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At least 433 records · Page 24Linked to original sources

The legalities and practicalities of developing a course-specific electronic reserve room.

This article discusses important issues related to maintaining the currency of readings in a nursing course. The development of a course-specific electronic reserve room is offered as a methodology for achieving both timeliness and simplified distribution of course readings. The article reviews legal issues related to the development of an electronic reserve room for internet access. In addition, hardware and software issues related to the transference of paper materials to a digital format are considered.

Copyright↗

The derivation and verification of a non-stationary, optimal smoothing filter for nuclear medicine image data.

A non-stationary optimal smoothing filter for digital nuclear medicine image data, degraded by Poisson noise, has been derived and applied to temporal simulated and clinical gated blood pool study (GBPS) data. The derived filter is automatically calculated from a large group (library) of similar GBPS which are representative of all studies acquired according to the same protocol in a defined patient population (the ensemble). The filter is designed to minimize the mean-square difference between the filtered data and the true image values; it provides an optimal trade-off between noise reduction and signal degradation for members of the ensemble. The filter is evaluated using a computer simulated ensemble of GBPS. Libraries of Poisson-degraded and non-degraded studies were generated. Libraries of up to 400 Poisson-degraded simulated studies were used to estimate optimal temporal filters that, when applied to Poisson-degraded members of the ensemble not included in the libraries, reduced the mean-square error in the raw data by 65%. When the non-degraded studies were used instead to compute the optimal filter values, the corresponding reduction in the error was 83%. Libraries of previously acquired clinical GBPS were then used to estimate optimal temporal filters for an ensemble of similarly acquired studies. These filters were subsequently applied to studies of 13 patients (not in the original libraries) who received multiple sequential repeat studies. Comparisons of both the filtered and raw data to averages of the repeat studies demonstrated that optimal filters calculated from 400 and 800 clinical studies reduced the mean-square error in the clinical data by 56% and 63% respectively.

Filtration↗

Gene expression variance based on random sequencing in rat remnant kidney.

BACKGROUND: Several examinations have been performed to identify the genes involved in chronic renal failure using 5/6 nephrectomized rats. Recently, many systematic techniques for examining molecular expression have been developed. They might also be effective in elucidating the molecular mechanism of progressive renal failure. In this study, digital expression profiling was carried out to construct a subtractive mRNA expression database for the 5/6 nephrectomized kidney. METHODS: One thousand clones were randomly sequenced from 5/6 nephrectomized and sham-operated rat kidney cDNA libraries, respectively, and defined by BLAST search. In silico subtractive analysis was performed to search for genes up- or down-regulated in the 5/6 nephrectomized kidney. RESULTS: The growth factor-related mRNAs and the mRNAs encoding cytoskeletal or membrane proteins were up-regulated, but the transporter-related mRNAs were down-regulated in the 5/6 nephrectomized kidney database. In silico subtraction revealed that 63 mRNAs were increased and 59 were decreased in the 5/6 nephrectomized kidney. To confirm whether the in silico subtractive database reflected the actual expression of mRNA or protein, 12 known genes were examined by Northern blotting or immunoblotting, respectively. The actual expression of the 12 genes was comparable with the results of in silico subtraction. In addition, we successfully isolated five unknown genes, two up-regulated and three down-regulated in the 5/6 nephrectomized kidney. CONCLUSION: We constructed a subtractive mRNA expression database for 5/6 nephrectomized kidney, which reflects the actual alterations in mRNA expression after subtotal nephrectomy. This database may be useful for elucidation of the molecular mechanism of progressive renal failure.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Computer-assisted instruction: MR imaging of the knee.

Computer-assisted education offers a unique method of learning that is complementary to conventional learning techniques. The regional anatomy of musculoskeletal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging lends itself well to discrete learning modules on the computer. This article describes a computer-assisted educational program for MR imaging of the knee. The program is divided into four sections: MR imaging physics, anatomy, pathology, and a quiz. The program has cross-references between the sections that allow comparison of normal versus pathologic findings, review of specified pathologic entities, and self-testing of comprehension. The student can progress through the program in a linear or nonlinear fashion at his or her own pace. All images in the program were digitally acquired with an MR imager and transferred directly to the computer used to develop the program. The program is available throughout the radiology department on a local area network and in the medical school library on stand-alone units. The program is currently being used at a medical school as a supplement to the recently implemented problem-based learning curriculum and for resident education.

Computer-Assisted Instruction↗

Digital transcriptome analysis in the aging cerebellum.

Serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) was used to identify and quantify all expressed cerebellar genes in the adult (P92) and aged (P810) C57BL/6J mouse cerebellum. A "closest-neighbor" algorithm was used to differentiate low abundance tags from possible sequencing errors in both libraries. Unique tags were categorized into four groups: (1) novel genes; (2) ESTs; (3) RIKEN, KIA, and hypothetical genes; and (4) known genes. Known genes were further subdivided into functional categories based on the gene ontology classification, using a web-based program developed in this laboratory (MmSAGEClass). Comparison of adult and aged cerebellar libraries revealed several genes that were differentially expressed, including growth hormone and prolactin, both of which were markedly decreased in the aged cerebellum. In addition, several tags showing differential expression were not identified in the Unigene database and are likely to represent novel genes. The present SAGE data on the aged cerebellar transcriptome may reveal candidate genes involved in the aging process.

Aging↗

Potent, low-molecular-weight non-peptide inhibitors of malarial aspartyl protease plasmepsin II.

A number of single-digit nanomolar, low-molecular-weight plasmepsin II aspartyl protease inhibitors have been identified using combinatorial chemistry and structure-based design. By identifying multiple, small-molecule inhibitors using the parallel synthesis of several focused libraries, it was possible to select for compounds with desirable characteristics including enzyme specificity and minimal binding to serum proteins. The best inhibitors identified have Ki's of 2-10 nM, molecular weights between 594 and 650 Da, between 3- and 15-fold selectivity toward plasmepsin II over cathepsin D, the most closely related human protease, good calculated log P values (2.86-4.56), and no apparent binding to human serum albumin at 1 mg/mL in an in vitro assay. These compounds represent the most potent non-peptide plasmepsin II inhibitors reported to date.

Animals↗

Fluoridated milk for preventing dental caries.

BACKGROUND: Dental caries remains a major public health problem in most industrialised countries, affecting 60% to 90% of school children and the vast majority of adults. Milk provides a relatively cost-effective vehicle for fluoride in the prevention of dental caries. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of fluoridated milk, as a means of delivering fluoride on a community basis, for preventing dental caries. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register (28 April 2005), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library Issue 2, 2005), MEDLINE (1966 to 17 May 2005), OLDMEDLINE (1950 to 1965), EMBASE (1980 to 2005 week 20), LILACS (1982 to 17 May 2005), BBO (1986 to 17 May 2005), SIGLE (1980 to 17 May2005), Digital Dissertations (1861 to 17 May 2005) and reference lists of relevant articles. Attempts were made to identify both unpublished and ongoing studies. There were no language restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials (RCTs), with an intervention or follow-up period of at least 3 years, comparing fluoridated milk with non-fluoridated milk. Primary outcome was change in caries experience, as measured by changes in decayed, missing and filled figures on tooth (dmft/DMFT) and surface (dmfs/DMFS). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Inclusion decisions, data extraction and quality assessment were carried out independently and in duplicate. Study authors were contacted for additional information where necessary. MAIN RESULTS: Two RCTs involving 353 children were included. For permanent teeth, after 3 years there was a significant reduction in the DMFT (78.4%, P < 0.05) between the test and control groups in one trial, but not in the other. The latter study only showed a significant reduction in the DMFT until the fourth (35.5%, P < 0.02) and fifth (31.2%,P < 0.05) years. For primary teeth, again there was a significant reduction in the dmft (31.3%, P< 0.05) between the test and control groups after 3 years in one study, but not in the other. The results could not be pooled because of the difference in concentration of fluoride in the milk. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There are insufficient studies with good quality evidence examining the effects of fluoridated milk in preventing dental caries. However, the included studies suggested that fluoridated milk was beneficial to school children, especially their permanent dentition. The data need to be supplemented by further RCTs to provide the highest level of evidence for practice.

Animals↗

Integrating CD-ROM Medline with electronic mail: first step in implementing new strategy for online reference library.

Simultaneous ACCESS to and DISSEMINATION of electronically available PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE, in a productive, Cost-of-Ownership effective, and affordable manner are now achievable. Emerging MANAGEMENT-OF-INFORMATION and SYSTEMS-INTEGRATION disciplines are essential contributing factors to devising and implementing NEW STRATEGIES for ONLINE REFERENCE LIBRARIES. Bringing integrated information closer to the ultimate user and RESHAPING the electronic databases and full-text management systems MARKETPLACE are the most significant outcomes. Key technology attributes are advancements in CD-ROM, Networking, and office automation. We have proven this concept by developing an INTERFACE between MEDLINE from COMPACT CAMBRIDGE and ALL-IN-1 from DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION. Saved search results are automatically routed to the individual's ALL-IN-1 account where further DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT and electronic mail functions may be performed. A 486Ware system from Logicraft and a five-members VAX-Cluster (respectively), are linked in a DECNet environment that is the foundation of Children's Integrated Hospital Information System. In phase one of the project up to 8 SIMULTANEOUS USERS may access the 8 RECENT YEARS, from any one of 1500 ACCESS POINTS (local and remote), and utilize any one of 150 NETWORKED PRINTERS. Opportunities are now within reach to expand the electronic library services while utilizing progressive methods and taking advantage of the best available technologies.

Boston↗

The Open Access initiative in scientific and biomedical publishing: fourth in the series on editorship.

PURPOSE: To provide basic information about the Open Access concept and its historical development, define the benefits and challenges inherent in this new model, and identify the value of the traditional print model and its movement towards more open access. DESIGN: Review of current information on the subject from numerous sources. METHODS: Medline search and Internet search engines on the topic of Open Access Publishing. RESULTS: The Open Access initiative derives from several premises: medical libraries can no longer afford journal subscriptions; society benefits from the open exchange of ideas; society has in large part already paid for this research; the Internet provides an available venue. The traditional journal publishers model, however, has functioned well over many years with a robust peer review system and increasing Internet digital components permitting search and cross referencing, including elements of the Open Access model. CONCLUSIONS: It will be difficult to maintain the costs of both the traditional journal system and the fully implemented Open Access model. Any decisions that are made must ensure that the archive of prior medical knowledge is not lost, that financial barriers do not restrict publication, and that research continues to be available to those who need it, in the media that they prefer.

Access to Information↗

Librarians, surgeons, and knowledge.

are indicative of the ferment of change brought about by the digital revolution, and of the continuing determination of health information professionals to rise to the challenges involved in supporting surgeons and everyone in the surgical team, as they endeavor to provide the best possible care for their patients. Libraries as we know them have changed, and are changing. The scholarly communications process is also undergoing profound transformation. The authors discuss these changes and their implications for surgeons.

Clinical Competence↗

Distance learning at biomedical faculties in bosnia & herzegovina.

Increase and development of distance learning technologies over the past decade has exposed the potential and the efficiency of new technologies. Benefit and use of contemporary information technologies is the area where medical informatics got the most on understanding and importance. Definition of distance learning as "use of technologies based on health care delivered on distance" covers areas such as electronic health, tele-health (e-health), telematics, telemedicine, tele-education, etc. For the need of e-health, telemedicine, tele-education and distance learning there are various technologies and communication systems from standard telephone lines to the system of transmission digitalized signals with modem, optical fiber, satellite links, wireless technologies, etc. Tele-education represents health education on distance, using Information Communication Technologies(ICT), as well as continuous education of a health system beneficiaries and use of electronic libraries, data bases or electronic data with data bases of knowledge. In this paper authors described activities on introduction of distance learning in teaching process at Medical faculty, University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Internet was not really meant to be a means of human communication at first; but the clearly the Net become a main piece of human communication.

Bosnia and Herzegovina↗

Tissue gene expression analysis using arrayed normalized cDNA libraries.

We have used oligonucleotide-fingerprinting data on 60,000 cDNA clones from two different mouse embryonic stages to establish a normalized cDNA clone set. The normalized set of 5,376 clones represents different clusters and therefore, in almost all cases, different genes. The inserts of the cDNA clones were amplified by PCR and spotted on glass slides. The resulting arrays were hybridized with mRNA probes prepared from six different adult mouse tissues. Expression profiles were analyzed by hierarchical clustering techniques. We have chosen radioactive detection because it combines robustness with sensitivity and allows the comparison of multiple normalized experiments. Sensitive detection combined with highly effective clustering algorithms allowed the identification of tissue-specific expression profiles and the detection of genes specifically expressed in the tissues investigated. The obtained results are publicly available (http://www.rzpd.de) and can be used by other researchers as a digital expression reference.

Algorithms↗

Progressive resistance strength training for physical disability in older people.

BACKGROUND: Muscle weakness in old age, is associated with physical disability and an increased risk of falls. Progressive resistance strength (PRT) training exercises (i.e. movements performed against a specific external force that is regularly increased during training) are designed to increase strength in older people. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of PRT on measures of physical disability, functional limitation and impairment in older people, and identify adverse events. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Musculoskeletal Injuries Group specialized register (to August 2002), CENTRAL/CCTR (The Cochrane Library Issue 2, 2002), MEDLINE (1966 to February 1, 2002), EMBASE (1980 to February 1, 2002), CINAHL (1982 to February 1, 2002), Sports Discus (1948 to February 1, 2002), PEDro - The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (accessed February 1, 2002) and Digital Dissertations (accessed February 1, 2002). We also searched reference lists of articles, reviewed conference abstracts and contacted authors. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials of PRT alone for older people (i.e. mean age of 60 or over) were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Weighted mean differences (WMD) were obtained using fixed or random effect models as appropriate. When measures with different units were pooled, standardised mean differences (SMD) were calculated. Relative risks were calculated for dichotomous outcomes. MAIN RESULTS: Sixty-six trials with 3783 participants were included. Most studies were small and of poor quality. PRT had a large positive effect on strength (41 trials, 1955 participants), but there was statistical heterogeneity that was not explained by differences in study quality, participant characteristics or the exercise program. Some functional limitation measures showed modest improvements (i.e. gait speed, 14 trials, 798 participants, WMD 0.07 m/s, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.09). However, there was no evidence that PRT had an effect on physical disability when activity measures or health related quality of life measures (HRQOL) were assessed (10 trials, 798 participants, SMD 0.01, 95% CI -0.14 to 0.16 ). Adverse events were poorly recorded, but musculoskeletal injuries were detected in most of the studies that prospectively defined and monitored these events. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: PRT appears to be an effective intervention to increase strength in older people and has a positive effect on some functional limitations. However, the effect of this intervention on more substantive outcomes such as measures of disability or HRQOL remains unclear. It is difficult to determine the balance of risks and benefits of PRT because adverse events have generally been poorly collected and recorded.

Aged↗

Determination of myosin light chain phosphorylation using astronomical image analysis programs on autoradiographs of electrophoretic gels.

Computer image analysis programs developed by astronomers for celestial photometry were used for the analysis of autoradiographs of electrophoretic slab gels. Oxytocin-stimulated myosin light chain phosphorylation in mammary myoepithelial cells was studied by incubating cells with [32P]orthophosphate followed by oxytocin addition, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of cellular protein, and autoradiography of electrophoretic slab gels. After scanning and digitization of autoradiographs, [32P]phosphate incorporation into the myosin light chain was measured by the determination of radiation flux recorded on the X-ray film. Within seconds after oxytocin addition, the myosin light chain was fully phosphorylated. The large library of astronomical computer programs has applications for the quantitative analysis of both one- and two-dimensional electrophoretic gels.

Autoradiography↗

Use of a digital camera in the urologic setting.

Urologists are faced with increasing demands for clear documentation of their work. We report the use of a digital camera in our practice to capture images throughout the urologic setting. The digital camera was a quick and convenient means of obtaining good quality reproductions of radiographic and pathologic findings. Use of the camera greatly enhanced the efficiency of our practice by allowing incorporation of images into patient records and an image library.

Humans↗

Molecular computational elements encode large populations of small objects.

Since the introduction of molecular computation, experimental molecular computational elements have grown to encompass small-scale integration, arithmetic and games, among others. However, the need for a practical application has been pressing. Here we present molecular computational identification (MCID), a demonstration that molecular logic and computation can be applied to a widely relevant issue. Examples of populations that need encoding in the microscopic world are cells in diagnostics or beads in combinatorial chemistry (tags). Taking advantage of the small size (about 1 nm) and large 'on/off' output ratios of molecular logic gates and using the great variety of logic types, input chemical combinations, switching thresholds and even gate arrays in addition to colours, we produce unique identifiers for members of populations of small polymer beads (about 100 microm) used for synthesis of combinatorial libraries. Many millions of distinguishable tags become available. This method should be extensible to far smaller objects, with the only requirement being a 'wash and watch' protocol. Our focus on converting molecular science into technology concerning analog sensors, turns to digital logic devices in the present work.

Journal Article↗

PsyScript: a Macintosh application for scripting experiments.

PsyScript is a scriptable application allowing users to describe experiments in Apple's compiled high-level object-oriented AppleScript language, while still supporting millisecond or better within-trial event timing (delays can be in milliseconds or refresh-based, and PsyScript can wait on external I/O, such as eye movement fixations). Because AppleScript is object oriented and system-wide, PsyScript experiments support complex branching, code reuse, and integration with other applications. Included AppleScript-based libraries support file handling and stimulus randomization and sampling, as well as more specialized tasks, such as adaptive testing. Advanced features include support for the BBox serial port button box, as well as a low-cost USB-based digital I/O card for millisecond timing, recording of any number and types of responses within a trial, novel responses, such as graphics tablet drawing, and use of the Macintosh sound facilities to provide an accurate voice key, saving voice responses to disk, scriptable image creation, support for flicker-free animation, and gaze-dependent masking. The application is open source, allowing researchers to enhance the feature set and verify internal functions. Both the application and the source are available for free download at www.maccs.mq.edu.au/-tim/psyscript/.

Computer Graphics↗

Terminal restriction fragment patterns: a tool for comparing microbial communities and assessing community dynamics.

Terminal Restriction Fragment (TRF) patterns, also known as Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms (T-RFLP), are a recently introduced PCR-based tool for studying microbial community structure and dynamics. Since the first review of TRF methodology (Marsh, 1999. Curr. Op. Microbiol. 2: 323-7), at least 35 new research articles were published that include this powerful tool in some part of their reports. This review covers some of the applications that TRF patterns were used for and provides a discussion of how to create and analyze TRF pattern data. This data has the advantage of being simply and rapidly produced using standard DNA sequencing equipment. The raw data are automatically converted to a digitized form that can be easily analyzed with a variety of multivariate statistical techniques. The identification of specific elements in a TRF pattern is possible by comparison to entries in a good sequence database or by comparison to a clone library. As an added advantage when investigating complex microbial communities such as those in soils and intestines, TRF patterns are recognized as having better resolution than other DNA-based methods for evaluating community structure.

Animals↗