038, and −0.112 to 0.078 seconds for P wave, QRS complex, and T-wave durations, respectively, and −0.13 to 0.17 mV for ST segment position). Electrosurgical units use electrically disrupted Bluetooth electrocardiogram and standard electrocardiogram signals, but there was no electromagnetic interference effect on the Bluetooth electrocardiogram signals.

CONCLUSIONS:
Wireless electrocardiogram using Bluetooth can be reliably used in the operating room. The electrosurgical unit induces electric rather than electromagnetic artifacts, thus affecting wired and wireless electrocardiogram in a similar fashion.