PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Filing”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 199 records · Page 11Linked to original sources

The effects of developer age on diagnostic accuracy: a study using assessment of endodontic file length.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of developer age on image quality. METHODS: Endodontic files, size 10 and 15, were placed in upper and lower molars and premolars up to the root apex or 1.5 mm short. A series of radiographs were made with each of three film types: Dentus M2 (Agfa-Gevaert, Mortsel, Belgium), Ektaspeed Plus and Ultra-speed (Kodak Eastman Co, Rochester, USA). The films were processed bi-weekly using the same Agfa chemicals (Heraeus Kulzer, Dormagen, Germany) over a 6-week period. An additional set of Dentus M2 films was processed using Periomat chemicals (Dürr Dental, Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany). The films were viewed by eight dentists who rated the position of the tip of the file using a 5-point confidence scale. ROC data were analysed by means of analysis of variance. Az value was the dependent variable, whereas observer age group was entered as between subject factor. The null hypothesis was rejected when P<0.05. RESULTS: The diagnostic accuracies of the three films were comparable during the first 4 weeks. In the sixth week Ultra-speed was significantly better than the other two films (P=0.046). The Periomat chemicals showed significantly greater consistency than the Agfa chemicals (P=0.004). Developer exhaustion significantly affected the performance of the older observers (P=0.008), especially when Agfa chemicals and file size 10 were used. CONCLUSION: Agfa chemicals older than 4 weeks significantly affect the assessment of endodontic file length. In earlier stages there are no significant differences between the three films tested. Dentus M2 and Ektaspeed Plus films should be used as they require lower exposures.

Adult↗

The effects of different image file formats and image-analysis software programs on dental radiometric digital evaluations.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if variations in radiodensity data are introduced by lossy Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) compression and/or the use of three software programs. METHODS: An occlusal film with an aluminium step wedge was exposed, processed and digitized under standard conditions. Before the image was saved, the coordinates and the gray-scale value for each pixel in a 20 x 20 pixel area near the middle of the thickest step were recorded. These pixel coordinates and gray-scale values served as Truth 1. In addition, a digital simulated-radiographic image with assigned gray-scale values for each pixel was created and served as Truth 2. The digital data for the scanned radiograph and the simulated radiograph were saved as Tagged Image File Format (TIFF) and lossy JPEG files. Each file was opened with three software programs and the gray-scale values of homologous pixels were recorded. For these pixels in each image type, the mean gray-scale values and standard deviations were calculated. The pixel gray-scale values for each homologous pixel were also individually compared. RESULTS: When the TIFF images were opened with the three software programs, one program resulted in gray-scale values that were not concordant with truth. All JPEG images resulted in gray-scale values that were not concordant with truth. CONCLUSIONS: One software program added a column of 0s to data files. Lossy JPEG compression introduced potentially deleterious variations to radiodensity data, and at least two of the software programs performed JPEG image decompression differently.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Comparison of measurements obtained with hand files or the Canal Leader attached to electronic apex locators: an in vitro study.

AIM: The aim of the present in-vitro study was to combine directly the Canal Leader handpiece (SET, Olching, Germany) with the electronic apex locators ROOT ZX (Morita, Kyoto, Japan) and JUSTY (Yoshida, Tokyo, Japan) to find out whether the working length values thus obtained were identical to those resulting from the combination of the same electronic devices with hand files. METHODOLOGY: A total of 50 natural extracted teeth with single canals and mature apices were used. A radiograph was used as a control and the distance from the radiographic apex to the tip of the file was measured and compared with the results of the electronic length determination. RESULTS: For both electronic devices the differences amongst the distribution of the measurements were not statistically significant under the specified conditions (P > 0.05), indicating that the measurements with hand files and with the Canal Leader were identical for the majority of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of this study the working length of canals obtained with electronically assisted hand files were similar to those obtained with the electronically assisted mechanical handpiece Canal Leader.

Dental Equipment↗

Neural network detection of files of suicidal patients and suicidal profiles.

The optimal configuration of backpropagation (BP) neural networks was determined after 35 trials with different BP configurations evaluating the total detection rate. Ten different training and testing sets were used to identify optimal samples. All trials included sample files of patients with medically serious suicidal attempts (MSSA) and those of non-suicidal patients. Fifty files were used in each group for training and 49 files for testing with no overlap between the samples. The target variable for training was seriousness of suicide attempt (0 = non-suicidal, 1 = MSSA). The input set included 44 demographic, clinical and patient-history variables. The optimal results showed that 93.8% of MSSA and 89.8% of the non-suicidal patient files were detected. Total success rate (TSR) was 91.8% and positive and negative prediction values (PPV, NPV) were 92% and 95.6%, respectively. Living alone (6.76), treatment compliance (5.86), drug abuse or dependence (2.8), global assessment of functioning (GAF) score (1.49), non-paranoid delusions (1.22) and suicide of first degree relative (1.1) were highly associated with MSSA according to the Garson calculation. However, logistic regression attributed high importance to hallucinations (p < 0.0001), diagnosis (p < 0.002), number of children (p < 0.006), GAF score (p < 0.006), employment status (p < 0.02) and stressors (p < 0.03). It was shown that: backpropagation neural networks are very successful in identifying records of MSSA patients; a high GAF score is associated with high risk of MSSA and is the only common variable identified by both methods; and backpropagation identified two non-specific factors (living alone and treatment compliance) whereas statistics found specific factors (hallucinations and diagnosis) highly associated with MSSA.

Adolescent↗

How to find a wombmate: validation of an algorithm to identify twin pairs in Linked Birth/Infant Death Files.

Linked Birth/Infant Death Files available from the National Center for Health Statistics identify an infant as a twin, but do not identify twin pairs. An algorithm based on maternal, paternal, and infant characteristics has been used to identify twin pairs, but the validity of this algorithm has never been tested. The Missouri linked birth/infant death file from 1980 to 1990 identifies twin pairs by a sequence number. The authors tested the rate and accuracy with which the algorithm identified true pairs in the Missouri file and whether estimates of risk and possible risk factors calculated from pairs of twins identified by the algorithm agreed with these characteristics as calculated from known twin pairs. The algorithm identified 96% (8,273 of 8,620) of true pairs and one false pair. Despite incomplete pair identification, and even identification of a false pair, estimates from the subset identified by the algorithm generally agreed well with characteristics measured from all twin pairs. Nonetheless, incorporation of a multiple birth sequence number into Linked Birth/Infant Death Files would enhance their utility.

Algorithms↗

Agreement between administrative files and written medical records: a case of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the reliability of Department of Veterans Affairs' health information databases concerning patient demographics, use of care, and diagnoses. METHODS: The Department of Veterans Affairs' Patient Treatment files for Main, Bed-section (PTF) and Outpatient Care (OCF) were compared with medical charts and administrative records (MR) for a random national sample of 1,356 outpatient visits and 414 inpatient discharges to Department of Veterans Affairs' facilities between July 1 and September 30, 1995. Records were uniformly abstracted by a focus group of utilization review nurses and medical record coders blinded to administrative file entries. RESULTS: Reliability was adequate for demographics (kappa approximately 0.92), length of stay (agreement=98%), and selected diagnoses (kappa ranged 0.39 to 1.0). Reliability was generally inadequate to identify the treating bedsection or clinic (kappa approximately 0.5). Compared with medical charts, Patient Treatment Files/Outpatient Care Files reported an additional diagnosis per discharge and 0.8 clinic stops per outpatient visit, resulting in higher estimates of disease prevalence (+39% heart disease, +19% diabetes) and outpatient costs (+36% per unique outpatient per quarter). CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of pilot work validating key data elements, investigators are advised to construct health and utilization data from multiple sources. Further validation studies of administrative files should focus on the relation between process of data capture and data validity.

Adult↗

Shaping of simulated root canals in resin blocks using the step-back technique with K-files manipulated in a simple in/out filling motion.

A total of 60 simulated root canals in clear resin blocks of various lengths and degree of curvature were prepared by hand with K-files using a step-back enlargement technique. The instruments were manipulated exclusively with a simple in/out filing or rasping motion with no attempt at rotation or twisting. The preparation technique was assessed by instrumentation time, deformation and fracture of instruments, and loss of working distance. The shape of the prepared canals was assessed by direct inspection and from composite photographic prints produced by superimposing negatives of the canals obtained before and after preparation. In general, the preparations were time-consuming and tedious to complete. Deformation and separation of instruments occurred mainly in those canals with short, severe curves. Loss of working distance was a universal finding and was associated to a degree with the straightening of curved canals inherent in their preparation. Prepared straight canals displayed a continuously tapering form being narrowest at their end-point. On the other hand, prepared curved canals were invariably hourglass in shape. Under the conditions of this study the manipulation of K-files in a simple in/out filing motion proved an unsatisfactory method of preparing simulated curved root canals in resin blocks.

Dental Pulp Cavity↗

Intra-canal cutting ability of MM1500 files.

The aims of this study were to develop a model system capable of monitoring lateral forces during root canal preparation and to measure the cutting ability of files activated by the MM1500 sonic handpiece. Forces were monitored by a calibrated model system which utilized a combination of spring steel beams fitted with strain gauges, these were interfaced through two strain gauge amplifiers to an x-y recorder. Single rooted canine teeth (n = 36; 32 experimental, four control) were mounted in a two-part acrylic mould (which was an integral part of the model system) prior to sectioning horizontally 11 mm from the tooth apex. A 2(4) full factorial experiment with two replications was performed. Four variables were selected for evaluation, load (50 and 100 g), power (air inlet ring half or fully open), file type (Heliosonic or Shaper) and stroke rate (1 or 2 cycles per second). A new file (size 25) was used for 1 min in each canal with water irrigation. The control group was not instrumented. The cross-sectional root canal area was measured before and after instrumentation using image analysis and increase in area was used as an indication of cutting ability. The results showed that the increase in load, power and the Shaper file all produced a significant increase in cutting ability (ANOVA, P < 0.001). However, stroke rate was not found to have a significant effect (P > 0.05). None of the interactions between the variables were significant and there was no significant difference in the control group (P > 0.05). In conclusion, this work has developed a model system to monitor lateral forces and has shown that instrument design and operator usage affect dentine removal from a root canal wall.

Analysis of Variance↗

Shaping ability of the M4 handpiece and Safety Hedstrom files in simulated root canals.

The aim of this study was to assess the shaping ability of the M4 reciprocating handpiece and Safety Hedstrom files in simulated canals. A total of 40 simulated canals of various angles and positions of curvature were prepared with an M4 handpiece using Safety Hedstrom files oriented with the ground, flattened surface towards the inner aspect of the curve. A standard regimen was adopted throughout. Pre- and post-operative longitudinal images of the canals were taken with a video camera and stored and manipulated in a computer with image analysis software. The presence of canal aberrations and the amount and location of resin material removed as a result of preparation were determined from composite images of superimposed pre- and post-operative views. Preparation time varied significantly (P < 0.001) between the canal types; overall, 20 degrees canals were prepared more quickly than 40 degrees canals. Zips and elbows were observed in 16 out of the 40 canals with most (11) being created in 40 degrees specimens. Ledges were found in 19 canals and perforations in only 1. There were no significant differences between canal shapes for these aberrations. Excessive removal of material from the inner aspect of the canal at the curve to create a danger zone was found in 20 canals, but only in those with 40 degrees curves. Significant differences in total canal width between the canal types were seen at the zips (P < 0.05), elbows (P < 0.05) and danger zones (P < 0.001). Transportation at the danger zones varied significantly (P < 0.001) between canal types. Under the conditions of this study, the M4 handpiece and Safety Hedstrom files created hour-glass preparations in a substantial proportion of canals. In reality, the Safety Hedstrom file with its one flattened surface was ineffective at reducing removal of material along the inner aspect of canal curves in severely curved specimens and clearly has the potential to create strip perforations in teeth.

Analysis of Variance↗

Identification of atrial fibrillation episodes in ambulatory electrocardiographic recordings: validation of a method for obtaining labeled R-R interval files.

Current systems for analyzing ambulatory electrocardiograms (ECGs) are unable to distinguish precisely between sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation (AF) episodes, and are unable to produce RR interval listings that distinguish AF from sinus rhythm on a beat-to-beat basis. We describe a method for obtaining such a computerized listing ("Composite Rhythm" file) from ambulatory recordings containing episodes of AF. The file lists the rhythm of each beat, its real time, and the QRS complex morphology. A visual inspection is made of a full printout of the recording to identify the precise time of onset and termination of each episode of AF. These times are entered into a computer and identified with the corresponding beats on a conventional RR interval file generated by Holter analysis. The method was validated using 1-hour segments from 20 ambulatory ECGs containing 145 episodes of AF. These were visually identified by four independent observers with a mean sensitivity of 99.1%. The first beat of AF was identified concordantly in 96% of episodes, with a discrepancy of < or = 3 beats in the other episodes. The times of 200 selected QRS complexes were then entered into the computer by each observer; 91.1% of these complexes were identified exactly and 100% were identified to within one beat. The Composite Rhythm files have several potential applications for testing AF detection algorithms and studying the mode of onset of AF.

Algorithms↗

Outcomes of employment discrimination charges filed under the Americans With Disabilities Act.

OBJECTIVE: The outcomes of employment discrimination charges filed under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) by individuals with psychiatric disabilities and those with other disabilities were compared. METHODS: Data obtained from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) consisted of all ADA employment claims closed as of March 31, 1998. Charges were categorized by whether they were investigated by the EEOC or by a Fair Employment Practice Agency (FEPA). RESULTS: Of the 175,226 charges filed, 83.2 percent were closed by March 31, 1998. Of these, 15.7 percent brought some kind of benefit to charging parties, although only 1.7 percent resulted in new hires or reinstatements. Of charges investigated by FEPAs, 23.3 percent led to some benefit, compared with 11.5 percent of charges investigated by the EEOC. Of charges investigated by the EEOC, the median actual monetary benefit was $5,646, compared with $2,400 for charges investigated by FEPAs. A total of 13.6 percent of charges filed by individuals with psychiatric disabilities resulted in benefits, compared with a benefit rate of 16 percent for persons with other disabilities. The median actual monetary benefit received by persons with psychiatric disabilities was $5,000, compared with $3,500 for those with nonpsychiatric disabilities. Individuals whose charges were investigated in the first three years of ADA implementation were more likely to receive benefits than individuals whose charges were investigated more recently. CONCLUSIONS: Most employment discrimination charges filed under the ADA do not result in benefits or a finding of reasonable cause. Outcomes for people with psychiatric disabilities do not differ substantially from those for people with other disabilities.

Databases as Topic↗

The vertical file enters the electronic age.

Vertical files are revered institutions in many libraries. The reference staff at the Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library at the University of Utah automated their vertical file and made the information in it accessible via the Library's Integrated Library System. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) were applied to vertical files and simple records leading to them were entered in the Library's online catalog. Electronic access to the vertical file increases the availability of concepts too new to be in medical books and permits the Library to meet the needs of lay patrons searching for basic information on popular health care topics.

Academic Medical Centers↗

Use of Hedstrom file for removal of fractured root tips.

The foregoing case report describes a procedure that can be used to remove newly fractured roots. It is recommended that a Hedstrom file be used in cases in which the roots are loosened before they are fractured and provided that proper visibility and sufficient space in the root canal in which to introduce the file exist. This method, used alone or in combination with closed or open procedures, can be helpful for removing roots that are close to the maxillary sinus or mandibular canal. In the aforementioned case, the Hedstrom file's being threaded into the root tip was a safeguard against pushing the root tips into the surrounding anatomic structures. A method of using a Hedstrom file has been described for the removal of newly fractured root tips. If conditions are adequate, this method is simple and effective.

Adolescent↗

The optimal design of MUMPS global file.

This paper presents the basic consideration of global file design on MUMPS language. The major goal of global design is to reduce the number of disc accesses made over the long-term use of a file. To attain this goal, the procedure for finding the global file which minimizes the average number of disc blocks accessed to obtain a data node is proposed. Furthermore, the total number of blocks in use with file design are demonstrated by simple examples.

Computers↗

ADL: an integrated database for filing and study of malignant lymphoma patients.

The filing of clinical data must comply with purposes of logical organization for comparisons and evaluations. ADL (Archives of Data on Lymphomas) is an application program of dBASE III plus (Ashton-Tate) for personal computers, especially suitable for filing and studying patients afflicted with malignant lymphoma. It is subdivided into four data files: general data (private data, stage, therapy); disease data (sites of disease by tests and body area); immunological data (lymphocyte subpopulations, globulin and immunoglobulin dosage, delayed hypersensitivity skin tests); lost patients (register of patients not seen for at least 1 year). It has many utilities (descriptive statistics, clinical report, export service). Congruence checks and verification of names and dates input are included. This program stands as a valuable alternative to more traditional filing systems.

Archives↗

Electronic determination of root canal length by newly developed measuring device. Influences of the diameter of apical foramen, the size of K-file and the root canal irrigants.

A new electronic root canal measuring device called "ENDEX" which is able to determine the root canal length under moistened conditions using a relative value of different alternative electric currents is discussed in this study. This study is designed to investigate the efficiencies of the new device, in vitro, with respect to change in the root canal environment; namely the influence of the size of K-file, the diameter of the apical foramen and the various root canal irrigants. According to the present study, it was confirmed that the location of the apical foramen was clearly detected under moistened root canal with saline solution using any size of K-file. The locations of the tip of K-files were 0.5 mm inside the apical foramen when the relative value displayed 0.3 Volt, so that the apical constriction could not disturb during root canal measurement. One of the big problem with prior electrical measurement devices was not being able to determine the canal length under moistened conditions. However with this improved device, intracanal irrigants, such as saline, 5% NaOC1, 14% EDTA and 3% H2O2 did not interfere in detecting apical foramen irregardless of the size of K-file and the size of the apical foramen.

Dental Pulp Cavity↗

[Digital library for archiving files of radiology and medical imaging].

The Conseil des Enseignants de Radiologie de France in collaboration with the Ilab-TSI company and Schering laboratories has developed a computer programme allowing the storage and consultation of radiological teaching files. This programme, developed on Macintosh from standard Hypercard and Quicktime applications, allows, in consultation mode, the multicriteria search and visualisation of selected radiological files. In the author mode, new files can be included after digitalizing the author's own images or after obtaining images from another image library. This programme, which allows juxtaposition of digitalised radiological files, is designed to be extremely open and can be easily combined with other computer-assisted teaching or computer-assisted presentation applications.

Audiovisual Aids↗

Quantitative comparison of planar and SPECT normal data files of thallium-201, technetium-99m-sestamibi, technetium-99m-tetrofosmin and technetium-99m-furifosmin.

UNLABELLED: In recent years, several of 99mTc-labeled myocardial perfusion imaging agents have been developed, such as 99mTc-sestamibi, 99mTc-tetrofosmin and 99mTc-furifosmin. Although images obtained with these new tracers have a general similar appearance, there are differences in the myocardial kinetics, body distribution, general quality of images and imaging protocols. The aim of this study was to quantitatively compare normal exercise planar and SPECT data files obtained with 201TI and 99mTc-labeled agents. METHODS: Lower-limit-of-normal curves were generated for each specific radiopharmaceutical from normal subjects with low (< 3%) pretest likelihood of coronary artery disease using circumferential count distribution profiles from planar and SPECT exercise images. Lower-limit-of-normal curves were statistically compared using the nonparametric Kruskall-Wallis and Wilcoxon tests. RESULTS: Planar and SPECT lower-limit-of-normal curves generated for each radiopharmaceutical showed general similarities. Statistically significant differences among the lower-limit-of-normal curves were found in the planar left anterior oblique view and in the planar left lateral view (p < 0.05 for each). No statistically significant differences existed between lower-limit-of-normal curves of various radiopharmaceuticals on the planar anterior view and on SPECT imaging. CONCLUSION: For quantitative analysis of planar images, radiopharmaceutical-specific normal data files are mandatory. Although SPECT normal data files of various radiopharmaceuticals are not statistically different, they are not identical. It appears, nevertheless, prudent to use radiopharmaceutical-specific normal data files for quantitative analysis of SPECT images.

Adult↗