cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7518329
title: Approaches to segment stent area from Intravascular Optical Coherence Tomography

description: Abstract Introduction Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have been the focus of research in recent years due to its high mortality rate. It is estimated that 17.5 million people died of CVD in 2012, from which 7.4 million were due to coronary heart disease (CHD). In order to monitor CHD patients and avoid waste of specialists' time, this study proposes the development of a method that segments the area contained by stent struts from Frequency Domain Intravascular Optical Coherence Tomography (the latest technology to view vessels internally) of coronary arteries. Methods The novelty of this study is to find areas comprised by stent struts using two optimal strategies that are robust even with false positives and false negatives detection of stent struts. The first one uses an ellipse fitting algorithm and the other uses a cylinder fitting algorithm. Results Both strategies obtained similar accuracy results close to 98% of true positives, but the cylinder technique showed a run time of at least 50 times higher than the ellipse technique. Conclusion The methods were executed on 443 images with different characteristics showing robustness and usefulness in the medical area.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7511408
title: Evaluation of gloves as a water bag coupling agent for therapeutic ultrasound

description: Abstract Introduction Therapeutic ultrasound (TUS) is a widespread modality in physiotherapy, and the water bag technique is a coupling method employed in the presence of anatomical irregularities in the treatment area. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the acoustic attenuation of the water bag and its effectiveness as a TUS coupling agent. Methods The rated output powers (ROPs) of the TUS equipment were evaluated based on IEC 61689. Then, a radiation force balance was used to measure ROP with and without a water bag (latex and nitrile gloves filled with deionized water) between a TUS transducer and the cone-shaped target of the balance. Each experiment was performed five times for each nominal power (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, and 7.0 W) and in the following configurations: without the water bag (A), with nitrile gloves and with (B) and without (C) a height controller, and latex gloves with (D) and without (E) height controller. ROPs obtained in different media were compared. Results The highest relative error of ROP was 16.72% for 0.5 W. Although the power values of the equipment were within the range recommended by IEC, there was a significant difference between the ROP values measured with A and with B, C and D. Conclusion As intensity differences below 0.5 W/cm2 are considered clinically not relevant, conditions A, B, C, D, or E can be used interchangeably.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7511408.v1
title: Evaluation of gloves as a water bag coupling agent for therapeutic ultrasound

description: Abstract Introduction Therapeutic ultrasound (TUS) is a widespread modality in physiotherapy, and the water bag technique is a coupling method employed in the presence of anatomical irregularities in the treatment area. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the acoustic attenuation of the water bag and its effectiveness as a TUS coupling agent. Methods The rated output powers (ROPs) of the TUS equipment were evaluated based on IEC 61689. Then, a radiation force balance was used to measure ROP with and without a water bag (latex and nitrile gloves filled with deionized water) between a TUS transducer and the cone-shaped target of the balance. Each experiment was performed five times for each nominal power (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, and 7.0 W) and in the following configurations: without the water bag (A), with nitrile gloves and with (B) and without (C) a height controller, and latex gloves with (D) and without (E) height controller. ROPs obtained in different media were compared. Results The highest relative error of ROP was 16.72% for 0.5 W. Although the power values of the equipment were within the range recommended by IEC, there was a significant difference between the ROP values measured with A and with B, C and D. Conclusion As intensity differences below 0.5 W/cm2 are considered clinically not relevant, conditions A, B, C, D, or E can be used interchangeably.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7507457
title: A new concept of orthosis for correcting fingers ulnar deviation

description: Abstract Introduction Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, multisystem disease that involves synovial inflammation, leading to deformities, like finger ulnar deviation, pain and functional difficulties. The conservative treatment comprises orthoses, features added to the body that aims to correct deformity, reduce pain and improve functionality. In the market there are few kinetic/mobile orthosis models for correction of ulnar deviation in the fingers. However, users usually complain about increased palmar volume, presence of pressure points and functional loss, demonstrating the necessity to develop more effective orthoses. In this paper we introduce an innovative concept, of an original and articulate dynamic/kinetics orthosis, which aims to correct this finger deformity and encourage functionality. Methods Methodological procedures were divided into: Need Recognition; Specification Concept; Prototype and Validation. This paper deals with the last two stages of this research. Results A virtual orthosis prototype using CAD Solid Edge Insight™ was proposed. The orthosis developed consisted of 10 pieces, made of metal and resin with carbon fiber. Conclusion After virtual movement simulation, it was verified that the prototype allows for wrist and finger flexion/extension, the possibility of bilateral use, and provids ulnar deviation correction for the fingers. The final product is innovative and is easy to put on/off; volunteers claimed that the new prototype was satisfactory in terms of deformity correction.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7507457.v1
title: A new concept of orthosis for correcting fingers ulnar deviation

description: Abstract Introduction Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, multisystem disease that involves synovial inflammation, leading to deformities, like finger ulnar deviation, pain and functional difficulties. The conservative treatment comprises orthoses, features added to the body that aims to correct deformity, reduce pain and improve functionality. In the market there are few kinetic/mobile orthosis models for correction of ulnar deviation in the fingers. However, users usually complain about increased palmar volume, presence of pressure points and functional loss, demonstrating the necessity to develop more effective orthoses. In this paper we introduce an innovative concept, of an original and articulate dynamic/kinetics orthosis, which aims to correct this finger deformity and encourage functionality. Methods Methodological procedures were divided into: Need Recognition; Specification Concept; Prototype and Validation. This paper deals with the last two stages of this research. Results A virtual orthosis prototype using CAD Solid Edge Insight™ was proposed. The orthosis developed consisted of 10 pieces, made of metal and resin with carbon fiber. Conclusion After virtual movement simulation, it was verified that the prototype allows for wrist and finger flexion/extension, the possibility of bilateral use, and provids ulnar deviation correction for the fingers. The final product is innovative and is easy to put on/off; volunteers claimed that the new prototype was satisfactory in terms of deformity correction.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7514219
title: Breast density pattern characterization by histogram features and texture descriptors

description: Abstract Introduction Breast cancer is the first leading cause of death for women in Brazil as well as in most countries in the world. Due to the relation between the breast density and the risk of breast cancer, in medical practice, the breast density classification is merely visual and dependent on professional experience, making this task very subjective. The purpose of this paper is to investigate image features based on histograms and Haralick texture descriptors so as to separate mammographic images into categories of breast density using an Artificial Neural Network. Methods We used 307 mammographic images from the INbreast digital database, extracting histogram features and texture descriptors of all mammograms and selecting them with the K-means technique. Then, these groups of selected features were used as inputs of an Artificial Neural Network to classify the images automatically into the four categories reported by radiologists. Results An average accuracy of 92.9% was obtained in a few tests using only some of the Haralick texture descriptors. Also, the accuracy rate increased to 98.95% when texture descriptors were mixed with some features based on a histogram. Conclusion Texture descriptors have proven to be better than gray levels features at differentiating the breast densities in mammographic images. From this paper, it was possible to automate the feature selection and the classification with acceptable error rates since the extraction of the features is suitable to the characteristics of the images involving the problem.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7507454
title: Evaluation of disposable medical device packaging materials under ozone sterilization

description: Abstract Introduction Ozonization is an alternative sterilization process for heat-sensitive medical devices. However, the side effects of this process on packaging materials should be verified. Methods Four types of commercial disposable packaging for medical devices were evaluated after undergoing ozone sterilization: crepe paper sheet, non-woven fabric sheet (SMS), medical grade paper-plastic pouch and Tyvec©-plastic pouch. For each material, the gas penetration through the microbiological barrier was measured. Other packaging properties, such as chemical composition, color, tactile and mechanical resistance, were also evaluated after sterilization, by using characterization techniques, namely microbiological indicators, infrared spectroscopy, tensile test and optical microscopy. Results All commercial disposable packaging showed good ozone penetration. Crepe paper and SMS were chemically and mechanically modified by ozone, while Tyvec© only suffered mechanical modification. Paper-plastic pouch was the packaging material which just experienced an acceptable reduction in tensile resistance, showing no variations on chemical or visual properties. Conclusion The results suggest that medical grade paper-plastic pouch is the most appropriate disposable medical device packaging to be sterilized by ozone when compared to other materials.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7507454.v1
title: Evaluation of disposable medical device packaging materials under ozone sterilization

description: Abstract Introduction Ozonization is an alternative sterilization process for heat-sensitive medical devices. However, the side effects of this process on packaging materials should be verified. Methods Four types of commercial disposable packaging for medical devices were evaluated after undergoing ozone sterilization: crepe paper sheet, non-woven fabric sheet (SMS), medical grade paper-plastic pouch and Tyvec©-plastic pouch. For each material, the gas penetration through the microbiological barrier was measured. Other packaging properties, such as chemical composition, color, tactile and mechanical resistance, were also evaluated after sterilization, by using characterization techniques, namely microbiological indicators, infrared spectroscopy, tensile test and optical microscopy. Results All commercial disposable packaging showed good ozone penetration. Crepe paper and SMS were chemically and mechanically modified by ozone, while Tyvec© only suffered mechanical modification. Paper-plastic pouch was the packaging material which just experienced an acceptable reduction in tensile resistance, showing no variations on chemical or visual properties. Conclusion The results suggest that medical grade paper-plastic pouch is the most appropriate disposable medical device packaging to be sterilized by ozone when compared to other materials.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7517606
title: Axial compressive strength of human vertebrae trabecular bones classified as normal, osteopenic and osteoporotic by quantitative ultrasonometry of calcaneus

description: Abstract Introduction Biomechanical assessment of trabecular bone microarchitecture contributes to the evaluation of fractures risk associated with osteoporosis and plays a crucial role in planning preventive strategies. One of the most widely clinical technics used for osteoporosis diagnosis by health professionals is bone dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). However, doubts about its accuracy motivate the introduction of congruent technical analysis such as calcaneal ultrasonometry (Quantitative Ultrasonometry - QUS). Methods Correlations between Bone Quality Index (BQI), determined by calcaneal ultrasonometry of thirty (30) individuals classified as normal, osteopenic and osteoporotic, and elastic modulus (E) and ultimate compressive strength (UCS) from axial compression tests of ninety (90) proof bodies from human vertebrae trabecular bone, which were extracted from cadavers in the twelfth thoracic region (T12), first and fourth lumbar (L1 and L4). Results Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant differences for E (p = 0.001), for UCS (p = 0.0001) and BQI. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (rho) between BQI and E (r = 0.499) and BQI and UCS (r = 0.508) were moderate. Discussion Calcaneal ultrasonometry technique allowed a moderate estimate of bone mechanical strength and fracture risk associated with osteoporosis in human vertebrae.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7517606.v1
title: Axial compressive strength of human vertebrae trabecular bones classified as normal, osteopenic and osteoporotic by quantitative ultrasonometry of calcaneus

description: Abstract Introduction Biomechanical assessment of trabecular bone microarchitecture contributes to the evaluation of fractures risk associated with osteoporosis and plays a crucial role in planning preventive strategies. One of the most widely clinical technics used for osteoporosis diagnosis by health professionals is bone dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). However, doubts about its accuracy motivate the introduction of congruent technical analysis such as calcaneal ultrasonometry (Quantitative Ultrasonometry - QUS). Methods Correlations between Bone Quality Index (BQI), determined by calcaneal ultrasonometry of thirty (30) individuals classified as normal, osteopenic and osteoporotic, and elastic modulus (E) and ultimate compressive strength (UCS) from axial compression tests of ninety (90) proof bodies from human vertebrae trabecular bone, which were extracted from cadavers in the twelfth thoracic region (T12), first and fourth lumbar (L1 and L4). Results Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant differences for E (p = 0.001), for UCS (p = 0.0001) and BQI. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (rho) between BQI and E (r = 0.499) and BQI and UCS (r = 0.508) were moderate. Discussion Calcaneal ultrasonometry technique allowed a moderate estimate of bone mechanical strength and fracture risk associated with osteoporosis in human vertebrae.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7515542
title: A fully automatic method for recognizing hand configurations of Brazilian sign language

description: Abstract Introduction Sign language is a collection of gestures, postures, movements, and facial expressions used by deaf people. The Brazilian sign language is Libras. The use of Libras has been increased among the deaf communities, but is still not disseminated outside this community. Sign language recognition is a field of research, which intends to help the deaf community communication with non-hearing-impaired people. In this context, this paper describes a new method for recognizing hand configurations of Libras - using depth maps obtained with a Kinect® sensor. Methods The proposed method comprises three phases: hand segmentation, feature extraction, and classification. The segmentation phase is independent from the background and depends only on pixel value. The feature extraction process is independent from rotation and translation. The features are extracted employing two techniques: (2D)2LDA and (2D)2PCA. The classification employs two classifiers: a novelty classifier and a KNN classifier. A robust database is constructed for classifier evaluation, with 12,200 images of Libras and 200 gestures of each hand configuration. Results The best accuracy obtained was 96.31%. Conclusion The best gesture recognition accuracy obtained is much higher than the studies previously published. It must be emphasized that this recognition rate is obtained for different conditions of hand rotation and proximity of the depth camera, and with a depth camera resolution of only 640×480 pixels. This performance must be also credited to the feature extraction technique, and to the size standardization and normalization processes used previously to feature extraction step.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7515542.v1
title: A fully automatic method for recognizing hand configurations of Brazilian sign language

description: Abstract Introduction Sign language is a collection of gestures, postures, movements, and facial expressions used by deaf people. The Brazilian sign language is Libras. The use of Libras has been increased among the deaf communities, but is still not disseminated outside this community. Sign language recognition is a field of research, which intends to help the deaf community communication with non-hearing-impaired people. In this context, this paper describes a new method for recognizing hand configurations of Libras - using depth maps obtained with a Kinect® sensor. Methods The proposed method comprises three phases: hand segmentation, feature extraction, and classification. The segmentation phase is independent from the background and depends only on pixel value. The feature extraction process is independent from rotation and translation. The features are extracted employing two techniques: (2D)2LDA and (2D)2PCA. The classification employs two classifiers: a novelty classifier and a KNN classifier. A robust database is constructed for classifier evaluation, with 12,200 images of Libras and 200 gestures of each hand configuration. Results The best accuracy obtained was 96.31%. Conclusion The best gesture recognition accuracy obtained is much higher than the studies previously published. It must be emphasized that this recognition rate is obtained for different conditions of hand rotation and proximity of the depth camera, and with a depth camera resolution of only 640×480 pixels. This performance must be also credited to the feature extraction technique, and to the size standardization and normalization processes used previously to feature extraction step.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7510403
title: Evaluation of scoliosis using baropodometer and artificial neural network

description: Abstract Introduction: One of the most recurrent pathologies in the spine is scoliosis. It occurs in the frontal plane and is formed by one or more curves in the spinal column. The scoliosis causes global postural misalignment in an individual. One of the modifications produced by postural misalignment is the way in which an individual distributes weight to the feet. We aimed to implement an electronic system for separating patients with Degree I scoliosis (i.e., 1° to 19° scoliosis according to the Ricard classification) into two groups: C1 (1°-9°) and C2 (10°-9°). The highest percentage of patients with scoliosis is in this range: those who do not need to wear vests or undergo surgery and whose treatment is performed via special physical exercise and frequent evaluations by healthcare professionals. Methods The electronic system consists of a baropodometer and artificial neural networks (ANNs). The classification of patients in the scoliosis groups was performed with MATLAB software and a Single Layer Perceptron network using the backpropagation training algorithm. Evaluations were performed on 63 volunteers. Results The mean classification sensitivity was 93.7% in the C1 group and 94.5% in the C2 group. The classification accuracy was 83.3% in the C1 group and 96.0% in the C2 group. Conclusion The implemented system can contribute to the treatment of patients with scoliosis grades ranging from 1° to 19°, which represents the highest incidence of this pathology, for which the monitoring of the clinical condition using noninvasive techniques is of fundamental importance.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7510403.v1
title: Evaluation of scoliosis using baropodometer and artificial neural network

description: Abstract Introduction: One of the most recurrent pathologies in the spine is scoliosis. It occurs in the frontal plane and is formed by one or more curves in the spinal column. The scoliosis causes global postural misalignment in an individual. One of the modifications produced by postural misalignment is the way in which an individual distributes weight to the feet. We aimed to implement an electronic system for separating patients with Degree I scoliosis (i.e., 1° to 19° scoliosis according to the Ricard classification) into two groups: C1 (1°-9°) and C2 (10°-9°). The highest percentage of patients with scoliosis is in this range: those who do not need to wear vests or undergo surgery and whose treatment is performed via special physical exercise and frequent evaluations by healthcare professionals. Methods The electronic system consists of a baropodometer and artificial neural networks (ANNs). The classification of patients in the scoliosis groups was performed with MATLAB software and a Single Layer Perceptron network using the backpropagation training algorithm. Evaluations were performed on 63 volunteers. Results The mean classification sensitivity was 93.7% in the C1 group and 94.5% in the C2 group. The classification accuracy was 83.3% in the C1 group and 96.0% in the C2 group. Conclusion The implemented system can contribute to the treatment of patients with scoliosis grades ranging from 1° to 19°, which represents the highest incidence of this pathology, for which the monitoring of the clinical condition using noninvasive techniques is of fundamental importance.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7517612.v1
title: Three-dimensional geometric model of the middle segment of the thoracic spine based on graphical images for finite element analysis

description: Abstract Introduction: Biomedical studies involve complex anatomical structures, which require specific methodology to generate their geometric models. The middle segment of the thoracic spine (T5-T10) is the site of the highest incidence of vertebral deformity in adolescents. Traditionally, its geometries are derived from computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging data. However, this approach may restrict certain studies. The study aimed to generate two 3D geometric model of the T5-T10 thoracic spine segment, obtained from graphical images, and to create mesh for finite element studies. Methods A 3D geometric model of T5-T10 was generated using two anatomical images of T6 vertebra (side and top). The geometric model was created in Autodesk® Maya® 3D 2013, and the mesh process in HiperMesh and MeshMixer (v11.0.544 Autodesk). Results The T5-T10 thoracic segment model is presented with its passive components, bones, intervertebral discs and flavum, intertransverse and supraspinous ligaments, in different views, as well as the volumetric mesh. Conclusion The 3D geometric model generated from graphical images is suitable for application in non-patient-specific finite element model studies or, with restrictions, in the use of computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. This model may be useful for biomechanical studies related to the middle thoracic spine, the most vulnerable site for vertebral deformations.