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At least 379 records · Page 21Linked to original sources

PubMed2004

JIDE: a new software for computer-aided design of hip prosthesis.

This work is aimed at developing an innovative simulation environment supporting and improving the design of standard joint implants (JPD integrated design environment (JIDE)). The conceptual workflow starts from the design of a new implant, by using conventional CAD programmes and completes with the generation of a report that summarises the goodness for a new implant against a database of human bone anatomies. For each dataset in the database, the JPD application calculates a set of quantitative indicators that will support the designer in the evaluation of its design on a statistical basis. The resulting system is thus directed to prostheses manufacturers and addresses a market segment that appears to have a steady growth in the future.

Computer Simulation↗

PubMed2006

SCEW: a Microsoft Excel add-in for easy creation of survival curves.

Survival curves are frequently used for reporting survival or mortality outcomes of experimental pharmacological/toxicological studies and of clinical trials. Microsoft Excel is a simple and widely used tool for creation of numerous types of graphic presentations however it is difficult to create step-wise survival curves in Excel. Considering the familiarity of clinicians and biomedical scientists with Excel, an algorithm survival curves in Excel worksheet (SCEW) has been developed for easy creation of survival curves directly in Excel worksheets. The algorithm has been integrated in the form of Excel add-in for easy installation and usage. The program is based on modification of frequency data for binary break-up using the spreadsheet formula functions whereas a macro subroutine automates the creation of survival curves. The advantages of this program are simple data input, minimal procedural steps and the creation of survival curves in the familiar confines of Excel.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2005

Role of biplane echocardiography in a large-volume clinical practice: revamping strategies for echocardiography in a limited time.

OBJECTIVES: We determined the feasibility, learning curve, time efficacy, and the quality of imaging during biplane echocardiography performed in clinical practice with a view to reduce a sonographer's time for image acquisition. BACKGROUND: Multidimensional echocardiographic imaging has improved the assessment of cardiac geometry and function in clinical settings. However, concerns regarding ease of performance and effects on overall clinical work flow remain inadequately addressed. METHODS: The study included 100 consecutive unselected patients referred to our echocardiography laboratory. They were randomized to conventional or biplane echocardiography performed by a sonographer without previous knowledge of biplane imaging. Image acquisition time and variables influencing the learning curve and overall image quality were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean time required for biplane and mono-plane imaging was not different in the first 24 cases. In the remaining cases, mean image acquisition time was reduced significantly in 58 cases (76.3%): biplane, 5.6 minutes (SD 1.3); and monoplane, 6.6 minutes (SD 1.6) ( P = .0003). For both techniques, scanning time was not affected by referral pattern, body habitus, or underlying cardiac lesion. Overall, biplane scanning resulted in reduction in echocardiographic imaging time of 9.1%, maintaining an acceptable image quality in 87% of patients. In the last 20 cases, new software design and superior instrumentation technique improved the mean time gain to 15%. CONCLUSION: In a high-volume echocardiography laboratory, biplane imaging effectively reduces sonographer time for imaging and improves throughput by increasing the number of comprehensive ultrasound studies that can be performed in a limited time.

Cardiovascular Diseases↗

PubMed2006

Application of ultrasound contrast agents for the characterization of female urethral vascularization in healthy pre- and postmenopausal volunteers: preliminary report.

OBJECTIVES: Vascularization of the female urethra is an important factor contributing to the sealing effect responsible for the normal urethral closing system. The aim of this study was to assess whether contrast enhanced ultrasonography can be used to evaluate changes in urethral vascularization between pre- and postmenopausal women. METHODS: We studied the vascularization of female urethra in 11 healthy premenopausal females during the midfollicular phase of the menstrual cycle and 10 healthy postmenopausal volunteers using ultrasound contrast agents with a 2-5 MHz curved-array transducer by a translabial approach. Reperfusion curves were analyzed by a blinded investigator. Ultrasound contrast agents were measured with specifically designed software, and results were evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS: The data suggest that the enhancement characteristics of the urethra were different in pre- and postmenopausal women and that the percent of blood volume and blood flow decreased with age. No changes were observed between pre- and postmenopausal women regarding the velocity of blood flow. CONCLUSIONS: The study of female urethra vascularization by ultrasound contrast agents is safe, feasible, and noninvasive.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Extracting data recorded with OpenSDE: possibilities and limitations.

PURPOSE: OpenSDE is an application intended to support structured data entry in a variety of settings, such as routine care and clinical research. The past years development has focused on data entry to support expressiveness and flexibility. The focus is now shifting to data extraction: what are the possibilities for extracting the data and does the adopted strategy pose limitations? METHODS: Data extraction is supported by presenting the concepts for extraction in the same tree structure as for data entry. Users can select all or a sub selection of these concepts for extraction. Selected concepts are extracted and converted to a table format that can be queried using conventional tools. RESULTS: The extraction tool (entity export) provides a successful technical solution for data extraction. Using the extracted data, however, leads to obstacles that are a result of a fundamental design principle of OpenSDE.

Computer Simulation↗

PubMed2006

Participatory design of a collaborative clinical trial protocol writing system.

OBJECTIVE: To explore concrete approaches to socio-technical design of collaborative healthcare information systems and to design a groupware technology for collaborative clinical trial protocol writing. METHOD: We conducted "quick and dirty ethnography" through semi-structured interviews, observational studies, and work artifacts analysis to understand the group work for protocol development. We used participatory design through evolutionary prototyping to explore the feature space of a collaborative writing system. Our design strategies include role-based user advocacy, formative evaluation, and change management. RESULTS: Quick and dirty ethnography helped us efficiently understand relevant work practice, and participatory design helped us engage users into design and bring out their tacit work knowledge. Our approach that intertwined both techniques helped achieve a "work-informed and user-oriented" design. This research leads to a collaborative writing system that supports in situ communication, group awareness, and effective work progress tracking. The usability evaluation results have been satisfactory. The system design is being transferred to an organizational tool for daily use.

Clinical Protocols↗

PubMed2004

Prognostic impact of tumor volumetry in patients with locally advanced head-and-neck carcinoma (non-nasopharyngeal) treated by radiotherapy alone or combined radiochemotherapy in a randomized trial.

PURPOSE: Tumor volume (TV) is one of the main reported factors determining the outcome of treatment in head-and-neck carcinomas. In this study, the prognostic impact of TV was explored in the context of a randomized trial with the patients assigned to receive standard radiotherapy (RT) alone or RT plus platinum compounds (RT alone, RT plus cisplatin, or RT plus carboplatin). METHODS AND MATERIALS: The tumor outlines were traced and digitized on each pretreatment CT slice for each of the 101 patients studied. Taking into account the magnification factor of the scan and CT slice thickness, a computer with specifically designed software calculated the TV in cubic centimeters. RESULTS: The median overall survival for the whole group of patients was 21.6 months (95% confidence interval, 13.0-30.2) and the 3-year survival rate was 40%. The addition of platinum compounds to RT (Groups 2 and 3) significantly improved the survival rate (RT alone vs. RT plus cisplatin, hazard ratio 0.36, p = 0.002; RT alone vs. RT plus carboplatin, hazard ratio 0.53, p = 0.029). In univariate analysis, the most significant parameters for survival were treatment group, total gross tumor volume (TGTV), complete response, nodal GTV, primary GTV, and performance status. In multivariate analysis, treatment group, TGTV, gender, and primary site were independent prognostic factors for survival. A prognostic threshold of 22.8 cm(3) was detected for TGTV. Patients with a TGTV of <22.8 cm(3) were more likely to achieve a complete response and had a median survival of 45.3 months, and those with a TGTV >22.8 cm(3) had a median survival of 12.3 months (log-rank test, p = 0.0102). CONCLUSION: The prognostic significance of the TGTV was confirmed and a cutoff value of 22.8 cm(3) derived. Our data indicated that locally advanced head-and-neck carcinomas should not be treated by standard (once-daily) RT alone. Tumor size and disease subsite should be taken into account in future randomized trials to increase their statistical power.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

3D models of blood flow in the cerebral vasculature.

The circle of Willis (CoW) is a ring-like arterial structure located in the base of the brain and is responsible for the distribution of oxygenated blood throughout the cerebral mass. To investigate the effects of the complex 3D geometry and anatomical variability of the CoW on the cerebral hemodynamics, a technique for generating physiologically accurate models of the CoW has been created using a combination of magnetic resonance data and computer-aided design software. A mathematical model of the body's cerebral autoregulation mechanism has been developed and numerous computational fluid dynamics simulations performed to model the hemodynamics in response to changes in afferent blood pressure. Three pathological conditions were explored, namely a complete CoW, a fetal P1 and a missing A1. The methodology of the cerebral hemodynamic modelling is proposed with the potential for future clinical application in mind, as a diagnostic tool.

Blood Flow Velocity↗

PubMed2004

Clinical information systems: CareSuite from Picis.

In this article, we discuss the implementation of the CareSuite system (Picis, Wakefield, MA) in 5 intensive care units of the Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. We give a description of the implementation process, and the system as it is currently being used. We also confront the lessons learned during the implementation of this clinical information systems with insights from the research field of implementation, and thereby show the value of a socio-technical approach to clinical information systems implementation.

Computer Communication Networks↗

PubMed2006

Four corneal presbyopia corrections: simulations of optical consequences on retinal image quality.

PURPOSE: To investigate the possibility of multifocal or aspherical treatment of the cornea with optical ray tracing. SETTING: Institute for Refractive and Ophthalmic Surgery, Zurich, Switzerland. METHODS: The optical consequences of 4 corneal shapes-global optimum (GO) for curvature and asphericity, central steep island (CSI), decentered steep island (DSI), and centered steep annulus (CSA)-for presbyopia correction were analyzed using a modified Liou-Brennan eye model and ray tracing with a commercial optic design software (Zemax, Zemax Development Corp.). The ocular optical configuration for far vision was a point light source at a distance of 5 m, 1 degree up, and a pupil diameter of 5.0 mm and for near vision, 0.4 m distance, 1 degree up, and a pupil diameter of 2.5 mm. The curvature radius (R) of the cornea and its asphericity (Q) were used as operands to optimize (simultaneously for near and far vision) the quality of the retinal image described by means of the minimum spot diameter or the root-mean-square (RMS) wavefront error. RESULTS: Starting from an emmetropic eye optimized for R and Q, the RMS wavefront error in the retina was 0.07 microm (far) and 1.42 microm (near). The GO resulted in a wavefront error of 1.42 microm (far) and 0.52 microm (near); improvement of near vision using reading glasses is possible. The CSI yielded 0.91 microm (far) and 0.13 microm (near); spectacles did not improve far or near vision. The DSI and CSA had significantly worse results for near and far vision. CONCLUSIONS: Of the options studied, GO and CSI seemed the most promising alternatives for corneal presbyopia correction. Although reading glasses can improve near vision in GO, reading glasses did not improve near vision in CSI-treated eyes. The CSI treatment is critically dependent on centration and a reverse treatment is difficult to achieve.

Computer Simulation↗

PubMed2005

Development of an automated Selvester Scoring System for estimating the size of myocardial infarction from the electrocardiogram.

Although the Selvester Scoring System for estimating the size of myocardial infarction from the standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) has potential clinical value, it has found limited application because of the difficulties in making precise and reproducible measurements. The objective of this study was to develop software to automate the Selvester Scoring System, thus allowing wider application of the technique. The study was carried out using a training set consisting of ECG data recorded from 705 individuals with and without previous myocardial infarction. Algorithms for the 50 criteria in the Selvester Scoring System were iteratively improved by comparison of scores obtained by 2 experienced cardiologist investigators with those generated by the program. The final version was evaluated in a test set consisting of 60 ECGs by comparing scores derived by cardiologist investigator with those obtained by the program. The disagreements occurred only in 1.1% of the score comparisons and in 1.6% of the specific measurements. In all cases in which a disagreement occurred, it resulted from very small differences in measurements. These results indicate that the algorithm for automated application of the Selvester Scoring System is adequate for both clinical and research applications.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2005

A relational database for trial-based behavioral experiments.

We describe a relational database (RDB) structure suitable for trial-based experiments such as human psychophysics and neural recording studies in trained animals. An RDB is a collection of tables, each composed of columns. Some of the tables contain columns that reference specific columns of other tables. This referencing system links the tables to each other and makes it possible to extract any subset of the data with trivial commands. An equally important advantage of an RDB is that it imposes a consistent data format on applications that generate and analyze data. The result is a centralization and standardization of data storage that facilitates the pooling, cross-checking and re-analysis of data from various experiments. We present a robust RDB structure originally designed for neurophysiological data; however, it is abstract enough to accommodate data from a variety of trial-based experimental designs. Moreover, we demonstrated the advantages of this RDB structure and indicated its implementation in other laboratories.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2004

Determination of the resolution of a digital system for panoramic radiography based on CCD technology.

OBJECTIVES: To determine Line Spread Functions (LSFs) and Modulation Transfer Functions (MTFs) for a digital system for panoramic radiography: the Dimax I (Planmeca Oy, Helsinki, Finland) based on Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) technology. STUDY DESIGN: A test object was specially designed having a gold foil positioned vertically. Images of the gold foil created edge functions that were used to determine LSFs and MTFs. The design of the test object made it possible to move the gold foil forward and backward relative to the central plane of the image layer by means of a micrometer screw. The experiment was carried out for different object depths in 5 different regions: the anterior, the canine, the premolar, the molar, and the TMJ regions. LSFs and MTFs were calculated using specially designed software. RESULTS: The results are presented graphically. LSFs and MTFs for the central plane were essentially the same for all regions. The MTFs for different object depths in the 5 investigated regions exhibited typical characteristics of MTFs for panoramic radiography with the exception for the functions for the molar region. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings indicate that the resolution of the Dimax I CCD system is comparable to that of film-based panoramic radiography.

Bicuspid↗

PubMed2004

Sample volume shape for pulsed-flow velocity estimation using a linear array.

Various definitions of the sample volume (SV) shape have been proposed, but they are mostly based on transducers with axisymmetrical geometry. We have defined the SV as that spatial region in which scatterers contribute a component to the total gated received-signal energy above a defined threshold. This definition is consistent with modern pulsed transducer arrays and accounts for the need to impose a signal/noise threshold. Based on this definition, SVs for a typical linear phased-array transducer were simulated using custom-designed software. The effects of different transmit pulses, receive gates, apertures, SV depths and lateral foci were studied using a one-dimensional (1-D) beam-forming array, with a fixed lens in the elevation direction. Based on a simplified method of analysis, the features of the beam-steered SV are qualitatively similar to those of the nonsteered SV, when compared at the same beam-flow angle. These studies have helped provide a clearer understanding of the manner in which the SV energy distribution is affected by various parameters. The results can have potentially significant implications in the use of ultrasound (US) for blood velocity estimation, specifically with respect to locating the SV within the blood vessel and the origin of the velocity spectrum.

Computer Simulation↗

PubMed1988

CAPA--Computer Aided Pesticide Analysis. Computer program for the automated evaluation of chromatographic data for residue analysis of foods.

Pesticide residue analysis in food by means of gas chromatography with columns of different polarity and several selective detectors provides the analyst with a great number of chromatographic data. The introduction of personal computer based chromatographic data systems into research laboratories increased the efficiency of information management and organization; user designed software packages now have direct access to the stored data. The computer program CAPA (Computer Aided Pesticide Analysis) was developed for the interpretation and evaluation of chromatographic results. The program is written in TURBO PASCAL 3.0 and consists of several subprograms. In the main database all pesticides are filed in a multidimensional structure. The various subprograms have access to this catalog of retention and response data. Using the subprogram INTERPRET, which is the core of CAPA, the analyst is provided with all information necessary to interpret a gas chromatogram: identification of calibrated pesticides and estimation of their concentration. Automated screening analyses can be evaluated with the subprogram AUTOINTERPRET, an automated of INTERPRET that uses all relevant information stored in the data base. A report is produced containing the pesticides found in the sample and proposals how to confirm them best with the equipment and methods available. Finally the analyst has to make the decision about the probable presence and quantity of the indicated pesticides and to project the next confirmatory step by using INTERPRET.

Autoanalysis↗

PubMed2005

[Measurement of head penetration on digitalized radiographs: reproducibility and accuracy].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Wear of the acetabular component of total hip arthroplasty (THA) is incriminated as the cause of loosening and bone resorption. Consequently, an accurate evaluation of wear can contribute to the prediction of mechanical failure of the arthroplasty. Among the different methods proposed, digitalized imaging using a high-resolution scanner associated with data processing procedures appears to be a simple easily accessible technique. A system based on this concept has been introduced in orthopedics. To our knowledge, there has been no report on the system's reproducibility and accuracy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-nine radiography series for THA served as the basis for the evaluation of intra- and interobserver reproducibility. We evaluated the error induced by digitalization, the error induced by digitalized measurement, the accuracy of the measurements as a function of the material constituting the bearing, the intra- and interobserver reproducibility for repeated measures of THA wear (six observers and two observations). All measurements were done after digitalization and analyzed with a specimen designed software. RESULTS: The inter and intra-observer coefficients of concordance were 0.6 and 0.58 respectively, i.e. moderate reproducibility. Depending on the prosthetic material, the error and accuracy of the system varied from 0.112 to 0.44 mm and 0.28 to 1.29 mm respectively. To obtain valid inter-observer reproducibility, the number of observers had to be limited to three (coefficient = 0.82). The type of implant had an influence on measurement error. The error was 0.342 for polyethylene cups and 0.118 for press-fit metal back cups. Likewise, for a metallic head measuring 22.2 mm, the error was 0.138 mm while for a ceramic head or metal head measuring 28 mm, the error was 0.28 mm and 0.112 mm respectively. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The accuracy and error depend directly on the type of implant. The accuracy was better for metallic heads associated with metal-backed cups. To obtain satisfactory interclass correlation, the number of observers should be three. The proposed digitalized measurement system should be relatively accurate and reproducible. Its use can be recommended for the evaluation of wear after five years of follow-up, limiting the number of observers to three.

Acetabulum↗

PubMed1991

Optical sectioning and three-dimensional reconstruction of diploid and polytene nuclei.

To build a coherent picture of mitosis and cell fates during blastoderm and through the complex movements of gastrulation, it will be important to localize and follow several markers simultaneously in live specimens, ideally in 3D, using high-resolution, specific, noninjurious staining and observation procedures. The study of early Drosophila development has already profited from the use of fluorescent labeling and low-light-level imaging of live embryos using a CCD camera. Chromosomes in fixed samples have been labeled using DNA-specific dyes, making the pattern of mitotic patches visible. In vivo, 3D microscopy of fluorescently tagged chromosomes, in conjunction with computerized image processing, has permitted the first direct cell lineage analysis in the early Drosophila embryo. Moreover, the techniques adapted to study Drosophila development have been used for analysis of Drosophila chromosome structure, mitosis, and cell cycle, and are general enough to be applied to a myriad of problems in cell biology. "Optical sectioning" has always been used to scrutinize everything from onion roots to frog eggs, focusing up and down through the specimen, with the observer's brain responsible for the image processing. However, the volume of raw data generated by the high-resolution approach detailed above requires the use of sophisticated and adaptable computer systems to analyze and organize the results. Software designed to extract information from these complex images, either automatically or through an interactive approach, will become essential tools for cell and developmental biology. The brain of the experimenter remains the most important component in any image-processing system, but the support of technology will be essential.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

Cancer screening and immunization quality assurance using a personal computer.

Using a personal computer and custom-designed software as part of a quality assurance (QA) program dramatically improved the performance of health maintenance in a community hospital outpatient clinic. Previously health maintenance interventions were prompted by a simple review of the records. The computer program tracks each patient encounter with the clinic, recording the dates of immunizations, cancer screenings, and other health maintenance interventions performed by the physician responsible for the patient's care. When indicated, the computer prompts the physician to perform a health maintenance intervention. This system is an inexpensive and acceptable means of promoting and teaching health maintenance in an outpatient hospital clinic.

Computer Systems↗