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At least 739 records · Page 41Linked to original sources

PubMed1997

A tool for assessing perineal trauma.

The initial aim of this study was to develop a reliable visual tool to assist in the assessment of the severity of oedema and bruising in perineal trauma, using a categorical scale of 'none', 'mild', 'moderate' and 'severe'. A standardised set of photographs was selected by 10 clinically experienced midwives to represent these categories. The tool was tested in a clinical trial involving 77 women, recording and monitoring changes in the level of oedema and bruising during the first 48 hours following suturing of an episiotomy. The results demonstrated a statistically significant change for both oedema and bruising. However, the less experienced assessors reported some uncertainties in assessing a small proportion of women. A combined method, using this tool with a categorical scoring scale, was used to minimise difficulties in the assessment. Two pairs of midwives, one pair very experienced in assessing perineal trauma and the other less experienced, evaluated the combined method. The results showed a high level of agreement. The standard set of photographs and categorical scoring scale together resulted in a reliable and sensitive assessment tool to evaluate severity of perineal trauma.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Experimental results and wear predictions of petal tools that freely rotate.

It is difficult to calculate the wear produced by free-pinned tools because their angular movement is not entirely predictable. We analyze the wear produced with free-pinned ring tools, using both simulations and experiments. We conclude that the wear of an incomplete ring is directly proportional to the ring's angular size, independently of the mean radius of the ring. We present an algorithm for calculation of the wear produced by free-pinned petal tools, as they can be considered a linear combination of incomplete free-pinned ring tools. Finally, we apply this result to the enhancement of a defective flat surface and to making a concave spheric surface.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2025

STUPPIT is a proximity labeling tool for labeling intermediary proteins that bridge two non-interacting proteins.

Decoding the complexities of signaling pathways is fundamental for deciphering the mechanisms underlying tissue development, homeostasis, and disease pathogenesis. Proximity labeling tools have been instrumental in identifying upstream or downstream effectors of specific proteins within signaling pathways. However, currently, there are no tools available to directly label and capture intermediary proteins that bridge two non-interacting proteins. Here, we developed Split-TurboID and PUP-IT based Protein Identification Tool (STUPPIT), a novel method combining split-TurboID and PUP-IT to biotinylate intermediary proteins of two non-interacting proteins through a two-step enzymatic reaction. STUPPIT was validated using three well-characterized protein triads, including YAP1/AMOT/β-actin, YAP1/LATS1/MOB1A, and β-catenin/α-catenin/β-actin using HEK293T human cell lines. Combining STUPPIT and proteomics, we identified novel intermediary proteins including ERC1 and USP7, which interacted both with β-catenin and SMAD4, key components of the Wnt and BMP signaling pathways. In conclusion, STUPPIT represents a powerful tool for labeling and capturing intermediary proteins between non-interacting partners, offering new insights into protein-protein interactions and advancing signal transduction research.

Humans↗

PubMed2006

VISTA family of computational tools for comparative analysis of DNA sequences and whole genomes.

Comparative analysis of DNA sequences is becoming one of the major methods for discovery of functionally important genomic intervals. Presented here the VISTA family of computational tools was built to help researchers in this undertaking. These tools allow the researcher to align DNA sequences, quickly visualize conservation levels between them, identify highly conserved regions, and analyze sequences of interest through one of the following approaches: . Browse precomputed whole-genome alignments of vertebrates and other groups of organisms. . Submit sequences to Genome VISTA to align them to whole genomes. . Submit two or more sequences to mVISTA to align them with each other (a variety of alignment programs with several distinct capabilities are made available).. Submit sequences to Regulatory VISTA (rVISTA) to perform transcription factor binding site predictions based on conservation within sequence alignments.Use stand-alone alignment and visualization programs to run comparative sequence analysis locally All VISTA tools use standard algorithms for visualization and conservation analysis to make comparison of results from different programs more straightforward. The web page http://genome.lbl.gov/vista/ serves as a portal for access to all VISTA tools. Our support group can be reached by email at vista@lbl.gov.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2001

Omiga: a PC-based sequence analysis tool.

Computer-based sequence analysis, notation, and manipulation are a necessity for all molecular biologists working with any but the most simple DNA sequences. As sequence data become increasingly available, tools that can be used to manipulate and annotate individual sequences and sequence elements will become an even more vital implement in the molecular biologist's arsenal. The Omiga DNA and Protein Sequence Analysis Software tool, version 2.0 provides an effective and comprehensive tool for the analysis of both nucleic acid and protein sequences that runs on a standard PC available in every molecular biology laboratory. Omiga allows the import of sequences in several common formats. Upon importing sequences and assigning them to various projects, Omiga allows the user to produce, analyze, and edit sequence alignments. Sequences may also be queried for the presence of restriction sites, sequence motifs, and other sequence features, all of which can be added into the notations accompanying each sequence. This newest version of Omiga also allows for sequencing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primer prediction, a functionality missing in earlier versions. Finally, Omiga allows rapid searches for putative coding regions, and Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) queries against public databases at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).

Humans↗

PubMed2003

[Three-dimensional-segmentation of the spine with specially adapted tools].

Segmented 3-D data of the spine form the basis for various modern clinical applications. Among these, multisegmental image fusion, image registration and finite element modeling for biomechanical analysis are promising innovative tools capable of facilitating treatment decisions and optimization of individual therapy in the future. However, the complex anatomy of the spine and the often extensive degenerative deformation presenting in clinical practice, generally limit the application of fully automated segmentation. A newly developed software system is presented that meets the complex requirements for image segmentation of the spine through the use of specially adapted interactive tools that take account of its axial skeletal structure. Furthermore, a standardized protocol is introduced that combines the newly developed interactive tools (rotation transformation, warped dissection plane) and standard segmentation tools to permit rapid and accurate segmentation. To date, the software environment presented herein has been applied with success to the segmentation of cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2004

Development and results of a Case Coordination Activity Tracking tool.

This study describes the development of a tool used to track the who, what, when, and how much of case coordination for elderly, community-based clients. The Case Coordination Activity Tracking Form measures phase of coordination (assessment, plan development, plan implementation, monitoring reassessient, and discharge), type of activity (in-person, telephone, documentation, research, travel, case conference), with whom contact took place (client, family, client/family together, supervisor/colleague, service provider, physician, program access committee), and special circumstances (e.g., infection control). Over a 6-month span, we used the tool to study case coordination of services for elderly, community-based clients. The average amount of coordination time was 5.15 hours (n = 234), with 71% of the clients requiring between 2 and 6hours of coordination, and 26% of the clients accounting for 49% of the total coordination time. Frequency and average amount of coordination declined greatly after the first month. Not all clients required coordination each month, and monitoring was the most common activity in later months. The tool was found to be reliable and easy to use, and of benefit to decision makers, managers, and case coordinators in measuring, analyzing, and describing case coordination. This tool could be readily used with other client groups.

Aged↗

PubMed2002

Decision-support tools for foot and mouth disease control.

Recent experience with foot and mouth disease (FMD) has shown that large and very costly epidemics can occur in countries considered extremely unlikely to experience the disease. The consequences of an introduction are much more severe than in the past and effective control is more difficult to achieve. Few countries have developed effective risk management strategies and information-based response systems to respond to these developments. The authors describe the tools which can be employed to minimise the impact of a disease incursion, using the example of FMD. To make such systems effective, the development of a national farms database in advance, including geo-referencing, is highly desirable. This greatly enhances the power of the decision-support tools, which can then be applied as soon as a serious disease incursion has been detected. These tools include procedures to detect infected farms promptly, to protect as yet uninfected farms against exposure to virus and to manage control policies. Epidemiological evaluation and prediction tools have advanced particularly rapidly and can guide the choice of control policies during an outbreak. Integrated decision-support systems offer the best method of managing FMD outbreaks to minimise the cost and size of the epidemics.

Animal Husbandry↗

PubMed2005

insilico.mutagenesis: a primer selection tool designed for sequence scanning applications used in directed evolution experiments.

Several primer prediction programs have been developed for a variety of applications. However none of these tools allows the prediction of a large set of primers for whole gene site-directed mutagenesis experiments using the megaprimer method. We report a novel primer prediction tool (insilico.mutagenesis), accessible at www.insilico.uni-duesseldorf.de, developed for the application to high-throughput mutagenesis used in directed evolution or structure-function dependency projects, which involve the subsequent mutagenesis of a large number of amino acid positions (e.g., in whole gene saturation or gene scanning mutagenesis experiments). Furthermore, the program is suitable for all site-directed (saturation) mutagenesis approaches, such as saturation mutagenesis of promoter sequences and other types of untranslated intergenic regions. In anticipation of downstream cloning steps, the primer design tool also includes a restriction site control feature alerting the user if unwanted restriction sites have been introduced within the mutagenesis primer. The use of our tool promises to speed up the process of site-directed mutagenesis, as it instantly allows predicting a large set of primers.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2001

A comparison of vibration magnitudes on the tool with different subject according to the ISO 8662-7 standard.

Recently, ISO has defined the guidelines for the evaluation of the measurement and exposure limits of hand-transmitted vibrations at the handle of hand-held portable power tools. In a measurement of vibrations at pneumatic impact wrenches that tighten and remove screws. ISO 8862-7 standard: 1997 and ISO 5349 standard: 1986 are set as international standards. In order to make an exact measurement of the quantities of vibrations exposed to the hand-arm system of a human body, ISO 8662-7 gives specifications to a measurement device and a loading device. As to a measurement device, for instance, the mass, installation method etc. of transducers and mechanical filters are defined. In addition, it specifies with each tolerance the working conditions of a pneumatic tool, the number of revolutions of socket in a loading device, the feed force, the number of subjects, and such an evaluation method as how to decide a declaration value of vibrations. These specifications give toolmakers a comparative measurement of vibration values of their tools before shipment. Meanwhile, although the measurement condition described in ISO8662-7: 1997 is that skilled operators conduct vibration measurement, no provisions as to operators are made in detail. Hence, this study focuses its concern on ambiguous work experience years in measuring vibrations of the tools in conformity with ISO 8662-7, and hereby the effect of years of work experience upon measurement values is considered and at the same time a knowledge of how to select operators is made clear.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

The development of an observation tool for use with parents with psychiatric disability and their preschool children.

Community-based treatment and care of people with psychiatric disabilities has meant that they are now more likely to engage in the parenting role. This has led to the development of programs designed to enhance the parenting skills of people with psychiatric disabilities. Evaluation of these programs has been hampered by a paucity of evaluation tools. This study's aim was to develop and trial a tool that examined the parent-child interaction within a group setting, was functional and easy to use, required minimum training and equipment, and had acceptable levels of reliability and validity. The revised tool yielded a single scale with acceptable reliability. It had discriminative validity and concurrent validity with non-independent global ratings of parenting. Sensitivity to change was not investigated. The findings suggest that this method of evaluating parenting is likely to have both clinical and research utility and further investigation of the psychometric properties of the tool is warranted.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Schematic maps: cognitive tools for enhancing the early stages of counseling.

The purpose of the present studies was to explore the utility of schematic maps as tools for the early stages of both peer and self-counseling. In experiment 1 (self-counseling), 42 students from undergraduate general psychology classes participated to fulfill course requirements. Participants were assigned to either a schematic map or essay group. They first extracted information about their alcohol-related behavior patterns and then analyzed the patterns from the perspective of a counselor. In experiment 2 (peer counseling), 38 students from upper-division psychology courses participated for extra credit. Participants were asked to evaluate behavior patterns, in the form of maps or essays, which were presented either in the same form as they were extracted or were transposed to the other format. In both studies, assessment consisted of questionnaires that addressed the usefulness of the tools in the counseling process. Schematic maps are potentially powerful tools for both self- and peer counseling. For self-counseling, maps were preferred over traditional essay writing. In addition, the subjective reaction to maps as tools for peer counseling was positive.

Alcohol Drinking↗

PubMedDate not supplied

New orthopaedic implant management tool for computer-assisted planning, navigation, and simulation: from implant CAD files to a standardized XML-based implant database.

Computer-Assisted Orthopaedic Surgery (CAOS) has made much progress over the last 10 years. Navigation systems have been recognized as important tools that help surgeons, and various such systems have been developed. A disadvantage of these systems is that they use non-standard formalisms and techniques. As a result, there are no standard concepts for implant and tool management or data formats to store information for use in 3D planning and navigation. We addressed these limitations and developed a practical and generic solution that offers benefits for surgeons, implant manufacturers, and CAS application developers. We developed a virtual implant database containing geometrical as well as calibration information for orthopedic implants and instruments, with a focus on trauma. This database has been successfully tested for various applications in the client/server mode. The implant information is not static, however, because manufacturers periodically revise their implants, resulting in the deletion of some implants and the introduction of new ones. Tracking these continuous changes and keeping CAS systems up to date is a tedious task if done manually. This leads to additional costs for system development, and some errors are inevitably generated due to the huge amount of information that has to be processed. To ease management with respect to implant life cycle, we developed a tool to assist end-users (surgeons, hospitals, CAS system providers, and implant manufacturers) in managing their implants. Our system can be used for pre-operative planning and intra-operative navigation, and also for any surgical simulation involving orthopedic implants. Currently, this tool allows addition of new implants, modification of existing ones, deletion of obsolete implants, export of a given implant, and also creation of backups. Our implant management system has been successfully tested in the laboratory with very promising results. It makes it possible to fill the current gap that exists between the CAS system and implant manufacturers, hospitals, and surgeons.

Computer-Aided Design↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A learning tool in medical imaging: using procedure graphs in radiographic process simulation.

Teaching the procedural elements of imaging protocols and understanding the interrelationships and interdependencies of diagnostic X-ray system parameters and their effects on image quality, are among the main objectives of medical imaging training programs. A teaching tool is designed and implemented to support these goals. Tool design is influenced by hybrid learning system architectures and it is based on a graph approach, which is described. Implementation is carried out using a hypermedia development environment (Toolbook) coupled with a database (Paradox). The core of the system is an attributed priority graph, capable of supporting the organization of the domain knowledge, monitoring of user-machine interaction and managing the user-system dialogue. Use of this approach resulted in an interactive simulation tool, which provides computer aided learning support, to radiology related personnel, such as radiologists and radiographers. The potential value of the tool is not restricted only to didactic tasks, but may include trouble-shooting and documentation.

Computer Simulation↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Coding medical concepts: a controlled experiment with a computerized coding tool.

In medicine there is a growing need to encode medical concepts with the available standard coding systems. The coding process can be time intensive and may significantly add to daily paperwork. We have developed a generic computerized encoding tool--the PADS (patient archiving and documentation system) encoder--to ensure rapid, correct and complete coding of diagnoses in daily routine. The tool is integrated into an electronic patient record system and takes full advantage of the user friendly Macintosh interface. The tool was tested in a controlled experiment by 18 clinicians who encoded a total of 666 medical concepts in each protocol (study protocol versus control). We present data demonstrating that a computerized coding tool can produce more complete data of higher quality and save time compared with the traditional approach: (a) the number of correctly encoded medical concepts was higher (99.55% versus 86.1%); (b) coding errors were lower (0% versus 10.81%); (c) more modifier codes were encoded correctly (increase by up to 43%); (d) fewer coding errors were made (decrease by up to 43%); (e) the overall rate of correctly encoded and complete main and modifier codes was increased by 31.27% (97.29% versus 66.02%); and (f) coding time was reduced by 50%.

Abstracting and Indexing↗

PubMed2005

[Self-evaluation of the quality of life of children aged 6 to 12 years old: analysis of the concept and development of a prototype tool].

The objective of this work was to assess the quality of life of children aged 6 to 12 years old. The authors present the different conceptual and operational steps which lead to the construction of a prototype tool. It was a generic tool composed of 63 items which covered the classically described areas of life. Its originality was due to the method of construction used which included children's involvement, to the pictorial representation of real-life situations for children, and to its adaptation for gender. The evaluation of this tool showed a good level of acceptability but statistical analysis revealed some metrological inadequacies leading to the reconsideration of the initial concepts and their methods of exploration. Therefore a new tool was constructed whose validation is presented in a second article in the next issue.

Child↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Nurse responses to re-tooling practice, education, and management roles.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this article is to report the results of a survey conducted by one of the nine Area Health Education Centers in North Carolina to inform regional work force planning by ascertaining nurses' views of the need to re-tool for practice, education, and management roles. METHOD: A work force planning group represented by nursing service and education surveyed 1,050 nurses. Four hundred thirty-two (41%) nurses responded: 87% believed they needed to re-tool and 92% were willing to do so. RESULTS: Critical thinking was rated as very important to nurse managers, staff RNs, and LPNs, and educators rated teaching as the area most in need of re-tooling. CONCLUSION: Nurses are clearly interested in re-tooling. Staff development, continuing education, and degree programs can respond to this willingness.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Creating an outcomes-based tool for learning barrier assessment in an outpatient education program.

The purpose of this project was to develop an outcomes-based measurement tool that could be used to screen patients for learning barriers. A comprehensive, objective tool to assess for patient learning barriers was developed and implemented in an outpatient, Stage II Cardiac Rehabilitation program. Definitions for seven barriers to learning, along with criteria to identify their presence, were compiled from the current literature and incorporated into the design of the outcomes-based tool. Utilization of the learning barrier tool may provide an objective, outcomes-based methodology for the identification of patient learning barriers, allowing educators to individualize patient education.

Ambulatory Care↗