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At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1985

Pulmonary digital subtraction angiography: a screening tool for vascular lung lesions.

Pulmonary digital subtraction angiography offers a further method of distinguishing vascular from avascular lesions in the lung. The computerised (digitised) recording allows versatility of data manipulation and post-processing and is of particular value in identifying a vascular component in complex lung masses. In the five cases described, digital subtraction angiography provided useful information; in three, it was the definitive diagnostic procedure.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Automated detection of diabetic retinopathy in digital retinal images: a tool for diabetic retinopathy screening.

AIMS: To develop a system to detect automatically features of diabetic retinopathy in colour digital retinal images and to evaluate its potential in diabetic retinopathy screening. METHODS: Macular centred 45 degrees colour retinal images from 1273 patients in an inner city diabetic retinopathy screening programme. A system was used involving pre-processing to standardize colour and enhance contrast, segmentation to reveal possible lesions and classification of lesions using an artificial neural network. The system was trained using a subset of images from 500 patients and evaluated by comparing its performance with a human grader on a test set of images from 773 patients. RESULTS: Maximum sensitivity for detection of any retinopathy on a per patient basis was 95.1%, accompanied by specificity of 46.3%. Specificity could be increased as far as 78.9% but was accompanied by a fall in sensitivity to 70.8%. At a setting with 94.8% sensitivity and 52.8% specificity, no cases of sight-threatening retinopathy were missed (retinopathy warranting immediate ophthalmology referral or re-examination sooner than 1 year by National Institute for Clinical Excellence criteria). If the system was implemented at 94.8% sensitivity setting over half the images with no retinopathy would be correctly identified, reducing the need for a human grader to examine images in 1/3 of patients. CONCLUSION: This system could be used when screening for diabetic retinopathy. At 94.8% sensitivity setting the number of normal images requiring examination by a human grader could be halved.

Color↗
PubMed1992

A socioeconomic analysis of digital replantations resulting from home use of power tools.

Forty-seven digits in 21 patients who sustained partial or complete amputations from the home use of power tools were replanted or revascularized during a 1-year period. This represented 69% of the microvascular surgery performed for hand injuries during that year. The cost of repairing an average of 2.4 digits was $7000 (surgeon's fee) plus $697 per hour (operating room fee), as per fiscal year 1987. Postoperative hospitalization averaged 15 days at a cost of $15,679. Hand rehabilitation averaged 8 months at a cost of $3348. Fifty-four percent of the patients had no insurance. Fourteen of 21 patients (67%) required at least one additional procedure. Two patients had to make a career change after the injury. The majority of patients with digital replantations were dissatisfied with the emotional costs and the number of subsequent operations. Lack of patient and family awareness of the length of the rehabilitative period was particularly evident.

Accidents, Home↗
PubMed2003

Digital imaging: a promising tool for mushroom identification.

Mushroom poisoning is a diagnostic and treatment dilemma for health care professionals. Decisions regarding treatment following ingestions are usually made without a firm identification of the fungus and tend to be more aggressive than necessary. The identification of mushrooms is beyond the scope of health care professionals, and a mycologist is essential to make an accurate identification. Telemedicine and digital imaging is an emerging technology that can assist in mushroom identification and facilitate patient care. The efficacy of using digital images sent over the Internet was tested in a pilot project. This article describes three cases in which digital images and verbal descriptions assisted in mushroom identification. When the actual specimen was sent to a mycologist, a definitive identification was obtained and compared with the presumptive identification. Digital images alone do not permit definitive identification; however, they often contain sufficient information to help the clinician rule out the possibility of a severely toxic species. Data accumulated to date indicate that digital imaging can be an important tool in the diagnosis and treatment of mushroom ingestion, and possibly other biologicals such as plants, insects, and reptiles.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Telepathology with an integrated services digital network--a new tool for image transfer in surgical pathology: a preliminary report.

We describe a low-cost telepathology system working via a commercial integrated services digital network (ISDN) and consisting of modular software and hardware elements. The main elements are Apple Macintosh workstations; a software program for the simultaneous transfer of pictures, voice, and data; and procedures for image processing and general administration of all the information generated. Additionally, the system allows remote control of any peripheral instruments by a "picture-instrument manager." The transfer rate is currently 64 kbit/s; it will be extended to 128 kbit/s (ISDN basic rate) in the near future and to 2 Mbit/s (ISDN primary rate) in the next 2 years. The system was tested by the regional hospital in Samedan, Switzerland, and the Department of Pathology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland, a distance of 250 km, by offering a remote frozen section service to the regional hospital in 16 cases. Fifty-four to 58 seconds were needed for the transfer of a diagnostic 8-bit grey-level image containing 341 (median value) +/- 26.1 (standard error) kbytes (n = 13) or a diagnostic 24-bit color image containing 165 (median value) +/- 16.9 (standard error) kbytes (n = 3). The time required for a diagnostic session was between 25 and 35 minutes.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Accuracy and precision of a densitometric tool for jaw bone.

OBJECTIVES: To develop a digital densitometric tool for jaw bone to analyse intraoral radiographs. To assess precision and accuracy for this tool and determine the minimal detection threshold for density changes. METHODS: Bone samples deriving from the premolar region of 47 human mandibles were selected for analysis. The samples were obtained from adult cadavers in the department of anatomy (Faculty of Medicine, KULeuven) with ethical approval. Digital radiography was performed on all bone samples. Direct volumetric measurements served as gold standard density values and allowed determination of accuracy. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans were performed on all specimens. For all radiographs, density in mm Al eq was calculated using custom-made software, Osteop. Precision and intraobserver and interobserver reliability of this method were assessed. The bone specimens were progressively decalcified. At standard time intervals the percentage of decalcification was calculated. At each decalcification step, radiographs were taken and analysed. RESULTS: CV was always lower than 3%, which points to a good precision of the method. Correlation between the density measurements in mm Al eq and the DXA results was 0.9, for the density measurements in mm Al eq and the direct density measurements r was 0.5. The custom-made software was able to detect a change in bone mineralization of 6.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The present method for bone densitometric analysis offers potentials for clinical evaluation of bone density and minute bone density changes in the jaw bone.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Cutaneous melanoma: digital dermoscopy-essential tool for positive diagnosis.

Cutaneous melanoma is a "perfid", aggressive and hard to be treated malignant tumor in case of delayed diagnosis. However, patients still have a chance to escape progressive disease if the lesion is recognized early, when the surgical approach is curative. Dermoscopy has the important advantage of rapidity and non-invasivity in a field with (still) contradictory algorithms of diagnosis and treatment. The recognition of the elementary dermoscopic lesions enables accurate diagnosis for cutaneous melanoma. In our opinion, dermoscopy appears compulsory in the routine dermatologic examination. In vivo microscopy (dermoscopy) together with histopathology (plus or minus immunohistochemistry) seem, at present, to provide the most reliable diagnosis of melanoma.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Wireless networking for the dental office: current wireless standards and security protocols.

Digital radiography has gained immense popularity in dentistry today in spite of the early difficulty for the profession to embrace the technology. The transition from film to digital has been happening at a faster pace in the fields of Orthodontics, Oral Surgery, Endodontics, Periodontics, and other specialties where the radiographic images (periapical, bitewing, panoramic, cephalometric, and skull radiographs) are being acquired digitally, stored within a server locally, and eventually accessed for diagnostic purposes, along with the rest of the patient data via the patient management software (PMS). A review of the literature shows the diagnostic performance of digital radiography is at least comparable to or even better than that of conventional radiography. Similarly, other digital diagnostic tools like caries detectors, cephalometric analysis software, and digital scanners were used for many years for the diagnosis and treatment planning purposes. The introduction of wireless charged-coupled device (CCD) sensors in early 2004 (Schick Technologies, Long Island City, NY) has moved digital radiography a step further into the wireless era. As with any emerging technology, there are concerns that should be looked into before adapting to the wireless environment. Foremost is the network security involved in the installation and usage of these wireless networks. This article deals with the existing standards and choices in wireless technologies that are available for implementation within a contemporary dental office. The network security protocols that protect the patient data and boost the efficiency of modern day dental clinics are enumerated.

Computer Security↗
PubMed2004

Interactive telemedicine as a tool to avoid a digital divide in the world.

An efficient way of closing the gap in medical care between the EU and its Mediterranean partners is the use of satellite-based networks for telemedical applications. Using standard hardware components and specially designed communication software (WinVicos) various telemedical applications (teleconsultation, telementoring, teleteaching, etc.) have been realized. Two telemedical networks which have been designed and developed recently, MEDASHIP (Medical Assistance for Ships) and EMISPHER (Euro-Mediterranean Internet-Satellite Platform for Health, medical Education and Research), are presented.

Computer Communication Networks↗
PubMed1985

Digital pulse plethysmography--a tool for investigating vasoactive substances.

Plethysmographic investigations have been in use for at least a hundred years for the measurement of pharmacological actions in humans. Finger plethysmography was used particularly in the investigation of the vasodilating effect of organic nitrates. It has also proved valuable in determining the relative bioavailability of representatives of this class of drugs. This paper deals with personal experience in the use of this method for the investigation of older and newer organic nitrates. The apparatus that was developed to enable electronic data processing of the plethysmographic signals is described. The effects of other pharmacological interventions on finger volume pulse are also discussed, and the finger plethysmographic investigation of vasodilating substances that belong to classes of drugs other than organic nitrates is presented. The possibilities and limits of the method are discussed.

Carbazoles↗
PubMed2026

Digital Structured Education With Behavioral Nudge Tools for Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Digital interventions offer scalable alternatives to traditional face-to-face diabetes education, but often face challenges related to inconsistent clinical effectiveness, and declining user engagement. However, whether a digital structured education program integrated with behavioral nudge tools can improve metabolic, behavioral, and psychological outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a digital structured education program integrated with behavioral nudge tools in improving metabolic, behavioral, and psychological outcomes among adults with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: This multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted in the endocrinology departments of 4 hospitals in China. Adults with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to an intervention group receiving a digital structured education program integrated with behavioral nudge tools (n=146) or a control group receiving standard digital diabetes education (n=147). Assessments were conducted at baseline and 12-week follow-up. The primary outcome was hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) at 12 weeks, adjusted for baseline HbA1c, and study center. Secondary outcomes included fasting blood glucose (FBG), weight, BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, lipid profiles, self-management behaviors, self-efficacy, and habit strength. RESULTS: Among 293 participants (mean age 49.19, SD 10.02 y), 287 (97.9%) completed follow-up. At 12 weeks, the intervention group demonstrated significantly greater improvements than the control group in HbA1c (adjusted mean difference -0.38%, 95% CI -0.68% to -0.09%; P=.01), FBG (adjusted mean difference -0.75, 95% CI -1.27 to -0.44 mmol/L; P<.001), weight (adjusted mean difference -0.84, 95% CI -1.61 to -0.07 kg; P=.03), BMI (adjusted mean difference -0.38, 95% CI -0.65 to -0.11 kg/m&#xb2;; P=.01), systolic blood pressure (adjusted mean difference -2.71, 95% CI -4.62 to -0.79 mm Hg; P=.01), diastolic blood pressure (adjusted mean difference -2.92, 95% CI -4.47 to -1.37 mm Hg; P<.001), and total cholesterol (adjusted mean difference -0.27, 95% CI -0.48 to -0.05 mmol/L; P=.02). The intervention was also associated with significantly greater improvements in self-management behaviors, self-efficacy, and habit strength (all P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Digital structured education integrated with behavioral nudge tools improved metabolic outcomes and strengthened psychological and behavioral determinants of self-management among adults with type 2 diabetes over a 12-week period. These findings suggest that a digital structured education program integrated with behavioral nudge tools may enhance diabetes self-management beyond standard digital diabetes education. Further studies with longer follow-up and real-world implementation are warranted to evaluate the sustainability, generalizability, and long-term clinical impact of this integrated intervention.

Humans↗
PubMed2005

Digital imaging: a diagnostic screening tool?

BACKGROUND: Much interest has been shown in the possibility of using digital images to aid in the more rapid diagnosis of patients with dermatologic disease. A study was undertaken to test the efficacy of the "teledermatology" screening of referrals, and thereby to triage the patients to appropriate care. METHODS: A retrospective comparison of digital and "face-to-face" diagnoses by two consultant dermatologists was made. Eighty-four images from 75 patients seen in general dermatology clinics were studied. The clinical diagnosis and treatment plan of the patients seen in the clinic by one dermatologist were then compared with those suggested on digital image only, as seen by the other dermatologist. RESULTS: The diagnostic correlation between the two observers was fair, with full agreement in 47 of 84 cases (56%) and partial agreement in a further 10 (12%). There was no agreement in 14 cases (16.7%); in a further 13 cases, the images and history were not sufficient to allow a diagnosis to be made. The image quality was considered to be poor in 18 cases, but in six of these a diagnosis was still attempted. It was recommended that 66 patients (88%) should be seen in the hospital setting. Thirty patients (40%) received treatment at their visit. CONCLUSIONS: Teledermatology is not likely to have a great impact on reducing waiting lists. It is possible that it may help to prioritize referrals from remote areas.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Programmed database system at the Chang Gung Craniofacial Center: part II--digitizing photographs.

BACKGROUND: The archival tools used for digital images in advertising are not to fulfill the clinic requisition and are just beginning to develop. The storage of a large amount of conventional photographic slides needs a lot of space and special conditions. In spite of special precautions, degradation of the slides still occurs. The most common degradation is the appearance of fungus flecks. With the recent advances in digital technology, it is now possible to store voluminous numbers of photographs on a computer hard drive and keep them for a long time. METHODS: A self-programmed interface has been developed to integrate database and image browser system that can build and locate needed files archive in a matter of seconds with the click of a button. This system requires hardware and software were market provided. RESULTS: There are 25,200 patients recorded in the database that involve 24,331 procedures. In the image files, there are 6,384 patients with 88,366 digital pictures files. From 1999 through 2002, NT400,000 dollars have been saved using the new system. CONCLUSION: Photographs can be managed with the integrating Database and Browse software for database archiving. This allows labeling of the individual photographs with demographic information and browsing. Digitized images are not only more efficient and economical than the conventional slide images, but they also facilitate clinical studies.

Craniofacial Abnormalities↗
PubMed2000

New imaging strategies for laparoscopic management of cancer.

The Information Age has brought to the medical and surgical community the tools of digital imaging and 3-dimensional (3-D) visualization. These tools provide new methods for diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Using 3-D reconstructions from computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans of patient-specific anatomy, diagnosis from virtual endoscopy is supplementing or replacing invasive endoscopic procedures. These same images can be used for preoperative planning of complicated procedures. At the time of surgery, data fusion of the real-time video image and the preoperative digital image provides intraoperative stereotactic navigation. These augmentations can be used in many types of procedures, from open and minimally invasive surgery to catheter-based and energy-directed therapies. This is a US government work. There are no restrictions on its use.

Humans↗
PubMed1985

Microcomputer program for the design of digital filters.

The program presented here is intended to be a design device and learning tool for digital filters. Digital filters designed with the program can be implemented by incorporation within the data analysis programs of the user. The program is written in BASIC for use with the IBM-PC, is intended to be user-friendly, and includes a great deal of filter assistance not found in other programs. An example of program use shows how one filter can be used to remove noise from respiratory waveform data.

Analog-Digital Conversion↗