Influence of clinical and gait analysis experience on reliability of observational gait analysis (Edinburgh Gait Score Reliability)

AbstractObjectivesTreatment complexity of cerebral palsy (CP) patients imposes outcome evaluation studies, which may include objective technical analysis and more subjective functional evaluation. The Edinburgh Gait Score (EGS) was proposed as an additive or alternative when complex instrumented three-dimensional gait analysis is not available. Our purposes were to apply a translated EGS to standard video recordings of independent walking spastic diplegic CP patients, to evaluate its intraobserver and interobserver reliability with respect to gait analysis familiar and not familiar observers.MethodsTen standard video recordings acquired during routine clinical gait analysis were examined by eight observers gait analysis interpretation experienced or not, out of various specialities, two times with a two weeks interval. Kappa statistics and intraclass correlation coefficient were calculated.ResultsBetter reliability was observed for foot and knee scores than in proximal segments with significant differences between stance and swing phase. Significantly better results in gait analysis trained observers underlines the importance to either be used to clinical gait analysis interpretation, or to benefit of video analysis training before observational scoring.ConclusionVisual evaluation may be used for outcome studies to explore clinical changes in CP patients over time and may be associated to other validated evaluation tools

A Bibliometric Study on Biomimetic and Bioinspired Membranes for Water Filtration

Insights into the biological channels and synthetic pore-forming assemblies have elucidated many fundamental aspects of selective water and solute transport over the last few decades. This has led to the development of novel technologies with unique selectivity and permeability. In terms of membrane separation technology, this development has proceeded by adapting either of two approaches: (i) one where biological channel proteins are reconstituted in suitable materials mimicking the biological bilayer membrane and (ii) one where selective transport is mimicked in synthetic structures. The development of water filtration membranes in the former approach takes advantage of aquaporin proteins as representative building blocks and that of carbon nanotubes and molecular pore-forming assemblies in the latter approach. The first approach is often referred to as the field dominated by biomimetic membranes and the latter referred to as artificial water channels. In this study, a bibliometric analysis was conducted to investigate trends in these two areas based on growing publication trends, peer-reviewed journal selection, countries, institutions, authors and collaborative networks. A total of 3199 records available from Scopus between 1962 and 2021 were extracted and analysed. The results showed strong international collaborations and highlighted leading researchers and hubs of excellence in these two areas. This is very timely considering that the UN climate change conference (COP26) in Glasgow, UK later this year will bring focus to the global need for water treatment technologies. This work can serve as a quick reference for early-career researchers and industries working in the area of membrane development for water purification/filtration

Percutaneous correction of second toe proximal deformity: Proximal interphalangeal release, flexor digitorum brevis tenotomy and proximal phalanx osteotomy

AbstractWe report the results of a percutaneous technique to correct a proximal plantar flexion deformity of the second toe that combines several procedures: tenotomy of the Flexor Digitorum Brevis, plantar capsulotomy for release of the proximal interphalangeal joint and proximal phalangeal osteotomy. The goal of these procedures is to improve anatomical correction and preserve articular range of motion. From 2009 to 2011, 54 patients, mean age 64.4 years old (43–81) underwent surgery for a proximal deformity of the second toe. Associated tenotomy of the extensor digitorum longus and brevis was performed in the presence of an extension deformity of the metatarsophalangeal joint (24 cases). After a mean follow-up of 30.7 ± 8.9 months, the rate of satisfaction and morphological correction was high (89.5% in both cases), as well as the number of flexible toes (88%). Active plantar flexion was preserved in 86% of the cases. This seems to be an effective technique to correct proximal plantar flexion deformity of the second toe, while preserving active plantar flexion

A bibliometric study on biomimetic and bioinspired membranes for water filtration

Abstract Insights into the biological channels and synthetic pore-forming assemblies have elucidated many fundamental aspects of selective water and solute transport over the last few decades. This has led to the development of novel technologies with unique selectivity and permeability. In terms of membrane separation technology, this development has proceeded by adapting either of two approaches: (i) one where biological channel proteins are reconstituted in suitable materials mimicking the biological bilayer membrane and (ii) one where selective transport is mimicked in synthetic structures. The development of water filtration membranes in the former approach takes advantage of aquaporin proteins as representative building blocks and that of carbon nanotubes and molecular pore-forming assemblies in the latter approach. The first approach is often referred to as the field dominated by biomimetic membranes and the latter referred to as artificial water channels. In this study, a bibliometric analysis was conducted to investigate trends in these two areas based on growing publication trends, peer-reviewed journal selection, countries, institutions, authors, and collaborative networks. A total of 3199 records available from Scopus between 1962 and 2021 were extracted and analyzed. The results showed strong international collaborations and highlighted leading researchers and hubs of excellence in these two areas. This is very timely considering that the UN climate change conference (COP26) in Glasgow, UK later this year will bring focus to the global need for water treatment technologies. This work can serve as a quick reference for early-career researchers and industries working in the area of membrane development for water purification/filtration