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Biomedical subjects

J F Barry

Publications and source records attributed to J F Barry.

10 recordsLinked to original sources

The relative effectiveness of four methods of teaching practical scientific skills to secondary school students.

The investigation compares the effectiveness of four methods of teaching students how to perform two practical scientific skills. The methods commonly used combinations of four different modes of communication. Method W uses written instructions only. Method WG has these written instructions supplemented with graphics. Method WGS adds spoken instructions to the combination used in Method WG, and Method WGSD also includes a video-recorded demonstration of the practical task. After teaching random groups (N = 20) of students aged 14-15 years with one of the methods, their effectiveness was assessed in terms of the students' performance on test exercises which required the students to carry out these tasks. The results showed that the methods involving the use of spoken instructions (i.e. WGS and WGSD) were significantly worse than those that did not use spoken instructions. The use of graphics also had no significant beneficial effect, and the demonstration had a significant positive effect only in one task.

Adolescent↗

Computed tomography in craniopharyngiomas.

Computed tomographic examinations of 28 children and 12 adults with surgically proved craniopharyngiomas were retrospectively studied for characteristic findings that might be diagnostic of this tumor. It was found that 8 of 10 children and 2 of 4 adults examined pre-operatively had at least 2 of 3 findings: calcification, cyst, or contrast enhancement on CT. The remaining pre-operative patients did not receive contrast in their initial exams. Unusual presentation of the tumor in adults is also discussed.

Adolescent↗

Two projection computed tomography: the axial and Towne projections.

It is occasionally necessary in evaluating lesions around the third ventricle and posterior fossa to supplement the axial view with another projection. The authors have routinely used the coronal projection as a second projection. However, the Towne view for computed tomography can be used as a second projection instead of the coronal; it is technically easier and faster to perform than the coronal projection, and provided good evaluation of the posterior fossa and para third ventricular areas in children.

Cerebral Ventricle Neoplasms↗

Computed tomography of intraorbital optic nerve gliomas in children.

Optic nerve gliomas were diagnosed with computed tomography (CT) in 10 children. CT: (A) provides the best radiographic means of demonstrating the orbital portion of the optic nerves; (b) can evaluate the clinically unsuspected optic nerve for bilateral gliomas; (c) demonstrates gross intracranial involvement; and (d) can be used to follow the course of a glioma. Gliomas can present on CT as (a) a uniform thickening of the entire nerve; (b) a solitary fusiform enlargement of the nerve; or (c) an irregular solid thickening along the nerve. The authors routinely use axial CT of optic nerves as the primary diagnostic scan.

Adolescent↗

Unrecognized atypical tuberous sclerosis diagnosed with CT.

Past experience in this hospital has shown that the neuroradiological diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis is often made before the diagnosis is clinically suspected. We present a child in such a circumstance in whom axial and coronal CT demonstrated significant neoplastic progression of this disease. The presenting symptom was merely that of increased intracranial pressure.

Astrocytoma↗

Metrizamide in pediatric myelography.

Metrizamide, a new water-solution iodinated contrast medium, was evaluated in 63 infants and children, most of whom had lumbosacral or low thoracic lesions. The diagnostic quality was found to be good, and no serious complications or permanent sequelae were encountered. Chief complications were headache, nausea, vomiting and fever. No myoclonic spasms or convulsions were seen. The advantages and disadvantages of metrizamide are discussed.

Adolescent↗

Coronal computed tomography of the skull and brain in infants and children. Part I: Technique and results.

The advent of scanners with an air gap and a tilting gantry have made possible the use of the coronal view in computed tomography of the skull and brain in infants and children. Of 400 axial scans performed over a four-month period, 50 were supplemented by the coronal projection. Although the artifacts, uncomfortable position, and prolonged scanning time associated with coronal scanning make it impractical as the only modality, when used as an adjunct to the axial view it can provide valuable additional diagnostic information.

Adolescent↗

Coronal computed tomography of the skull and brain in infants and children. Part II. Clinical value.

Coronal computed tomography is an important adjunct to the routine axial view in the evaluation of lesions of the skull and brain in infants and children. Of 400 axial scans performed over a four-mounth period, 50 were supplemented by coronal scans. Intracranial or cranial abnormalities were present in 39 (78%). Although the disadvantages of the coronal projection make it impractical as the only modality, when used as an adjunct to the axial view certain lesions of the skull and brain are diagnosed and delineated better.

Astrocytoma↗

Pediatric myelography with metrizamide.

Ninety-four children were examined with metrizamide (Amipaque). Overall, the quality of the examinations in the lumbar-low thoracic region was generally equivalent to that obtained with iophendylate. Supine myelography is unfortunately still a necessity in a large number of cases. The side effects, especially nausea and vomiting, slight temperature elevation and fever, are considerably higher with metrizamide and also higher than previously reported in adults. Advantages of metrizamide over oily media are the absorption of the medium which eliminates the need for post-procedure removal and the higher rate of conus demonstration in the prone position; both facilitate the examination. The ability to follow myelography with computer scanning is also beneficial.

Adolescent↗