PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Computer Peripherals”

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 253 records · Page 14Linked to original sources

Dental undergraduate expectations and opinions of Web-based courseware to supplement traditional teaching methods.

The rapid growth of Internet for the delivery of information has enabled teaching materials to be placed on websites allowing student access to course material. It is the aim of this paper to evaluate a cohort of dental undergraduate students who have used Web-based courseware in prosthetic dentistry for a semester. A questionnaire was distributed to clinical undergraduate students prior to the use of the prosthetics course to determine their experience of using the World Wide Web (WWW) and their expectations of an online course. A second questionnaire was distributed at the end of 6 months which asked about their usage and opinions of the prosthetics Web-based courseware. The main concerns raised at the beginning of the course were related to computer access, the ability to use computers, the time involved and their conception that the e-course would be an additional burden. The main potential benefits were perceived to be convenience, availability of information and the ability to reinforce or catch up on aspects of the module they did not understand or had missed. Feedback at the end of the year showed that most students had accessed the Web-based courseware site at least once a month and, generally, their comments were favourable, dispelling some of the initial perceived fears. They felt that the website was a quick and convenient way to access information and was a good additional resource. Access to the site and printing information were the main problems raised by the students who had to use a shared cluster. In conclusion, Web-based courseware was felt to be a useful additional resource for students. However, this research showed that sufficient computers and printers must be available for such a resource to become an integrated part of the dental course.

Adult↗

Computerized handwriting instruction with severely mentally handicapped adults.

The effectiveness of computerized handwriting instruction incorporating modelling of the target letter, corrective feedback and reinforcement contingent upon letter accuracy was examined with severely mentally retarded adults. Assisted by faded prompts on a sheet of paper, subjects wrote the letter 'q' while their handwriting patterns were detected by a digitized graphics tablet linked to a computer. Computerized instruction was introduced for six subjects (mean mental age = 3 years, 10 months) according to a multiple-baseline-across-subjects design. Instruction produced significant improvements in letter quality which were not simply due to the effects of practice. Subjects who had extended practice before being introduced to the computer were less responsive to the information provided by the computer and did not attain the levels of performance accuracy achieved by other subjects.

Adult↗

Using a CompuCyte Pathfinder to evaluate cytotechnology student diagnostic performance.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the Pathfinder Cytology System facilitates comparison of initial student diagnoses to rescreener diagnoses; provides a platform for collection, storage and retrieval of data on student screening performance; and generates a student screening "score." STUDY DESIGN: Using two CompuCyte Pathfinder units networked to a PC server and printer, eight cytotechnology students prescreened 1,224 gynecologic cases and entered their results into the Pathfinder database. Five staff cytotechnologists rescreened the cases and entered their diagnoses. The database containing the initial and rescreen diagnoses were transferred to a modified scoring grid that computed a screening "score" for each of the students. RESULTS: Student diagnoses matched cytotechnologist target diagnoses in 1,107 to 1,224 total cases (90.4%). Of these 1,107 cases, 996 (81.3%) were reported as "within normal limits" (negative) by both student and cytotechnologist, and 111 (9.1%) were target diagnosed as abnormal (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance [ASCUS] or above) by both student and cytotechnologist. Of 117 remaining cases, 112 (9.2%) were considered minor discrepancies (one-step discrepancy--e.g., benign cell change-reactive vs. ASCUS--favor reactive), and 5 (0.4%) were considered significant discrepancies (two or more diagnostic categories of difference between student and cytotechnologist-within normal limits vs. low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion). The modified scoring grid developed by CompuCyte for this study was able to compute a numerical score for each student. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary assessment indicated that Pathfinder will facilitate evaluation of student performance. The system shows potential for eliminating the "paper trail" and manual dotting required for traditional student evaluation and, with the addition of a scoring program, may be standardized for use in both educational and clinical settings.

Automation↗

Developing patient education programs with multimedia technology incorporating patient feedback into program design.

The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston has been the site of a three year project to develop a unique set of computer-based health promotion programs for patients in community-based settings. The Healthy Touch Series is a collection of four interactive multimedia programs that were produced to provide health promotion information to underserved groups on topics related to maternal-infant health. The programs have bilingual audio tracks in English and Spanish and run on a CD-ROM platform with touch-screen control. Use of the technology with a large group of patients led to many modifications and alternations. Formative evaluation results review the key concepts we learned.

Audiovisual Aids↗

A computer-assisted case report and diagnosis system: sharing the knowledge database ADM and using hypermedia techniques.

The practice of medicine is characterized by its great variability and by many rare diseases. When the medical students work in hospital units, they must learn the general medical practice in the care of the patient. The purpose of this work was to present a French multifunction decision aid system using artificial intelligence techniques and Hypercard tools for different modules. Through an ergonomic interface, the system assists the user in the construction of medical observations, suggests diagnostic hypothesis, provides documentation and helps the user perform retrieval tasks. The knowledge comes from senior experts and from the pre-existent and large knowledge database, ADM.

Computer Peripherals↗

[Computed tomographic findings of peripheral-type schwannoma; comparative study with histology].

Computed Tomographic (CT) findings of peripheral-type schwannomas were reviewed and compared with the histology. Ten patients were examined. Plain CT showed all tumors as hypodense mass. After injection of contrast material, they were enhanced in various fashions. The enhancement patterns were divided into four types. On enhancement CT, highly enhanced area in the tumor was consistent with hypercellular region or vascular rich area, whereas poorly stained area revealed hypocellular area, interstitial xanthomatous change or cystic degeneration. It is concluded that the inter-tumoral difference in special distribution of hyper- and hypocellular areas leads to the variety of enhancement pattern on CT images.

Adult↗

Results of computer-aided diagnosis of peripheral bronchial carcinoma.

Radiographic images can be converted into numerical sequences that can be evalueate by computer to determine the significance of certain radiographic findings in peripheral pulmonary nodules. Of three methods (discriminant analysis. Bayes' theoroem, and the Calm system), discriminant analysis has proven the best with an accuracy rate of 85%. By taking into account serial radiographs and statements on the possible growth of the neoplasm, the accuracy of the method can be increased to 90%. A simplified, inexpensive and effective method for application of this diagnostic tool is described.

Adult↗

An unusual case of noncavitary hemorrhage revealed by intravenous contrast-enhanced computed tomography.

Peripheral arterial injuries after blunt trauma commonly follow injuries to adjacent soft tissue, organ, and bone. We present here a case of blunt injury to the lumbar artery and the deep iliac circumflex artery in which there was no adjacent bone fracture, but in which hemorrhagic shock and persistent anemia ensued. Intravenous contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed the site of active bleeding, leading us to perform an angiographic embolization for hemostasis.

Accidents, Traffic↗

Integration of peripheral blood biomarkers with computed tomography to differentiate benign from malignant pulmonary opacities.

Our purpose was to determine whether peripheral blood biomarkers MUC1 and CK19 could be used to complement imaging studies in differentiating benign from malignant indeterminate pulmonary nodules or masses detected on computed tomography CT. One hundred and eighteen patients had a thoracic CT and blood drawn for tumor marker reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis. Thirty-five of the 118 patients had an indeterminate pulmonary nodular opacity on CT, and the findings then were correlated with the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction results. The sensitivity and specificity for the markers in determining malignancy was calculated. Thirteen of the 35 opacities on CT proved to be benign, and 22 proved to be lung cancer. Among the patients with indeterminate pulmonary abnormalities, polymorphic epithelial mucin protein 1 had a sensitivity and specificity for lung cancer of 100% and 46%, respectively. Cytokeratin 19 had a sensitivity and specificity for lung cancer of 95% and 8%, respectively. These preliminary data showed that serum biomarkers polymorphic epithelial mucin protein 1 and cytokeratin 19 were not specific for lung cancer, although patients with an indeterminate pulmonary abnormality and negative markers were unlikely to have lung cancer. Integration of imaging studies with the appropriate biomarkers may prove useful in evaluating indeterminate pulmonary nodules or masses.

Adult↗

[Results of a computer-based analysis of peripheral pulse waves in arterial occlusive diseases of the lower extremity].

A system of data acquisition and computer analysis for pulse wave measurements, realized by means of electronic oscillography (Boucke-Brecht system) or impedance rheography, is described. The system includes: 1. Computer-compatible data acquisition and registration 2. Conversion of data into digital form 3. Data processing and evaluation of parameters 4. Classification. Records are taken from equivalent points of left and right lower extremities. Computer analysis is performed off-line using a small computer (TPA-i). The computer program evaluates the following parameters: 1. Time intervals and amplitudes of pulse propagation time, inclinations, crest time, peak width, maximum and minimum of dicrotic wave 2. Areas between pulse curve and baseline 3. Extremes of 1st and 2nd derivates for the dynamic characterization of signal 4. Fourier coefficients All parameters are computed for 12 single pulse cycles and finally averaged, printed out, and stored in a data bank. The diagnostic significance of all these parameters was examined and evaluated for separation of normal and pathological curves. With linear discriminance analysis a correct classification of about 90% was obtained. Advantages of computer analysis are: 1. Time-consuming visual evaluation is avoided. 2. Accuracy and reliability of diagnosis are improved. 3. Additional parameters offer more diagnostic information. Further investigations are directed toward reducing the number of parameters and developing an efficient screening method for early diagnosis of peripheral arterial obstructions.

Arterial Occlusive Diseases↗

[Pleural infiltration by peripheral bronchial carcinoma. Is computed tomography reliable?].

Pre-operative computed tomograms were obtained in 52 patients with histologically confirmed peripheral bronchial carcinomas and possible involvement of the pleura and thoracic wall was analysed. The results were compared with the operative and histological findings. Thickening of the pleura and of the sub-pleural fat line was observed in 24 cases. Amongst these patients there was only one case with histologically confirmed pleural infiltration. In 17 patients the sub-pleural fat line was obliterated, or could not be defined. Amongst these, 11 showed tumour extension to the pleura or soft tissues of the chest wall. It is concluded that the most suspicions sign of pleural tumour extension is absence of the sub-pleural fat line. The more frequently observed pleural thickening cannot be considered as a reliable sign for pleural involvement.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Computers in radiology. Interfacing with peripheral devices.

A fundamental part of building a computer system is control of and communication with peripheral devices. With use of graphics display terminals, video image digitizers, and array processors as examples, the basics of peripherals are discussed as they affect radiologic applications.

Computers↗

[Working experience of the analytical group of the specialized epidemic brigade].

The working experience of the analytical group as the section of the specialized antiepidemic brigade for the organization and realization of antiepidemic measures, made under the conditions of the antiterrorist operation in the Chechen Republic in the year 2000, is generalized. The necessity for equipping the specialized brigade with a modern computer with peripherals and the necessary specialized computer programs, as well as with modem and fax-telephone facilities, is shown. The necessity of equipping this brigade with the electronic variant of the information and legal data base (references on methods, sanitary norms and other normative documents on sanitation, hygiene, epidemiology, bacteriology and the organization of health service) is indicated.

Communicable Disease Control↗

An experimental study on the interface strength between titanium mesh cage and vertebra in reference to vertebral bone mineral density.

STUDY DESIGN: Using human cadaver spines, the authors investigated mechanical properties of the interface between titanium mesh cage and vertebra in respect to vertebral bone mineral density. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to examine the effects of the size of the mesh cage and an internal end ring system on interface mechanical properties in reference to vertebral bone mineral density. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: A titanium mesh cage has recently been developed for anterior spinal reconstruction. The cage provides immediate postoperative stability and facilitates bony union with cancellous bone packed in the cage itself. Mechanical properties of the interface between the cage and vertebra, however, are yet to be clarified in osteoporotic spine. METHODS: Twenty-five lumbar vertebrae harvested from embalmed human cadavers (n = 20) were used. The vertebrae were divided into four experimental groups according to the applied cage conditions: Phi25 mm cage without internal end ring (L-), Phi19 mm cage without internal end ring (S-), Phi25 mm cage with internal end ring (L+), and Phi19 mm cage with internal end ring (S+). Bone mineral density of whole vertebral body was measured by dual energy radiograph absorptiometer (DXA). Peripheral quantitative computed tomography was used to determine local bone mineral density of subchondral cancellous bone of vertebral body. Each cage was compressed on vertebral endplate via a specially designed device connected to a material testing machine. Maximum load and stiffness of the interface between the cage and vertebra were measured from load-deformation data in quasi-static compression loading with a loading rate of 0.5 mm/min. Relationships between the mechanical properties and vertebral bone mineral densities were evaluated. In 11 specimens acoustic emission during compression loading was measured and simultaneously recorded in load-deformation data. After the mechanical test microradiograms of midsagittal sections of the vertebrae were taken to observe failure patterns of endplate or trabecular bone. RESULTS: Vertebrae compressed with large cages (group: L- or L+) showed greater maximum load than those compressed with small cages (group: S- or S+). The internal end ring contributed to higher maximumload. The size of the cage or the internal end ring, however, did not have any effect on stiffness. Maximum load and stiffness were positively correlated with whole vertebral bone mineral density measured by dual energy radiograph absorptiometer or local cancellous bone mineral density of subchondral bone measured by peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Correlation coefficient and P value were more significant in the association of the mechanical properties and subchondral bone mineral density measured by peripheral quantitative computed tomography than in the association of the parameters and whole vertebral bone mineral density measured by DXA. A load-deformation curve with an acoustic emission event count rate showed that significant acoustic emission signals were generated around maximum load. On microradiographic study most vertebrae compressed with the cage showed encroachment of the cage spikes into the endplate or trabecular structure, preserving structures of the most central portion of the vertebrae. CONCLUSION: A titanium mesh cage with larger diameter and/or augmentation of internal end ring produces a significant increase of the interface strength between the cage and the vertebra. A positive correlation between the interface strength and vertebral bone mineral density suggests that vertebral bone mineral density is an important parameter for successful spinal reconstruction, and also implies that in severe osteoporotic spine the stability of the cage is declined, and other instrumentation should be combined.

Aged↗

Computer-aided localisation of peripheral nerve lesions.

The clinical localisation of peripheral nerve lesions can sometimes be difficult, particularly following injury to the brachial plexus when multiple lesions are often present. In this situation, computers may be of assistance in interpreting the complicated patterns of clinical findings. This paper describes the evaluation of a computer program that uses a simulation model of the consequences of nerve injury, based on a representation of the relevant anatomy. A retrospective study of 26 patients with upper limb nerve lesions was carried out. The computer program compared favourably with three clinicians in interpreting the findings correctly. It is suggested that this approach may be transferable to other applications.

Arm↗

[Computed tomographic angiography of the peripheral vasculature--role and applications in vascular surgery].

Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) is a relatively new diagnostic modality in the field of vascular surgery. Despite being new it has already been introduced into a wide range of diagnostic applications in this field and in many cases it can precede or replace the conventional intra-arterial angiography. During a 12 month period between 1.8.98 and 1.8.99 sixty five peripheral arterial imaging scans were performed using a CT Twin--2 helical scanner (Spiral Twin Flash., Elscint, Israel) with a 100% technical success rate and no complications at all. Twelve patients (18.5%) were operated upon and 20 (30.7%) underwent endovascular procedures with full intra-procedural agreement with the pre-operative or pre-procedure CTA findings. Despite possible pitfalls and a few disadvantages the technique carries major benefits and significant advantages to both the patient and the clinician. Therefore we recommend considering CTA as a first line diagnostic modality whenever peripheral vasculature has to be demonstrated whether electively or urgently and to spare the conventional angiography for selected cases only.

Angiography↗