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PubMed1992

Comparison of six microcomputer dietary analysis systems with the USDA Nutrient Data Base for Standard Reference.

We compared the general operating features and nutrient databases of six microcomputer dietary analysis systems. A 3-day food record with 73 food items was entered into each program; nutrient averages were compared with the US Department of Agriculture Nutrient Data Base for Standard Reference (USDA NDB), full version, release 9, for microcomputers. The six programs were found to vary widely in cost, number of foods and nutrients in the database, use of non-USDA data and imputation of data for missing values, number of print/export options, time to analyze the 3-day food record, and overall ease of use. Although all of the microcomputer dietary analysis systems were within 7% of the USDA NDB for energy, protein, total fat, and total carbohydrates, the proportion of other nutrients varying more than 15% from the USDA NDB varied considerably between programs. Variance among programs for 3-day food record nutrient values occurred because of differences in the number of food items included in the database (leading to varying degrees of substitution), the recency of the nutrient data (whether or not the most recent USDA releases had been incorporated), and the number of missing values (the degree to which non-USDA sources or estimated calculations were used to fill in the blanks from the USDA standard). Our results demonstrate that it is important for each dietitian to carefully choose a microcomputer dietary analysis system that is suitable to specific and predetermined needs.

Databases, Factual↗

PubMed1988

Views of general practitioners in the Oxford region on microcomputing and collaboration with health authorities and family practitioner committees.

A postal questionnaire was sent to the senior partners of all 353 general practices in the Oxford region to investigate their interest in microcomputing and in pooling data with other general practitioners, health authorities and family practitioner committees. The response rate was 58%. Twenty per cent of responders already used a microcomputer and a further 59% intended to purchase a microcomputer for the practice. Nearly all the practices with an interest in microcomputing wanted to use it to produce age-sex registers, to establish recall groups and for repeat prescribing. Approximately 90% of interested practices reported that they would be prepared to link their data with family practitioner committees or health authorities, while 76% were interested in collaborating with other general practitioners for research. The results show that general practitioners will require support in utilizing the data that they produce.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

PubMed1987

Use of microcomputers in health and social service applications in developing nations.

The microcomputer is creating something of a revolution in many developing nations where historically there has been a lack of access to computer power at all levels of the health sector. For the first time, practitioners and researchers, often trained in computer techniques for developing countries, have access through microcomputers to data and information manipulation in their local workplace. While the history of microcomputers in such settings is short, this article presents early evidence from several countries which indicates the usefulness of various applications. The majority of the applications reported in the literature from clinical and research laboratories is made up of national data base systems and special studies of morbidity and mortality. Secondary applications, including assistance in biographical searches and word and graphics processing, are also reviewed in this article. A summary of the most utilized microcomputer hardware configurations completes the review.

Computers↗

PubMed1987

Planning for the information age: a survey of microcomputer use in a faculty of health sciences.

Microcomputers can greatly enhance information processing by clinicians and improve the quality of health care. We surveyed 983 full- and part-time faculty members to assess the state of microcomputer use in the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont. The ratio of faculty members to microcomputers was close to 1; however, 29% of the full-time and 52% of the part-time members who responded indicated that they did not use a computer. Among those who did, the range of applications was generally limited. There was no mention of more advanced uses such as diagnosis, treatment and patient records. Only about 30% of the respondents had taken a computer course, but all indicated a desire to take courses (on average, three of the seven listed in the questionnaire). Our results showed an extensive but unequal distribution of microcomputers and revealed the need for planning and education to put them to optimal use.

Computers↗

PubMed1990

Automated measurement of transplantable solid tumors using digital electronic calipers interfaced to a microcomputer.

Data collection for transplantable solid tumors has been automated with electronic digital calipers and a balance which have been coupled through an RS-232 interface to a microcomputer. BASIC programs handle data entry, calculations and data storage. A "PROTOCOL" program accepts keyboard input of sample name, notebook number, submitter and dose along with necessary information on tumor system, and then initial animal weights for treatment groups are sent from balance to computer. Data is stored as an ASCII file on floppy disks, and protocol reports are printed. When the test is to be measured, a "MEASURE" program prompts the user for keyboard entry of toxic deaths in each group. Then the computer requests input of width and length of tumors for each animal. These tumor dimensions are sent to microcomputer by pressing a button on the calipers. When a group is completed, final animal weights are sent from balance to microcomputer. Then tumor weights and percent inhibition as compared to appropriate control groups are calculated, and the data is appended to the file for that test. A hard copy is generated as tumors are measured, and reports including percent inhibition can be printed immediately after a test is measured. The data as an ASCII file is transferred via modem to mainframe computer, where another program transfers the information to a database management program. These automated procedures for tumor measurement save time and lessen the chance for error by eliminating manual recording of solid tumor dimensions and subsequent reentry of this data for calculation.

Animals↗

PubMed1979

Nonlinear least-squares regression programs for microcomputers.

Nonlinear least-squares regression can be performed on a microcomputer with BASIC language capability and 8K or more bytes of random access memory. At least five nonlinear regression programs written in BASIC exist, two of which have been implemented on microcomputers. These programs and some of their characteriscics are described. Advantages and disadvantages of performing nonlinear regression on microcomputers are contrasted with use of nonlinear regression programs requiring large computers.

Computers↗

PubMed1988

Evaluation of a microcomputer-based clinical laboratory data acquisition system linked with a minicomputer-based patient data management system.

We describe a microcomputer-based clinical laboratory data acquisition system linked with a minicomputer-based patient data management system and report on its performance. The system consists of a microcomputer and six laboratory analyzers: a blood gas analyzer, a flame photometer, a plasma osmotic pressure meter, a chloride ion titrator, a blood sugar analyzer, and a hemoglobin concentration and saturation meter. With the addition of a previously developed microinterface unit to each laboratory analyzer, data from each analyzer can be automatically transmitted to the microcomputer through a communication network. These data are then automatically transmitted to the patient data management system and thereby become part of that data base. Performance of this system was evaluated in two ways: (1) by comparing the turnaround time from an anesthetist's order for a laboratory analysis to receipt of the analysis with the time required in a control situation and (2) by comparing the number of steps a laboratory technician is required to walk to obtain and deliver the laboratory result with the number of steps required in a control situation in which no system was used. The turnaround time and the number of steps walked using this system were 552 +/- 41 seconds (n = 19, P less than 0.001) and 197 +/- 31 steps, respectively (n = 19, P less than 0.001), contrasted with 622 +/- 52 seconds and 374 +/- 87 steps without the system.

Clinical Laboratory Information Systems↗

PubMed1989

A microcomputer system for on-line monitoring of pulmonary function during artificial ventilation.

Standard monitoring of the artificially ventilated patient in the intensive care unit (ICU) and during anaesthesia includes repeated determinations of arterial blood gases, airway pressure and expired volume. However, there is a need for more extensive monitoring of the critically ill ventilator treated patient, and this is possible by better utilization of modern technology. Information on a variety of variables related to both pulmonary mechanics and gas exchange has long been accessible in the lung-function laboratory. Small, inexpensive microcomputers (PCs), accurate and fast bedside monitors and modern ventilators have also made this information directly available to the ICU staff. This paper describes a microcomputer (PC-XT) system for on-line bedside monitoring of pulmonary function. The microcomputer receives airway pressure, gas-flow and timing signals from the ventilator and signals for carbon dioxide concentration from an infrared analyzer. Data related to pulmonary mechanics and gas exchange are derived and displayed on the computer screen, both numerically and as graphs. In studies of ten artificially ventilated patients the coefficients of variation (CV) were below 10% for directly obtained variables (tidal volume, airway pressure, end-tidal and mixed expired carbon dioxide, carbon dioxide production, airway dead space), whereas the derived variables (compliance, phase III carbon dioxide slope) were associated with greater variability, with CVs ranging from 1.3 to 24% (median 6.25% and 8.65% respectively). The accuracy in estimating dead space variations was checked in two ventilator-treated patients by adding known dead space volumes. Simple regression analysis yielded an r value of 0.98 indicating adequate correctness of measurements and calculations.

Airway Resistance↗

PubMed1987

A microcomputer-based prosthetic limb controller: design and implementation.

This paper describes the design and implementation of a microcomputer based myoelectric limb controller. This controller was constructed for use as a feasibility study of, and a development tool for, microcomputer-based myoelectric limb controller applications. Features of this approach include flexibility and computational power. The present design uses low-power CMOS technology to provide a system in which most of the new computationally and decision orientated myoelectric signal processing algorithms can be used. Two CMOS microprocessors, a CD80C86 and a MC146805E2, are used, but microcomputer power consumption is only 120 mA.

Biomedical Engineering↗

PubMed1987

Introduction to microcomputer hardware and software.

Although general purpose computers have been available for more than 40 years, the dramatic plunge in the cost of electronics in the past 10 years has finally made significant computing power affordable to almost anyone. However, a large number of people including professionals have little idea of how a computer really works or what it can and cannot do. Presented here is an introduction to the hardware and software of microcomputers which assumes no working knowledge of electronics or programming. The fundamental pieces of a microcomputer are explained, giving some insight into the reasons why present microcomputers are built the way they are. This is followed by a discussion of the fundamentals of how software is used to make the hardware compute. The various levels of software are discussed, then the most commonly used types of user application software are described, and finally some suggestions are made on how to choose a personal computer.

Computer Communication Networks↗

PubMed1990

Adding a microcomputer bar-code network to a minicomputer-based radiology information system.

A bar-code terminal network under software control of a microcomputer was added to the minicomputer-based radiology information system at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. The bar-code network was specifically installed to address the inherent inaccuracies occurring when procedure information was entered at the time of registration before procedures were actually performed. Technologists now enter procedure data into bar-code terminals after procedures are performed, substantially reducing database errors. This approach allowed us to take advantage of a microcomputer product without the necessity of completely converting our highly customized information system software from mini-to microcomputer.

Electronic Data Processing↗

PubMed1987

A system for rapidly converting quadriceps contraction to a digital signal for use in microcomputer-oriented muscle therapy and stroke patient assessment schedules.

A system for testing quadriceps performance is described involving a microcomputer, quadriceps switch, analogue-to-digital converter, electromyograph, and an interface unit that rapidly converts quadriceps contraction to a digital signal to be read by a microcomputer. A computer program, developed in response to a need for new patient assessment schedules in active rehabilitive therapy for strokes, tests the patient's control over function of the quadriceps muscle in the affected leg. The software is written in BBC BASIC and designed to run on an Acorn BBC Model 'B' microcomputer. Speed of interpretation of inputs is a few milliseconds.

Cerebrovascular Disorders↗

PubMed1987

A fully automated system using a microcomputer for the hypertensive activity assays of drugs in the anesthetized rat.

A complete system is described for the computerized automation of the determination of activity of hypertensive drugs in the anesthetized rat. The microcomputer used was the Apple IIe, and the automation was performed by a purpose-designed command module. The series of injections of hypertensive drugs was controlled by the microcomputer through the intermediary of the command module. All processing of the signal (hypertension peak), calculation of the data obtained, statistical processing, and archive storage of the results was carried out entirely by the microcomputer. The computer was able unaided to control three work stations simultaneously without requiring synchronization.

Animals↗

PubMed1985

Microcomputers and consultation psychiatry in the general hospital.

The microcomputer allows for the design of a system that functions integrally with both the day-to-day and long-term needs of a consultation-liaison psychiatric service. This article describes a microcomputer system and data structure that can accomplish many of the same research tasks as a minicomputer system. In addition, the same data item inputs can be used to develop management reports that can facilitate the administrative as well as the pedagogic needs of a consultation-liaison service. Because of the daily availability and review of output reports, supervisors' corrections are made that enhance the reliability of the data. The program format provides 1) an intake form with pertinent identifying demographic data; 2) an activity file that contains every encounter between the consultant and the patient as well as research, supervisory, and liaison activities (which permit cost-effectiveness analysis); 3) a master clinical data base containing 255 variables for each case seen; 4) a computer-generated chart note; 5) letters to referring physicians; 6) clinical activity descriptions for billing; and 7) a file for pertinent literature searches. Since certain analyses may be limited in the microsystem, its interactive capacity with mainframe computers allows for complex functions. The microsystem described presently emphasizes flexibility, accessibility, and step-by-step development of files as needed by a particular consultation-liaison service. Finally, microcomputers are available at a fraction of the cost of the minicomputer or mainframe systems.

Adult↗

PubMed1988

An inexpensive, microcomputer-based system for recording movements in real time.

An inexpensive, microcomputer-based system was developed for recording movements in real time. The positions of 5 serially illuminated, infrared emitting diodes fixed on the object of interest were tracked by a remote, position-sensing photodiode. Positional information from the photodetector was digitized by an LSI 11/23+ microcomputer (sampling rate = 50/s/channel) and stored for subsequent analysis. Any microcomputer equipped to perform analog-digital conversion is compatible for use with this system. The small size of the components that are mounted on the animal allows movement to occur virtually unimpeded and makes this recording system especially suited for small animal observation.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Microcomputer-based system to measure, record and process flow-volume curves, respiratory questionnaire data and environmental exposure.

A microcomputer-based system was developed to measure flow-volume curve parameters, record respiratory questionnaire data and analyse the collected data. The hardware of the system consists of two parts which operate independently and are linked together for data transfer. The first part is a microprocessor-based unit to accurately measure flow-volume curve parameters. The second part is a microcomputer unit used to receive flow-volume curve parameters from the first part, to record responses to questionnaires stored in the unit and to perform all statistical analysis. The software included a monitor program controlling system operations, a data base and a powerful statistical package. Two sets of questionnaires are stored in the system, one for adults and the other for children. The user is only required to enter to the system answers to questions displayed on the screen. Flow-volume data can be entered via the keyboard of the microcomputer unit or transmitted from the flow-volume test unit. The developed system is compact, easy to operate and moderately priced.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Mixing Apple microcomputer graphics for ultrasound scan measurement.

A modern microcomputer with high-resolution graphics can provide an inexpensive method for measurement on video images from a real-time ultrasound scanner. The problem which has to be overcome to allow the computer graphics to be superimposed on the ultrasound video image and permit subsequent analysis is that of synchronization. The video signals must be synchronized before they can be mixed, but neither microcomputers nor ultrasound scanners provide facilities for external synchronization of their video output. A mixer has been designed which uses a buffer memory and allows the graphics of an Apple II microcomputer to be synchronized and mixed with an external video image; we used a Hitachi EUB22 real-time ultrasound scanner. The resulting combination is a versatile instrument which permits a wide range of measurements on ultrasonic images.

Computers↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Microcomputer-assisted transmission of disaster data by cellular telephone.

Voice communication of information during disasters is often inadequate. In particular, simultaneous transmission by multiple callers on the same frequency can result in blocked transmissions and miscommunications. In contrast, nonvoice transmission of data requires less time than does voice communication of the same data, and may be more accurate. We conducted a pilot study to test the feasibility of a microcomputer assisted communication (MAC) network linking the disaster scene and the command hospital. The radio chosen to transmit data from the field disaster site to the command hospital was a cellular telephone connected to the microcomputer by modem. Typed communications between the microcomputer operators enabled dialogue between the disaster site and the hospitals. A computer program using commercially available software (Symphony by Lotus, Inc.) was written to allow for data entry, data transmission, and reports. Patient data, including age, sex, severity of injury, identification number, major injuries, and hospital destination were successfully transmitted from the disaster site command post to the command hospital. This pilot test demonstrated the potential applicability of MAC for facilitating transmission of patient data during a disaster.

Computer Communication Networks↗