bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Results of reoperation for failed ulnar nerve surgery at the elbow: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Natroshvili Tinatin , Walbeehm Erik T. , van Alfen Nens , Bartels Ronald H. M. A. 
Published: May 2018

OBJECTIVEThe clinical results of reoperation for recurrent or persistent ulnar nerve compression at the elbow have not been clearly determined. The aim of this review was to determine overall improvement, residual pain, and sensory and motor deficits following reoperation regardless of the type of primary surgery performed for this condition.METHODSIn accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations, a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies was performed. An independent librarian performed a literature search using Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the quality appraisal tool described by Moga et al. were used to assess the quality of included case series.RESULTSOf the 278 retrieved studies, 16 were eligible for analysis and included a total of 290 patients with failed surgery for ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow. Relief of symptoms after reoperation was reported in 85% of patients. A decrease in pain was noted in 85% of the patients (95% CI 75%–93%). Only 2.4% of patients with preoperative pain experienced worse pain after reoperation. Motor and sensory function improvement was noted in 77% (95% CI 63%–88%) and 77% (95% CI 61%–90%) of cases, respectively. Complete recovery from signs and symptoms at the final follow-up was noted in 23% of elbows (95% CI 16%–31%).CONCLUSIONSAlthough the level of evidence of the included studies was low, the majority of patients had relief from their complaints after reoperation for recurrent or persistent ulnar nerve compression at the elbow following a previous surgery. The success rate of surgical treatment for a failed surgery was quite remarkable since almost a quarter of the patients completely recovered. Therefore, the authors recommend reoperation as a serious option for patients with this condition.
Perioperative complications and risk factors in neuromuscular scoliosis surgery
Authors: Toll Brandon J. , Samdani Amer F. , Janjua M. Burhan , Gandhi Shashank , Pahys Joshua M. , Hwang Steven W. 
Published: May 2018

OBJECTIVEHigh rates of perioperative complications are associated with deformity correction in neuromuscular scoliosis. The current study aimed to evaluate complications associated with surgical correction of neuromuscular scoliosis and to characterize potential risk factors.METHODSData were retrospectively collected from a single-center cohort of 102 consecutive patients who underwent spinal fusions for neuromuscular scoliosis between January 2008 and December 2016 and who had a minimum of 6 months of follow-up. A subgroup analysis was performed on data from patients who had at least 2 years of follow-up. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses, as well as binary correlational models and Student t-tests, were employed for further statistical analysis.RESULTSThe present cohort had 53 boys and 49 girls with a mean age at surgery of 14.0 years (± 2.7 SD, range 7.5–19.5 years). The most prevalent diagnoses were cerebral palsy (26.5%), spinal cord injury (24.5%), and neurofibromatosis (10.8%). Analysis reflected an overall perioperative complication rate of 27% (37 complications in 27 patients), 81.1% of which constituted major complications (n = 30) compared to a rate of 18.9% for minor complications (n = 7). Complications were predicted by nonambulatory status (p = 0.037), increased intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.012), increased intraoperative time (p = 0.046), greater pelvic obliquity at follow-up (p = 0.028), and greater magnitude of sagittal profile at follow-up (p = 0.048). Pulmonary comorbidity (p = 0.001), previous operations (p = 0.013), history of seizures (p = 0.046), diagnosis of myelomeningocele (p = 0.046), increase in weight postoperatively (p < 0.005), and increased lumbar lordosis at follow-up (p = 0.015) were identified as risk factors for perioperative infection.CONCLUSIONSThese results suggest that in neuromuscular scoliosis, patients with preexisting pulmonary compromise and greater intraoperative blood loss have the greatest risk of experiencing a major perioperative complication following surgical deformity correction.
A comparison between core exercises with Theraband and Swiss Ball in terms of core stabilization and balance performance
Authors: Aksen-Cengizhan Pelin , Onay Derya , Sever Ozan , Doğan Ali Ahmet 
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND: Core exercises include exercises to train muscles that control and stabilize the movements of the abdomen, waist, and hip. Thanks to these exercises, the control and balance of the body are increased. Exercises on unstable surfaces increase the level of muscle activity, and by using elastic resistance tools, one or more joints can be simultaneously and efficiently trained. OBJECTIVE: To compare core exercises with Theraband and Swiss Ball in terms of core stabilization and balance performance. METHOD: A total of 22 women who perform recreational sports between 25 and 46 years of age participated in the study. The participants were separated into two groups: Swiss Ball (SBC, [Formula: see text] 11) and Theraband (TBC, [Formula: see text] 11). Both groups were subjected to core exercise programs for 6 weeks, 3 days a week, around 40 minutes per day. Prior to and after the 6-week exercises, body composition, core stabilization, Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), and Stork balance test scores were compared. RESULTS: No difference was found between groups in terms of pre-test values. While the weight and body mass index values decreased in all groups, the balance and core stabilization test scores increased significantly. With the exception of the SEBT, which has increased significantly in the TBC group, there were no differences between the groups in none of the scores. CONCLUSION: As both training methods lead to positive effect on the tested variables, the choice of the specific method should probably be decided based on individual preference and the training environment.
Knowledge and attitudes of patients in primary care on off-label treatment
Authors: Ćurković Mario , Gorjanski Dražen 
Published: May 2018

OBJECTIVE: To examine primary care patients’ knowledge and attitudes on off-label treatment. METHODS: In 47 primary care offices in Osijek-Baranja County, 1300 patients were given questionnaires about their knowledge and attitudes on off-label treatment. Questionnaires were completed voluntarily and anonymously. RESULTS: Majority of patients (96.3%) had no knowledge about off-label treatment, and upon having it explained, 42.3% would not accept such treatment under any circumstances, while 54.5% would never accept such treatment for their children. Patients place more trust in primary care doctors than in hospital doctors; 69.6% of patients strongly believe that primary care doctors would not expose them to off-label treatment while only 41.2% of them think the same in relation to hospital doctors. In case of serious consequences following off-label therapy 49.9% of patients would sue doctors who prescribed it. CONCLUSION: Patients in primary care possess limited knowledge about off-label treatment. Most patients do not wish to be exposed to such treatment, and are particularly reluctant to have their children exposed to it. In case of serious side effects, half of the patients would sue doctors who had prescribed the off-label therapy.
Relationships between the inflammatory potential of the diet, aging and anthropometric measurements in a cross-sectional study in Pakistan
Authors: Alam Iftikhar , Shivappa Nitin , Hebert James R. , Pawelec Graham , Larbi Anis 
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND: Little is known about associations between dietary inflammation, age and anthropometric measurements. OBJECTIVE: In this regard, we examine how DII is related to age, anthropometrics [weight, Body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR)] and other parameters of nutrition (energy, protein, fats and cholesterol intake, Net Endogenous Acid Production (NEAP) and Phytochemical Index (PI)) in a cross-sectional study in Pakistan. DESIGN: Only men ( n = 651, age 54–95 years) participated in the study. Anthropometric data were collected using standard methods. DII was calculated from nutrients derived from 24-hr Dietary Recall questionnaires. NEAP and PI were calculated by established algorithms using information on nutrient intake. RESULTS: The results show that with increasing age, there was a significant increase in the DII score ( p < 0.05). Similarly significant positive correlations were found between DII score and weight, BMI, WHR and % BF ( p, for all trends < 0.05). DII score significantly positively correlated with the dietary factors studied i.e. energy, protein, and fats ( p, for all trends < 0.0001) but non-significantly with cholesterol ( p > 0.05). Similarly, a significant positive correlation with NEAP ( p < 0.0001) was found, but negative with PI ( p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the present study shows direct positive correlations between the DII, age and indices of obesity, and thus supports the hypothesis that diet may have a role in the development of obesity through inflammatory modulation mechanisms in elderly.
Non-invasive continuous blood pressure measurement based on mean impact value method, BP neural network, and genetic algorithm
Authors: Tan Xia , Ji Zhong , Zhang Yadan 
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND: Non-invasive continuous blood pressure monitoring can provide an important reference and guidance for doctors wishing to analyze the physiological and pathological status of patients and to prevent and diagnose cardiovascular diseases in the clinical setting. Therefore, it is very important to explore a more accurate method of non-invasive continuous blood pressure measurement. OBJECTIVE: To address the shortcomings of existing blood pressure measurement models based on pulse wave transit time or pulse wave parameters, a new method of non-invasive continuous blood pressure measurement – the GA-MIV-BP neural network model – is presented. METHOD: The mean impact value (MIV) method is used to select the factors that greatly influence blood pressure from the extracted pulse wave transit time and pulse wave parameters. These factors are used as inputs, and the actual blood pressure values as outputs, to train the BP neural network model. The individual parameters are then optimized using a genetic algorithm (GA) to establish the GA-MIV-BP neural network model. RESULTS: Bland-Altman consistency analysis indicated that the measured and predicted blood pressure values were consistent and interchangeable. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, this algorithm is of great significance to promote the clinical application of a non-invasive continuous blood pressure monitoring method.
Dense deconvolution net: Multi path fusion and dense deconvolution for high resolution skin lesion segmentation
Authors: He Xinzi , Yu Zhen , Wang Tianfu , Lei Baiying , Shi Yiyan 
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND: Dermoscopy imaging has been a routine examination approach for skin lesion diagnosis. Accurate segmentation is the first step for automatic dermoscopy image assessment. OBJECTIVE: The main challenges for skin lesion segmentation are numerous variations in viewpoint and scale of skin lesion region. METHODS: To handle these challenges, we propose a novel skin lesion segmentation network via a very deep dense deconvolution network based on dermoscopic images. Specifically, the deep dense layer and generic multi-path Deep RefineNet are combined to improve the segmentation performance. The deep representation of all available layers is aggregated to form the global feature maps using skip connection. Also, the dense deconvolution layer is leveraged to capture diverse appearance features via the contextual information. Finally, we apply the dense deconvolution layer to smooth segmentation maps and obtain final high-resolution output. RESULTS: Our proposed method shows the superiority over the state-of-the-art approaches based on the public available 2016 and 2017 skin lesion challenge dataset and achieves the accuracy of 96.0% and 93.9%, which obtained a 6.0% and 1.2% increase over the traditional method, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: By utilizing Dense Deconvolution Net, the average time for processing one testing images with our proposed framework was 0.253 s.
Biomechanical investigation of orthodontic treatment planning based on orthodontic force measurement and finite element method before implementation: A case study
Authors: Wu Jianlei , Liu Yunfeng , Zhang Jianxing , Peng Wei , Jiang Xianfeng 
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND: Orthodontic treatment planning (OTP) is primarily depended on clinical experiences of orthodontists at present, while equivocal OTP would increase the possibility of treatment failure. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to investigate a methodology for quantitatively evaluating OTP, using theoretical analyses, orthodontic forces measurement (OFM) and finite element method (FEM). METHODS: An OTP was theoretically designed based on a clinical case and forces on incisors in OTP were measured on a specialized platform. Further, FEM simulations were performed on the designed OTP and control group. At last, an 18-month tracking was carried out to observe treatment effects of the designed OTP. RESULTS: The moving tendencies of incisors were in keeping with ideal treatment from the designed OTP through FEM; the maximal hydrostatic stress and logarithmic strain in periodontal ligament (PDL) decreased by 26.81% and 32.60% compared to the control group. Clinical feedback indicated that a controllable correction of incisors was realized after 18 months, which was in accord with the FEM result and root/bone resorption by reason of stress/strain reduction on PDL did not occur. CONCLUSIONS: Biomechanical responses of periodontium can be quantitatively estimated using OTM and FEM. This study provided an alternative technological mean for the predictability and optimization of clinical OTP.
Force control of wire driving lower limb rehabilitation robot
Authors: Zou Yupeng , Ma Huizi , Han Zhiyuan , Song Yang , Liu Kai 
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND: To solve the technical problems associated with the research on lower limb rehabilitation robot in terms of configuration design, human-machine compatibility, lightweight, and multimodel rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: This study introduced a parallel wire driving lower limb rehabilitation robot. The robot featured modular design, reconfiguration, multimodel, and good human-machine compatibility. METHODS: The dynamics model of the wire driving module (WDM) was built based on which a multiple feedback loop controller (including a forward controller and a surplus force compensator) was designed. RESULTS: The experimental results showed that the WDM could load force accurately and reliably during the loading procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The machinery and control system of the WDM met the design request.
Laser parameters for efficient biomedical stimulation: A study to increase cognitive response rate
Authors: Kim Ji-Sun , Baek Jin-Young , Oh Han-Byeol , Lee Seong-Su , Jun Jae-Hoon 
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND: The laser is able to irradiate the exact amount of stimulation to an area by a non contact method, and has the advantage of being able to stimulate the local target area. OBJECTIVE: This study examined an efficient method of laser tactile stimulation using laser parameter combinations. METHODS: The laser parameters that could cause an increase in the cognitive response rate of human subjects were examined without increasing the amount of total laser energy. RESULTS: As a result, the appropriate matching parameters such as duty ratio, pulse frequency, and exposure time of laser pulses showed a dominant influence in effectively increasing the tactile response rate of subjects with limited amount of total laser energy. CONCLUSIONS: This study can be applied to neurophysiology, cognitive research, and clinical laser application.
Human emotion classification based on multiple physiological signals by wearable system
Authors: Liu Xin , Wang Qisong , Liu Dan , Wang Yuan , Zhang Yan , Bai Ou , Sun Jinwei 
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND: Human emotion classification is traditionally achieved using multi-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) signal, which requires costly equipment and complex classification algorithms. OBJECTIVE: The experiments can be implemented in the laboratory environment equipped with high-performance computers for the online analysis; this will hinder the usability in practical applications. METHODS: Considering that other physiological signals are also associated with emotional changes, this paper proposes to use a wearable, wireless system to acquire a single-channel electroencephalogram signal, respiration, electrocardiogram (ECG) signal, and body postures to explore the relationship between these signals and the human emotions. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Compared with traditional emotion classification method, the presented method was able to extract a small number of key features associated with human emotions from multiple physiological signals, where the algorithm complexity was greatly reduced when incorporated with the support vector machine classification. The proposed method can support an embedded on-line analysis and may enhance the usability of emotion classification.
Effects of an intra-ventricular assist device on the stroke volume of failing ventricle: Analysis of a mock circulatory system
Authors: Zhu Shidong , Luo Lin , Yang Bibo , Ni Kai , Zhou Qian , Li Xinghui , Wang Xiaohao 
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND: A novel intra-ventricular assist device (iVAD) was established as a new pulsatile assist device to address various disadvantages, such as bulky configuration and reduced arterial pulsatility, observed in conventional ventricular assist devices. OBJECTIVE: Analyzed the native left ventricular stroke volume (SV) after iVAD support in vitro. METHODS: The SV of iVAD was examined in a home-designed mock circulatory system (MCS) at different heart rates and drive pressures and the SV of a failure ventricle was examined with iVAD at 75, 90, 120 bpm and 120–180 mmHg drive pressure after iVAD support. Data pertaining to native left ventricular SV before and after iVAD support were compared. RESULTS: The native ventricular SV was improved by iVAD when its drive pressure (DP) was slightly greater than that of the mock system. Conversely, the native ventricular SV was decreased when DP was much greater than that (150 mmHg) of MCS. A high DP had a significant effect on SV. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed device improved the dysfunctional native left ventricular SV when DP of iVAD was slightly greater than that of MCS. However, iVAD reduced the SV when the drive pressure was greater than that of MCS.
Development of capacitive sensor for automatically measuring tumbler water level with FEA simulation
Authors: Wei Qun , Kim Mi-Jung , Lee Jong-Ha 
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND: Drinking water has several advantages that have already been established, such as improving blood circulation, reducing acid in the stomach, etc. However, due to people not noticing the amount of water they consume every time they drink, most people drink less water than the recommended daily allowance. OBJECTIVE: In this paper, a capacitive sensor for developing an automatic tumbler to measure water level is proposed. Different than in previous studies, the proposed capacitive sensor was separated into two sets: the main sensor for measuring the water level in the tumbler, and the reference sensor for measuring the incremental level unit. METHODS: In order to confirm the feasibility of the proposed idea, and to optimize the shape of the sensor, a 3D model of the capacitive sensor with the tumbler was designed and subjected to Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulation. According to the simulation results, the electrodes were made of copper and assembled in a tumbler manufactured by a 3D printer. The tumbler was filled with water and was subjected to experiments in order to assess the sensor’s performance. RESULTS: The comparison of experimental results to the simulation results shows that the measured capacitance value of the capacitive sensor changed linearly as the water level varied. This proves that the proposed sensor can accurately measure the water level in the tumbler. Additionally, by use of the curve fitting method, a compensation algorithm was found to match the actual level with the measured level. CONCLUSIONS: The experimental results proved that the proposed capacitive sensor is able to measure the actual water level in the tumbler accurately. A digital control part with micro-processor will be designed and fixed on the bottom of the tumbler for developing a smart tumbler.
The pulmonary damage caused by smoking: A longitudinal study
Authors: Li Yan , Dai Yongliang , Guo Youmin 
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND: Smoking for a long period is known to cause several harms to the human body, chiefly associated with serious pulmonary damage. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the difference in the pulmonary damage between current smokers and ex-smokers, through measuring the bronchial parameters and the extent of emphysema, in order to further illustrate the harm of smoking and the need to stop smoking. METHODS: Using the FACT-Digital lung TM software quantitatively analysis of CT images, including the WT, WA%, LD, LV, PD, and %LAA-950 was performed. The percentage of low attenuation areas less than -950 Hounsfield units (%LAA-950) was defined as the extent of emphysema. The longitudinal data in the two consecutive years of these current smoker group and ex-smoker group were compared by paired t-test. RESULTS: The LV, %LAA-950, WT and WA% of current smokers increased more rapidly each year than that of ex-smokers. The PD and LD of current smokers declined more rapidly each year than that of ex-smokers. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that pulmonary damage caused by smoking related to the smoking status, can be measured. Smoking cessation has a positive role in alleviating the progress of pulmonary damage.
Design of liver functional reserve monitor based on three-wavelength from red light to IR
Authors: Ye Fuli , Zhan Huimiao , Shi Guilian 
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND: The preoperative evaluation of liver functional reserve is very important to determine the excision of liver lobe for the patients with liver cancer. There already exist many effective evaluation methods, but these ones have many disadvantages such as large trauma, complicated process and so on. OBJECTIVE: Therefore, it is essential to develop a fast, accurate and simple detection method of liver functional reserve for the practical application in the clinical engineering field. METHODS: According to the principle of spectrophotometry, this paper proposes a detection method of liver functional reserve based on three-wavelength from red light to infrared light (IR), in which the artery pulse, the vein pulse and the move of tissue are taken into account. RESULTS: By using photoelectric sensor technology and excreting experiment of indocyanine green, a minimally invasive, fast and simple testing equipment is designed in this paper. CONCLUSIONS: The testing result shows this equipment can greatly reduce the interference from human body and ambient, realize continuous and real-time detection of arterial degree of blood oxygen saturation and liver functional reserve.