bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced stereographic x-ray images
Authors: Viant Warren J  , Ward James W
Published: February 2025

This project extends previous work on stereographic projection of 2D x-ray images and aims to overcome a number of problems, namely: confusing stereo cues; distortion between stereo pairs; and increased radiation exposure from additional x-ray images. Images are distortion corrected and a polygonal representation of a bone fitted to the x-ray image, to approximate the bone surface. The polygonal representation is rendered and blended with the x-ray image to add surface detail, without obscuring salient features within the original x-ray. A reduction in x-ray exposure by using a stereo pair of computer-generated polygonal bone images blended with a mono x-ray image is investigated. An experiment provides evidence that depth perception is increased with the inclusion of bone surface rendering, and is achievable with a mono x-ray image.
Elastically Deformable 3D Organs for Haptic Surgical Simulation
Authors: Webster Roger  , Haluck Randy  , Ravenscroft Rob  , Mohler Betty  , Crouthamel Eric  , Frack Tyson  , Terlecki Steve  , Sheaffer Jeremy
Published: February 2025

This paper describes a technique for incorporating real-time elastically deformable 3D organs in haptic surgical simulators. Our system is a physically based particle model utilizing a mass-springs-damper connectivity with an implicit predictor to speed up calculations during each time step. The solution involves repeated application of Newton's 2ndLaw of motion: F = ma using an implicit solver for numerically solving the differential equations.
Trust me, I'm a patient! The effect of an EHR on my consultation
Authors: Shaw Nikki
Published: February 2025

A general assumption has been made within the health care community that the introduction of an Electronic Health Record (EHR) is beneficial and improves clinical care [1]. However, it is my contention as both a Health Informatician, and more importantly a patient, that this assumption is not supported by evidence, either scientific or anecdotal. However, to my mind of more importance than this is the complete lack of understanding about how using an EHR effects &\underline{my}$ consultation. This paper discusses this issue and identifies four lessons to be learned by the EHR community.
IS4ALL: A Working Group promoting universal design in Health Telematics
Authors: Stephanidis Constantine  , Akoumianakis Demosthenes  , de Moor Georges
Published: February 2025

In this article, we present an overview of the work being carried out by the EC-funded project IS4ALL (1ST-1999-14101). Specifically, we describe the methodological frame of reference, which drives the project's objective to introduce universal access principles into the design of Health Telematics applications and services. Health Telematics is chosen due to some distinctive characteristics, such as the variety of end users involved, the changing healthcare contexts of use and the penetration of new computer-mediated activities, which re-shape the way in which healthcare practices are structured and organized.
Rule-based Algorithm for Automated King-Type Classification of Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Stokes Ian A.F.  , Aronsson David D.
Published: February 2025

Recent studies have demonstrated poor reliability of the King et al. classification of idiopathic scoliosis. The purpose of the present work was to determine whether the reliability of the King classification would be improved by employing unambiguous rules for classification encoded in a computer program. Thus the only possible source of variability in classifying a given radiograph would be variable landmark identification on the radiograph. Coordinates of the four corners of each thoracic and lumbar vertebra were obtained by digitizing radiographs, using the central sacral line to define the y-axis. A computer algorithm located curve apices as the most laterally deviated vertebra in a range of two above to two below a change in the sign of vertebral tilt. End vertebrae of each curve were located as those with the greatest tilt of the superior (proximal end vertebra) or inferior (distal end vertebra). In a lumbar curve, the apical vertebra was defined as ‘crossing the midline’ if all four corners laid on one side of the vertical central sacral line. Curves were defined as in Table 1 in King et al., except that curve flexibility data were not used. The algorithm was verified on the five examples in King et al. It then classified the six examples in Lenke et al. and Cummings et al. which were classified unreliably by human observers. The algorithm was also tested on 33 radiographs of 17 patients with AIS, 8 radiographs were repeat marked by two observers. The algorithm overcame accuracy and reliability problems, except in rare cases when it was borderline whether or not a lumbar curve crossed the midline, when the apex level was ambiguous, or when a Cobb angle was close to 10°.
3D Reconstruction of the Pelvis Using the NSCP Technique
Authors: Mitulescu A.  , Laporte S.  , Boulay C.  , De Guise J.A.  , Skalli W.
Published: February 2025

Many authors have already pointed out the importance of the three dimensional aspect when dealing with pelvic and spinal pathologies. The purpose of the present study is to verify the feasibility on the pelvis and the accuracy of a recent 3D reconstruction technique based on biplanar X Rays with regard to direct measurements. The results on 8 dry non-pathologic pelvises show a mean error of 3.9 mm for the global geometry of the pelvis, with local maxima of 26 mm and 95% of errors inferior to 14.5 mm.
Image Coding Technique for 3-D Back Reconstruction
Authors: Durdle N. G.  , Thayyoor J.  , Raso V. J.  , Hill D. L.  , Moreau M. J.
Published: February 2025

This work investigated the use of coded-line patterns to improve image correspondence and 3D reconstruction. The objective was to define an optimum structured light pattern to facilitate the construction of topographic maps of the trunks of scoliosis patients. The system consisted of stereo CCD television cameras, a slide projector to create the coded-line pattern and a computer with video acquisition card. The optimum pattern in terms of generating correct results with minimum computing time was a line pattern consisting of 6 groupings of 3-level grey lines. This chosen pattern was investigated using known 3D objects to determine the effectiveness, resolution and computational time to correlate stereo images. The selected structured light pattern consisted of a repeated pattern of white (W), grey (G) and black (B) lines. Each line was 4mm wide on the back surface. The pattern consisted of 6 groups of 3 lines, WBG WGB GWB GBW BGW BWG. Using known 3D models of a section of a cylinder, a plate with steps and a ramp-like object; the coded line system was tested under typical clinical lighting conditions. For the 3D test objects, errors in correspondence occurred in 2-4 % of stereo pixels. The processing time varied from 10-12 minutes. The 3D resolution obtained was 4mm.
Relationships between Strap Tension, Interface Pressures and Spine Correction in Brace Treatment of Scoliosis
Authors: Beauséjour Marie  , Petit Yvan  , Grimard Guy  , Aubin Carl-Éric  , Dansereau Jean  , Labelle Hubert
Published: February 2025

The Boston brace has been shown to efficiently prevent scoliosis curve progression. However, it rarely achieves complete 3-D correction; its adjustment being often empirical and its biomechanical modes of action still remaining poorly understood. This study investigates the in-brace spinal shape (correction) in relationship with the patient’s out-of-brace deformation, and the adjustment parameters of the brace, namely the strap tensions and the equivalent forces calculated at the patient-brace interface. Many of the observed relationships illustrate the fact that the in-brace spinal shape is strongly related to the characteristics of the patient’s out-of- brace deformation. The pattern of pressure distribution as described by the equivalent forces computed in the thoracic, lumbar, pelvic and sternal regions has important effect on the in-brace Cobb angles, lumbar lordosis, frontal and sagittal imbalances and the apical axial rotations. The complex role of the strap tension on the correction has not been explained and needs further investigation. This project has the potential to give insight into the biomechanical effects of brace treatment by providing a statistical model leading to more rational and personalized brace adjustments.
Effect of Intensive Rehabilitation on Pain in Patients with Scheuermann’s Disease
Authors: Weiß Hans-Rudolf  , Ddeckmann Jörg  , Gerner Hans-Jürgen
Published: February 2025

In our rehabilitation centre, the treatment of Scheuermann’s disease consists of a daily postural education, lasting several hours. As for pain therapy, we mainly apply physiotherapeutic methods with osteopathy, manual therapy, McKenzie and Brügger. In addition, we offer psychological help for pain relief. In case of severe chronic pain, we additionally treat it with acupuncture. Pain therapy with medication is only performed in rare cases.
Menarche in Scoliotic and Nonscoliotic Mediterranean Girls. Is there any Relation between Menarche and Laterality of Scoliotic Curves?
Authors: Grivas Theodoros B.  , Samelis Panagiotis  , Pappa Anastasia S.  , Stavlas Panagiotis  , Polyzois Dimitrios
Published: February 2025

There is a controversy in the current literature concerning the age at menarche between scoliotic and nonscoliotic girls. The aim of this study is to elucidate this issue in the Mediterranean school aged girls.
Muscular Modelling: Relationship between Postural Default and Spine Overloading
Authors: Pomero V.  , Vital J-M.  , Lavaste F.  , Imbert G.  , Skalli W.
Published: February 2025

The objectives of the study are to describe and use a muscular model to compare spinal loads and muscles recruitments between an unbalanced subject (patient) and a normal volunteer. Data collection was performed and imputed into the muscular model: from sagittal X-rays, together with plantar foot pressure measurements, external loads for the L3/L4 level were calculated. Using MRI of the thoraco-lumbar region and muscular testing, a personalized muscular model was constructed. The main results are as follow: external loads for the unbalanced subject were higher because of the postural default, especially for flexion moment. Running the model, simulations showed a higher erector spinae group activation for the patient. This induced a significant difference in joint compression. Setting the maximum admissible stress of the extensor muscles of the patient to an equivalent level as the one found for the volunteer to maintain the posture, a second simulation was performed. Joint compression was reduced, but postero-anterior shear and flexion moment increased drastically. The model suggests that either the muscular system needed a stronger activation, yielding a higher joint compression and probably a muscle fatigue in such an activation level, or the spinal loads increased to a higher and probably dangerous level.
The Double Rib Contour Sign (DRCS) in Lateral Spinal Radiographs, Aetiologic Implications for Scoliosis
Authors: Grivas Theodoros B.  , Dangas Spyros  , Polyzois Basil D.  , Samelis Panagiotis
Published: February 2025

All lateral spinal radiographs in idiopathic scoliosis show a DRC sign of the thoracic cage, a radiographic expression of the rib hump. The outline of the convex overlies the contour of the concave ribs. The aim of this study is to assess this DRC sign in children with and without Late Onset Idiopathic Scoliosis (LOIS) with 10� -20� Cobb angle, and to examine whether in scoliosis the deformity of the thorax or that of the spine develops first.
Integration of Electronic Resources and Communication Technologies during Clinical Reasoning Learning Sessions
Authors: Medélez Elizabeth  , Burgun Anita  , Le Duff Franck  , Le Beux Pierre
Published: February 2025

In the last few years, Clinical Reasoning Learning has been used during clinical training courses in many universities. The goal of this educational activity is to develop problem solving and diagnosis skills in medicine, using previously acquired medical knowledge. We propose the integration of educational resources and computer systems to help students during the reasoning process, and in order to prepare students to look for medical information. We also describe a Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning Environment that integrates Information and Communication Technologies in order to improve the Clinical Reasoning Learning Sessions.
Usability Assessment Study of a Web Site displaying Medical Resources on line: the CISMeF
Authors: Beuscart-Zéphir Marie-Catherine  , Leroy Nicolas  , Alao Omolade  , Darmoni Stefan
Published: February 2025

We present here the usability assessment study of a medical web site dedicated to the Cataloguing and Indexing of French speaking Medical web Sites (CISMeF). We performed a usability inspection using heuristic evaluation and an empirical usability test using a portable lab. The results of the heuristic evaluation show usability flaws along guidance, prompting and legibility ergonomic criteria. The usability test confirms this result and gives some more hints about the severity rating of the problems. From these results, we draw up a set of recommendations for the re-engineering of the Human Computer Interface (HCI). We conclude on the necessity to integrate usability engineering early enough in the projects lifecycle.
The role of XML in medical informatics in Hungary
Authors: Balogh N´ndor
Published: February 2025

Reforms in healthcare means frequent changes. The author focusing on flexible information systems and data structures in healthcare, that gives the chance to avoid costly deadlocks, incompatibilities and data chaos -keeping the financial and administrative burden of provider and reimbursement information systems at low level.
ASISTASTM Telematic Assistance for Chronic Asthma
Authors: Dobre Ioana  , Croitoriu Mihai-Gheorghe  , Basca Nicoleta  , Oraseanu Dumitru
Published: February 2025

The paper presents a system developed for the assistance of diagnosis and treatment of chronic asthma. The system, named ASISTASTM, is a result of an interdisciplinary cooperation and is designed for the physician non specialist in the field of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. The ASISTASTM system offers assistance for the medical act in finding, diagnosing, establishing the therapeutic conduct, tracking over a period of time and hospitalizing the asthma patient ans aims to construct a better patient-medical service provider relationship by use of smart cards for patient’s identification and usage of the facilites offered by the Internet.
Comparing Concepts for Electronic Health Record Architectures
Authors: Blobel Bernd
Published: February 2025

Keeping all relevant information directly or indirectly related to patient's care, electronic health records (EHR) systems are supposed to be kernel application for any kind of health information systems. For facilitating shared care, managed care, or disease management, such EHR systems have to be scalable, portable, distributed, and interoperable which has to be enabled by a proper architecture supporting informational and functional needs as well. Advanced EHR architectures are based on object-oriented or component-oriented paradigms and use modern tooling to design, specify, implement and maintain EHR solutions. They reflect not only medical information but also underlying concepts and integrate an extended vocabulary. The most advanced EHR architecture approaches CEN ENV 13606, G-CPR, HL7 RIM and derived models, and finally the Australian GEHR project are shortly characterised. For comparing the solutions, the ISO RM – ODP, the Generic Component Model and the CORBA 3 methodology have been used. The HARP methodology for enhancing the current harmonisation of openEHR is shortly discussed.
A Networked Electronic Patient Record System for Diabetes
Authors: Pruna S.  , Stanciu Emilia  , Macarie Andreea  , Pruna Andreea  , Ionescu-Tirgoviste C.
Published: February 2025

This paper describes the development and clinical implementation of the SincroDiab - a synchronized diabetes register for the routine clinical practice in a LAN and for design of long-term trials and epidemiological studies based on the GEHR (Good European Health Record) architecture. The objectives of the SincroDiab system were to address the need to establish a more efficient and more effective information infrastructure to improve the ability to share patient record information among health care providers, to reduce the health care delivery costs, to meet the requirements of legal, regulatory or accreditation standards, to share comparable patients data among different sites within a multi-entity health care delivery system and to improve quality of care by network connecting the data repository to clinical workstations and departmental systems.
Data security and protection in cross- institutional electronic patient records
Authors: van der Haak Minne  , Wolff Astrid Corinna  , Mludek Volker  , Drings Peter  , Wannenmacher Michael  , Wetter Thomas
Published: February 2025

This paper describes data protection and data security requirements of a cross-institutional electronic patient record, and presents possible solutions for meeting these requirements. A comprehensive analysis of literature and legal documents was performed. Beside the general requirements that the EPR of a single institution must meet, specific requirements exist for cross-institutional EPRs. In Germany, patient information may only be revealed to external physicians within so-called “treatment connections”. A secure connection between the EPR-systems of two health institutions in Germany, which jointly treat tumor patients, was established using additional SecuRemote™ Software. The development and implementation of a cross-institutional EPR is a complicated process, mainly due to data security regulations. However, its introduction is thought to be valuable, since a cross-institutional EPR will improve communication within shared care processes, and, thus, improve the quality of patient care.
Breath Multi Analysis: a database to collect data on gastric related non invasive analysis
Authors: Giacomini Mauro  , Peragallo Ilaria  , Bertone Stefania  , Ruggiero Carmelina
Published: February 2025

The diagnosis of dyspepsia is very difficult because the symptoms are clinically aspecific and the gastric emptying time tests are of complex interpretation. An integrated and automated analysis of clinical and instrumental data may improve the diagnostic process. We present a system to collect data on dyspeptic patients from different sources which have been set up to assist the clinician in the diagnosis of dyspepsia. The data base integrates a wide set of symptoms with data coming from non invasive laboratory tests. Moreover, we assess the feasibility of considering the same methods for collecting data also for adsorption problems and for hepatic problems.
Multilingual approach to ICD 10: On the need for a source reference database
Authors: Baud Robert H.  , Lovis Christian  , Weber Patrick  , Geissbuhler Antoine
Published: February 2025

The distribution of ICD 10 is of concern for thousand of developers in numerous countries. The absence of some basic features to facilitate the transfer and consequently to augment the quality of the delivered version is a constant characteristic. Errors, ambiguities, missing terms, unrecognised attributes are quite common, despite the efforts of some national centres doing their best to fill this gap. For other countries and languages, where such centres do not exist or do not have sufficient resources, this problem is even stronger. A reference ICD database is clearly a need today.
Patient Empowerment and the Asymmetry of Knowledge
Authors: Sadan B.
Published: February 2025

eHealth consumers know more, expect more and demand more. The Internet has the potential of being a major influence on them by opening up vast opportunities for information transparency and access and the sharing of information which is essential to healthcare practice. But, these vast opportunities also pose numerous obstacles, such as the lack of common terminology or terminology standardization, the uncertain quality and reliability of the information on the Internet, the public's health literacy and the digital divide. A gradual and progressive shift from exclusive to shared knowledge and responsibility can be achieved by patient/physician collaboration.
A strategy to enhance the usability of the Minimal Model as used with the Intravenous Glucose Tolerance Test in Diabetes Research and Clinical Management
Authors: Hayes Richard  , Grimson Bill  , Pacini Giovanni  , Nolan John J.
Published: February 2025

The Minimal Model method of determining Insulin Sensitivity from the Intravenous glucose Tolerance Test is a valuable tool for the Diabetes research community. However the Minimal Model algorithm itself is not readily available in a user-friendly modern windows environment to the clinical researcher in many research departments. In addition use of the model often requires intervention by an experienced “modeller” to interpret the results produced by the method. This paper proposes a more readily available and usable version of the program and discusses the issues which surround the use of the program by clinical researchers without computer mathematical modelling experience.
Software Engineering in Medical Informatics: the academic hospital as learning environment
Authors: Prins H  , Cornet R  , van den Berg FM  , van der Togt R  , Abu-Hanna A
Published: February 2025

In 2001, the revised course Software Engineering has been implemented in the Medical Informatics curriculum at the Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam. This 13 weeks, full-time course consists of three parts: internship, theory and project. All parts are provided in problem-oriented manner with special attention for relevant skills such as project management, documentation and presentation. During the internship, students observe how health care professionals at several hospital wards work and how information supply is organized. In the theory part, students study concepts and methods of software engineering by means of case descriptions and self-directed learning. During the project, they apply their acquired knowledge to an observed, clinical information problem and complete several stages of the software engineering process. Evaluation by inquiry showed that, compared to other courses, students spent more time, and distributed their time more evenly, during the whole period of the course. In conjunction with theory, a combination of internship and project in a hospital seems to provide a surplus value compared to a practical in a computer laboratory. The integration of software theory, clinical practice and problem-based approach, contributed to the enthusiastic, intensive and realistic way students learned in this important topic that might be chosen as a future profession.
Managing resources in a GP national network: problems and achievements
Authors: Mărginean Marius  , Stoicu-Tivadar Lăcrămioara  , Stoicu-Tivadar Vasile  , Berian Dorin
Published: February 2025

This paper presents the results and identifies problems in our experience concerning the development of Medinet sentinel dispensaries network in Romania.
Assessment of Elderly Mobility Using a Remote Multisensor Monitoring System
Authors: Chan Marie  , Campo Eric  , Esteve Daniel
Published: February 2025

This study was designed to estimate the changes of different activities (going to bed, getting up, visiting washroom) of elderly as an index of mobility. The different values in time and number of the different activities were obtained from 16 elderly suffering from Alzheimer’s disease in a hospital for short period observation adding up 4 months of observation data. Significant agreement in different activities (going to bed, getting up, visiting washroom, wandering) among the two measurements by multisensor system and by nursing staff notation was found. As interesting results, the follow up of a patient is shown for 13 consecutive nights. These studies show the potential usefulness of assessment of night activities as an index of mobility, mirror of motor behaviour. Due to minor error, the precise mobility index could not be observed, motor behaviour could simply be evaluated.
Spatial analysis of rabies cases in foxes in Hungary between 1990 and 2001: a preliminary report
Authors: Solymosi N.  , Reiczigel J.  , Edélyi K.  , Bánhidy J.  , Földi Zs.  , Bödis K.
Published: February 2025

In this paper we present the methodology and some preliminary results of the spatial analysis of rabies positive fox cases diagnosed in Hungary between 1990 and 2001. A database has been built based on the data provided by the Animal Health and Food Control Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, of all registered positive cases, specifying the date, location and affected species. We have developed a Geographical Information System for the spatial analysis. The aim of the study is to analyse the spatial patterns of subsequent rabies cases. Beyond the well-documented seasonality of the cases we want to find out whether they show regular spatial patterns and if yes what is their nature. Another important question is whether clustering of data can be observed and how stable or reoccurring these clusters are at a given location or area. The results might be important in a later stage of the eradication campaign when a strategy for the maintenance of large, rabies free areas should be developed.
Design of Acquisition Devices Management Subsystem for IEEE 1073 Compliant Software Agents
Authors: Nagin V. A.  , Potapov I. V.  , Selishchev S. V.
Published: February 2025

The paper addresses the issue of device management system design for software agents compliant with IEEE 1073 device communication standard. Based on middleware architecture the device control layer represents a universal versatile object-oriented application-programming interface. The approach presented in the paper allows to implement plug-and-play integration and interoperability of medical acquisition devices within the medical device system be means of common middleware services. Adherence to Medical Data Information Base nomenclature, component part of IEEE 1073 communication standard, adds necessary consistency to presented component-based infrastructure.
Activity Theory and Medical Informatics: Usability, Utility, and Copability
Authors: Boisen Egil  , Bygholm Ann  , Hejlesen Ole K.
Published: February 2025

Working with health care today also means working with IT-systems. ‘Human Factors’ or ‘user- friendly design’ has been renowned as key factors for the development of safe and successful systems in many industries, not least in the IT-business. Likewise in the computerization of health care, the concepts of ‘usefulness’ and ‘usability’ will become key issues in the daily life (and death) in health care context at hospitals, at the GP's office, and in the home of the patient.
Growth patterns in patients with unoperated congenital vertebral anomaly
Authors: Goldberg C.J.  , Moore D.P.  , Fogarty E.E.  , Dowling F.E.
Published: February 2025

Retrospective analysis of height and weight data recorded during routine clinic visits of children with congenital vertebral anomaly were related to decimal age and compared with national centiles. Individuals were dropped from the study at surgery. Growth followed a normal trajectory until puberty, although girls tended to be smaller than average. At puberty, they lagged behind their peers and at maturity were shorter than average. This does not appear to be a hormonal problem, and suggests a fundamental failure of growth.
Does Coralline Hydroxyapatite Conduct Fusion in Instrumented Posterior Spine Fusion?
Authors: Korovessis Panagiotis  , Repanti Maria  , Koureas Georgios
Published: February 2025

Objectives. This study was conducted to investigate the course of incorporation of coralline hydroxyapatite in human spine.
The validity of clinical examination in adolescent spinal deformities
Authors: Grosso C  , Negrini S  , Boniolo A  , Negrini AÆ
Published: February 2025

Study Design: retrospective study on the accuracy and reliability of two clinical tests for scoliosis in young patients. Aim: to evaluate the inter-observer reliability of three non-invasive clinical measurements: hump height (HH), axial trunk rotation (ATR), and distance of the spinous process from the plumb line (DP) in standing; to compare these results with the corresponding radiographic measurements, the Cobb angles (CA). Population: 116 patients, 78 females and 38 males; 410 examinations have been performed (144 patients with brace and 266 without). Methods: a database was created using the measurements of different clinical parameters obtained from two examiners that measured them independently and in the same conditions. The Cobb method has been used as a gold standard. Results: our results show a very high inter-rater reliability for HH and ATR measurements. The DP shows a different inter-rater reliability for the thoracic (C7) and lumbar (L3) spine, in both cases lower than that in the frontal plane; the ICC of the thoracolumbar DP (D12) was very low. The correlation with the radiographic value was weak.
The components of the magnetic resonance image of the neurocentral junction
Authors: Raj wani T.  , Hilang E.M.  , Secretan C.  , Bhargava R.  , Lambert R.  , Moreau M.  , Mahood J.  , Raso V.J.  , Bagnall K.M.
Published: February 2025

The neurocentral junction (NCJ) is a cartilaginous growth plate located between the vertebral centrum and the neural arch. In characterizing the age of closure of this growth plate, anatomic studies have suggested that the NCJ closes before age 10, whereas MRI studies have suggested that the NCJ does not fuse until adolescence In this study, gross anatomic and histologic sections were correlated with MR images to determine the components of the NCJ image. The NCJ image appeared as a thick white line that was shown to encompass the cartilage of the growth plate, the surrounding woven bone and a portion of the trabecular bone of the vertebra. Although the MR pixels were too large to completely resolve the tissues that surround the growth plate, MRI was shown to be a valuable technique of visualizing the NCJ cartilage and further MRI studies of the human NCJ are needed.
Spine-Straight Device for the Treatment of Kyphosis
Authors: Lou E.  , Raso J.  , Hill D.  , Durdle N.  , Moreau M.
Published: February 2025

Kyphosis is an excessive rounding of the upper spine. Its treatment depends upon the severity, the age of the patient and the levels of the spine that are affected. Early diagnosis is a key to providing optimal treatment. In a skeletally immature patient, an exercise program or bracing is the most commonly used treatment. However, the compliance of bracing for adolescents is poor and exercise training is labor intensive. The purpose of this study is to determine whether a Spine-Straight device can help patients to correct their kyphosis themselves and there by reduce back pain without the biomechanical support of a brace. The Spine-Straight device consists of an accelerometer and a microcomputer unit. The accelerometer is used to measure the kyphotic angle and the microcomputer unit controls a pager vibrator to alert patients when their posture exceeds personalized thresholds. The system was tested in the laboratory before used by subjects. The results were compared to back data obtained from a laser scanner imaging system. The maximum angle deviation between the laser scanner and the Spine-Straight device was 1.5 degrees. Two volunteers tested the systems for 2 days. The accelerometer was placed at the T3 location and the microcomputer unit was carried during daily activities. The angle measurement was recorded at 1 minute intervals during daily activity over a period of 2 days. The preliminary trials demonstrate subjects can improve their posture when feedback signals were provided.
Anterior Universal Spine System (USS) for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS): a Follow-up Study using Scoliometer, Real-time Ultrasound and Radiographs
Authors: Burwell R. G.  , Aujla K. K.  , Cole A. A.  , Kirby A. S.  , Pratt K. K.  , Webb J. K.  , Moulton A.
Published: February 2025

Nine patients with AIS treated surgically with anterior USS instrumentation were examined by several methods pre-operatively and at each of 8 weeks, 1 year and 2 years after surgery (mean age 14.6 years, girls 7, boys 2, thoracolumbar 7, lumbar 1, thoracic 1, left 7, right 2). The methods used were (1) Scoliometer to measure angle of trunk inclinations (ATIs) in the standing forward bending position at each of 10 levels and converted to 18 levels by a computer program, (2) real- time ultrasound in the prone position of laminal rotations at each of 1 8 levels from TI-SI, and (3) anteroposterior radiographs in the standing erect position measured for each of Cobb angle, segmental vertebral rotation (Perdriolle) and segmental vertebral translation from the Ti-Si line (horizontal translation of each vertebral centroid from the Tl-Sl line). The findings were plotted graphically and segmentally for each of Scoliometer ATJs, ultrasound laminal rotations, and radiographic vertebral rotations and translations. Findings. Graphical representation of the data shows that the improvement brought about by surgery is most clearly and consistently evident for segmental vertebral translation. The statistical analysis shows that the radiological parameters (Cobb angle, apical vertebral rotation and apical vertebral translation) and ultrasound spinal (laminal) rotation do not change detectably in follow- up. The Scoliometer ATI findings show an increase from 4 degrees (at 8 weeks) to 7 degrees (at 2 years) which is statistically significant. The evidence from this small sample of patients is consistent with the view that the compared with posterior USS, anterior USS surgery for AIS results in (1) similar initial rib hump correction, and (2) less rib hump reassertion during follow-up. More data are needed to evaluate these views.
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: natural history and prognosis
Authors: Goldberg C.J.  , Moore D.P.  , Fogarty E.E.  , Dowling F.E.
Published: February 2025

Retrospective review of the scoliosis database showed adolescent idiopathic scoliosis to be the most common but least significant variety of spinal deformity. Data from 112 girls diagnosed on repeat screening showed the importance of menarche as a date in the natural history. In the whole database, there were 514 aged at least 15 years at last review, 45 boys and 469 girls. Braces were prescribed for a total of 38, mostly during the early part of the period and gradually abandoned without an increase in surgical rate. Progression depended on the age and maturity of the patient as well as the initial Cobb angle. Surgery was recommended for 27% overall. A sub-group with more complete data diagnosed after bracing had been discontinued confirmed the findings.
Building Support for Health Information Technologies
Authors: Rippen Helga
Published: February 2025

Despite the increasing role of information technology in health care, its use still lags behind that occurring in other sectors. Factors contributing to this include the complex health care environment and conflicting political agendas. Building political support for information technology in health care depends on understanding the importance of stakeholders and the environment in which they operate. It is important to involve stakeholders early in the process of implementing new information technology in order to identify needs, barriers, and non-starters. Understanding the historical experience of the community and its past attempts at using information technology is also important. Quality of care issues, nursing shortages, cost control concerns, health insurance costs and coverage rates, institutional solvency, and overwhelming paperwork are current problems in the healthcare environment that can hinder willingness to invest in information technology. Ironically, information technology can also help remedy these problems. Impact on workflow, privacy of personal health information, and system reliability, interoperability, and the ease of updating the system can all have political ramifications with regard to acceptance and implementation of information technology.
Application of Peer-to-Peer Networking to Health Care
Authors: Hales Joseph W.  , Quetsch Joseph L.  , Schopp Laura H.  , Brown Gordon D
Published: February 2025

People with chronic illness or disability share similar information needs that are not routinely handled by a system designed for traditional health services. Recent historical initiatives to provide alternate information systems for sharing information or coordinating services have been highly centralized, were expensive to set up and were not sustainable. We propose a novel application of peer-to-peer networking to provide an infrastructure for information exchange and service coordination. The peer-to-peer model empowers the user (citizen with disabilities) with control over the type and extent of information about themselves that is communicated and to whom. Further, the peer-to-peer model leads to a decentralized resource that grows incrementally, supported by the users, and is potentially more sustainable.
Value Added Telecommunication Services for Health Care
Authors: Danelli-Mylonas Vassiliki
Published: February 2025

The successful implementation and operation of health care networks and the efficient and effective provision of health care services is dependent upon a number of different factors: Telecommunications infrastructure and technology, medical applications and services, user acceptance, education and training, product and applications/services development and service provision aspects. The business model and market development regarding policy and legal issues also must be considered in the development and deployment of telemedicine services to become an everyday practice. This chapter presents the initiatives, role and contribution of the Greek Telecommunications Company in the health care services area and also refers to specific case-studies focusing upon the key factors and issues of applications related to the telecommunications, informatics, and health care sectors, which can also be the drivers to create opportunities for Citizens, Society and the Industry.
Pain Clinic EPR: Requirements Determination & Configuration
Authors: Meijer S.L.  , Ten Hoopen A.J.  , Van Der Maas A.A.F  , Kamphuis H.C.M
Published: February 2025

The focus of this study was to determine requirements for a general; pain EPR (electronic patient record), design this EPR and develop a prototype for demo purposes in pain clinics in the Netherlands. The specifications for this EPR were derived from the ‘Nijmegen Classification of Pain’, analysis of patient paper records and in-depth interviews with six anaesthesiologists, three physiotherapists and two psychologists. For development a generic configuration tool was used.
Integrating Images into a Central Medical Information System
Authors: Bellon E.  , Feron M.  , Deprez T.  , Pauwels H.  , Vanautgaerden M.  , De Deurwaerder A.  , Reynders R.  , Reviers W.  , Draelants B.  , Suetens P.  , Marchat G.  , Van Den Bosch B.
Published: February 2025

Of the information items that must be easily available to the different actors involved in the care process, radiological images are not the least important. While until recently it was not feasible to include these into the medical information system, this situation has changed. Still, emphasis in PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems) is primarily on the technological aspects. In this paper, in contrast, we stress the importance of integration of images into the overall Workflow and into the overall medical record. We do so using illustrations from the PACS project of the University Hospitals Leuven. We briefly indicate that tight integration at the user interface level is needed, and that this requires more than standardized communication between Subsystems.
Medical Information System in Hospital Emergency Departments’ Organizational Perspectives
Authors: Dumont V.  , Rousseau A.
Published: February 2025

The study reported in this article examines the implementation of the same software in 3 emergency departments from different Belgian hospitals. It was experienced and perceived very differently as a failure or a success by the units’ staff. The software integrates different functionalities, which can be chosen and customized by some members of the units themselves. We will look at the three processes of inplementation to find out different plausible explanation for their ‘failure or success’. Our approach is developed through the qualitative methodology of case studies. The translation theory is presented as a renewal way of thinking the perceived ‘successful or failed’ implementation of a new information system and a guide for new project in emergency department.
Comparing a Simplified FEM Approach with the Mass-Spring Model for Surgery Simulation
Authors: Harders M.  , Hutter R.  , Rutz A.  , Niederert P.  , Székely G.
Published: February 2025

Virtual reality based surgical simulators offer a very elegant approach to enhancing traditional training in endoscopic surgery. In this context a realistic soft tissue model is of central importance. The most accurate procedures for modeling elastic deformations of tissue use the Finite Element Method (FEM) to solve the governing mechanical equations. An alternative are mass-spring models which are a crude approximation of the real physical behavior. The main reason given when using the mass-spring approach is the computational complexity of FEM. In this study we show that an optimized linear FEM model requires computation time similar to the mass-spring approach, while giving better results.
GeRTiSS: Generic Real Time Surgery Simulation
Authors: Alcañiz M.  , Monserrat C.  , Meier U.  , Juan MC.  , Grau V.  , Gil JA.
Published: February 2025

Minimally invasive surgery is a technique that permits interventions through very small incisions. This minimises the patients’ trauma and permits a faster recovery in comparison with classical surgery. The disadvantage of this surgery technique, though, is its complexity, requiring a high training effort of the surgeon. In this paper, we present a general surgery simulator for training surgeons in minimally invasive surgery. The application allows to create environments and interaction modes very similar to those encountered in real surgical interventions. The virtual environments are optionally composed of an actual patient's organs the intervention on which one desires to practice in a beforehand manner, or of synthetically generated organs with arbitrary pathologies. The intervention is carried out by means of haptic interfaces with force feedback, providing the surgeon with a sense of touch, a fundamental element of all types of surgery.
A Part-Task Approach to Haptic Knee Arthroscopy Training
Authors: Moody Louise  , Arthur John  , Zivanovic Aleksandar  , Waterworth Alan
Published: February 2025

This paper describes the research behind a part-task approach to both the development of, and the training offered, by a virtual reality simulator for knee arthroscopy. An ethnographic approach has been taken to examine the nature of task performance and the current training of the arthroscopic diagnosis of the knee. This Human Factors research is used to support the development of WISHKATS. The design addresses the challenge of technically producing haptic feedback for a knee surgery simulator whilst offering sufficient fidelity to train the necessary skills and conform to traditional surgical training.
Interrogative Visualization: Embedding Deformation and Constructive Solid Geometry into Volume Visualization
Authors: Rajagopalan Srinivasan  , Robb Richard
Published: February 2025

Existing volume visualization algorithms lack sophisticated volumetric modeling capabilities to represent, construct and manipulate objects of interest within a volumetric dataset. Integrating manipulations such as non-linear deformations and constructions similar to those in solid modeling into the visualization process would have significant value in surgical planning and simulation. Interrogative visualization – the ability to extract, enumerate, deform and track objects of interest is also crucial in other visualization tasks. The conventional approach to visualize the volume deformation and construction process is to construct an intermediate volume for each step of manipulation. This is prohibitively time consuming and costly. This paper presents an approach to overcome this constraint. We model the target capture space as octrees. The target octree is adaptively subdivided to efficiently balance the complexity of deformation and visualization. The source volumetric data can either be in octree or conventional 3D array format. Deformations are specified by landmark displacements, and in-between deformation is filled in by scattered data interpolation. Volumetric modeling is supported by a Constructive Solid Geometry (CSG) structure. Spatial Coherency is exploited in the view-dependent node traversal and projection of individual octree nodes.
Virtual Visit$^{\trade}$: Improving Communication for Those Who Need it Most
Authors: Sachs Nicholas A.  , Nulud Philip L.  , Loeb Gerald E.
Published: February 2025

We are developing a videoconferencing system designed specifically to cater to the needs of the elderly and their distant friends and family. Focus group research has led to the incorporation of several key features that enhance the usability of the system. Audio and video transmission quality are optimized by separation, using the proven and familiar capability of analog phone for voice and the slightly less reliable, but faster data transmission of broadband Internet for video. A simple and intuitive user interface was designed based on the familiar steps of an actual household visit. The graphical interface is presented on the user’s conventional television receiver and controlled by a simple seven-button remote control with integrated wireless microphone, which provides high quality audio pickup. The system can be remotely activated by a wearable wireless alarm button or by visitors with passkey privileges. A functional prototype has been developed and is currently undergoing field-testing. Preliminary response has been very encouraging. Future plans include extended focus group research, collaboration to integrate improved video transmission schemes, and in-home testing by seniors to gauge long-term user response.
Four-Dimensional Analysis of Mandibular Movements with Optical Position Measuring and Real-time Imaging
Authors: Shigeta Yuko  , Suzuki Naoki  , Otake Yoshito  , Hattori Asaki  , Ogawa Takumi  , Fukushima Shunji
Published: February 2025

Mandibular movement findings have not always been useful in clinical, even though measuring techniques have improved. This is because there is no method to evaluate condylar movement including the position of the temporal bone. In this study, we have attempted to apply 3-dimensional imaging to mandibular movement data, and have developed a 4-demensional analysis system representing mandibular movements.
Dynamic Deformation of Elastic Organ Model and the VR Cockpit for Virtual Surgery and Tele-surgery
Authors: Suzuki Shigeyuki  , Suzuki Naoki  , Hattori Asaki  , Uchiyama Akihiko
Published: February 2025

This paper describes a deformable organ model suited for a real-time surgical simulation system. This proposed organ model allows us to perform surgical maneuvers such as pressing, pinching, various incisions, resection and to show the deformation of the inner structures such as blood vessels on our system. At the same time, we have been developing a VR cockpit suited for virtual surgery and tele-surgery. Using our cockpit, our system allows us to provide the users with an environment closely resembling the open surgery situation.