bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge Sharing and Information Integration in Healthcare using Ontologies and Deductive Databases
Authors: Nardon Fabiane Bizinella  , Moura Lincoln A
Published: February 2025

This paper describes a method for using Semantic Web technologies for sharing knowledge in healthcare. It combines deductive databases and ontologies, so that it is possible to extract knowledge that has not been explicitly declared within the database. A representation of the UMLS (Unified Medical Language System) Semantic Network and Metathesaurus was created using the RDF standard, in order to represent the basic medical ontology. The inference over the knowledge base is done by the TRI-DEDALO System, a deductive database created to query and update RDF based knowledge sources as well as conventional relational databases. Finally, an ontology was created for the Brazilian National Health Card data interchange format, a standard to capture and transmit health encounter information throughout the country. This paper demonstrates how this approach can be used to integrate heterogeneous information and to answer complex queries in a real world environment.
Clinical Quality Needs Complex Adaptive Systems and Machine Learning
Authors: Marsland Stephen  , Buchan Iain
Published: February 2025

The vast increase in clinical data has the potential to bring about large improvements in clinical quality and other aspects of healthcare delivery. However, such benefits do not come without cost. The analysis of such large datasets, particularly where the data may have to be merged from several sources and may be noisy and incomplete, is a challenging task Furthermore, the introduction of clinical changes is a cyclical task, meaning that the processes under examination operate in an environment that is not static.
A careflow management system for chronic patients
Authors: Panzarasa Silvia  , Bellazzi Riccardo  , Larizza Cristiana  , Stefanelli Mario
Published: February 2025

The management of chronic patients is a complex process, which requires the cooperation of all primary care professionals and their interaction with specialists, laboratories and personnel of different organizations. In this paper we show how a Careflow Management System (CfMS) may represent an essential component of an innovative Health Information System (HIS) able to handle the information and communication needs underlying chronic diseases management. On the basis of a general architecture designed for chronic diseases, we describe a CfMS implementation in the area of Diabetes management; such a system embeds EPR and telemedicine functionalities as end-users applications as well as a module for inter-organizational communication based on contracts and on XML messages.
Development and Representation of a Fall-Injury Risk Assessment Instrument in a Clinical Information System
Authors: Currie Leanne M.  , Mellino Lourdes V.  , Cimino James J  , Bakken Suzanne
Published: February 2025

The potential for informatics solutions to address inpatient safety issues is significant; however, several challenges are associated with the development of patient safety related informatics applications. These challenges include: 1) the identification and/or development of valid and reliable instruments; 2) adequate representation of key safety concepts, constructs, and associated concepts in the clinical information system; and 3) identification of data sources for instrument pre population. As part of a larger project aimed at identifying and addressing the information needs of clinicians while using a clinical information system, an electronic fall and injury risk assessment instrument is in development to address a hospital-based fall and injury prevention initiative. The concepts contained in the instrument are well represented by Clinical LOINC and the UMLS. Associated concepts have been identified in the existing clinical information system data dictionary for pre population of the instrument.
IRMA – Content-Based Image Retrieval in Medical Applications
Authors: Lehmann Thomas M.  , Güld Mark O.  , Thies Christian  , Plodowski Bartosz  , Keysers Daniel  , Ott Bastian  , Schubert Henning
Published: February 2025

The impact of content-based access to medical images is frequently reported but existing systems are designed for only a particular modality or context of diagnosis. Contrarily, our concept of image retrieval in medical applications (IRMA) aims at a general structure for semantic content analysis that is suitable for numerous applications in case-based reasoning or evidence-based medicine. Within IRMA, stepwise processing results in six layers of information modeling (raw data layer, registered data layer, feature layer, scheme layer, object layer, knowledge layer) incorporating medical expert knowledge. At the scheme layer, medical images are represented by a hierarchical structure of ellipses (blobs) describing image regions. Hence, image retrieval transforms to graph matching. The multilayer processing is implemented using a distributed system designed with only three core elements. The central database holds program sources, processing schemes, images, features, and blob trees; the scheduler balances distributed computing by addressing daemons running on all connected workstations; and the web server provides graphical user interfaces for data entry and retrieval.
Preparing the Next Generation of Advanced Practice Nurses
Authors: Barton Amy J.  , Skiba Diane J.  , Sorensen Lena
Published: February 2025

The Institute of Medicine's vision for health professions education highlights the importance of informatics competencies for all graduates. This paper describes an innovative course, required for all graduate students at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center School of Nursing. The design, implementation, and evaluation of NURS6013, Human Technology Interface provides evidence to support it as one model for consideration in meeting the Institute of Medicine’s vision for health professions education: The course provides learning opportunities which examine the impact of technology on society and health care, informatics and human factors, as well as the legal, ethical, and policy issues related to the use of technology.
Readiness for Evidence-Based Practice: Information Literacy Needs of Nurses in the United States
Authors: Tanner Annelle  , Pierce Susan  , Pravikoff Diane
Published: February 2025

In this paper US. nurses’ readiness to provide Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) as measured by their information literacy knowledge and skills is described. The Institute of Medicine directed health care providers to use EBP as a means to improve patient safety, efficiency and effectiveness of health care services. Information literacy has been identified as a nursing informatics competency for the basic nurse. As such, information literacy is an essential component in the application of EBP. The importance of developing information literacy skills is enhancement of the nurse’s ability to use current best available research literature in the conduct of EBP with subsequent improvement in nursing sensitive patient outcomes. This study describes the level of nurses’ information literacy knowledge and gaps in their skills for identifying, accessing, retrieving, evaluating and utilizing research evidence to provide best care for patients. The value of this study is to increase awareness among nurse administrators, educators, and clinicians of the need for information literacy education to enable evidence-based nursing practice and to guide development of supportive curricula and professional continuing education.
Towards Integration of Computer Games in Interactive Health Education Environments: understanding gameplay challenge, narrative and spectacle
Authors: Timpka Toomas  , Graspemo Gabriella  , Hassling Linda  , Nordfeldt Sam  , Eriksson Henrik
Published: February 2025

Context: There is an alarming progress in the health status of the young in western countries, and new methods and tools for behavioural health interventions are urgently called for.
Towards a virtual health record for mobile home care of elderly citizens
Authors: Koch Sabine  , Hägglund Maria  , Scandurra Isabella  , Moström Dennis
Published: February 2025

Mobile work situations within home care of the elderly require immediate and ubiquitous access to patient-oriented data. The ongoing Swedish research project “Technical support for Mobile CloseCare” focuses on the development and evaluation of work-scenario oriented-ICT support for enhanced home care of elderly citizens. The aim of the project is to provide a seamless and consistent information flow between different health care providers and to give intuitive access to information services for the elderly and their relatives. For that purpose, different independent software components are connected through a mobile communication platform. Flexible access to prioritized information for different users in different work situations will be given through a virtual health record. In order to obtain both usable and clinically relevant results, a user centered system development approach is followed. Evaluation of the project results will be based on usability tests and quasi-experimental studies on how system implementation influences quality of care and job-and life satisfaction for care providers, patients and relatives.
A Conceptual Space Architecture for Widely Heterogeneous Robotic Systems
Authors: Jung HyunRyong  , Menon Arjun  , Arkin Ronald C.
Published: February 2025

This paper describes the value of the conceptual space approach for use in teams of robots that have radically different sensory capabilities. The formal underpinnings and perceptual processes are described in the context of a biohazard detection task. The architecture is based on the conceptual spaces representation that Gärdenfors suggested as an alternative to more traditional AI approaches.
Effect of motion on pinning control of time-varying networks
Authors: Dariani Reza  , Buscarino Arturo  , Fortuna Luigi  , Frasca Mattia
Published: February 2025

In this paper, the relation between synchronization and control of chaotic nodes connected through a time–varying network is discussed. In particular, the effects of pinning control on a set of moving chaotic agents are investigated showing that the role of system parameters, like agent density, is critical in order to reach the synchronous behavior and also to control the whole network by pinning a reduced set of agents.
Rethinking Consciousness: Some Hypothesis on the Role of the Ascending Reticular Activating System in the Global Workspace
Authors: Maldonato Mauro  , Dell'Orco Silvia  , Springer Mara
Published: February 2025

Science has always faced the problem of consciousness. Nevertheless, consciousness differs radically from the ordinary objects researched by science: not only because of the complexity of the neural infrastructures which are at its base or because of the subtle connections between these infrastructures and phenomena such as decision making, morals and artistic creativity, but above all because of that which gives life to the qualitative dimension and to the subjectivity of its states. If it is true that consciousness is caused by specific neuronal processes and, therefore, conscious states are causally reducible to neurobiological processes, it is also true that conscious states exist at a higher level than a few bundles of neurons. For this reason it is necessary not only to go beyond a hierarchical idea of levels of consciousness, but also to refute the idea according to which the ‘mental’ sphere is qualitative, subjective, and in the ‘first person’, while the ‘physical’ sphere is quantitative, objective and in the ‘third person’.
Automatic Classification of Documents for the Library of the Italian Chamber of Deputies
Authors: Bassi Bruno  , Salamone Calogero
Published: February 2025

The paper presents the COGITO system, an automated classification system realized for the Library of the Italian Chamber of Deputies compliant with the EuroVoc thesaurus. COGITO supports the cataloguing and classification of parliamentary and legislative documents; each document is analyzed and interpreted in order to then be archived quickly in the corresponding category, after a validation by a human operator. The history of this categorization project is briefly reported together with the analysis of both TESEO and EuroVoc thesauri. The semantic technology utilized in the automatic classification is largely explained with a specific focus on the semantic possibility of disambiguation.
Use of a Linear Motion Stroke Potentiometer As a High Precision Sensor for Linear Translation in a Laparoscopic Ligating Loop Simulation
Authors: Dargar Saurabh  , Sankaranarayanan Ganesh  , De Suvranu
Published: February 2025

Virtual Basic Laparoscopic Skills Trainer (VBLaST) is a virtual reality trainer that replicates the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) tasks for training in minimally invasive surgery. For the ligation loop task, we have developed a novel hardware interface using a linear motion stroke potentiometer to accurately sense the linear translation of the ligation loop and a mechanism to attach the tool interface to a PHANToM Omni for force feedback. Testing shows that the interface provided a realistic feel and control of the loop similar to the endoloop device used in FLS ligation loop task.
Anatomic Hepatectomy Planning through Mobile Display Visualization and Interaction
Authors: Debarba Henrique Galvan  , Grandi Jerônimo  , Maciel Anderson  , Zanchet Dinamar
Published: February 2025

Hepatectomies are resections in which segments of the liver are extracted. While medical images are fundamental in the surgery planning procedure, the process of analysis of such images slice-by-slice is still tedious and inefficient. In this work we propose a strategy to efficiently and semi-automatically segment and classify patient-specific liver models in 3D through a mobile display device. The method is based on volume visualization of standard CT datasets and allows accurate estimation of functional remaining liver volume. Experiments showing effectiveness of the method are presented, and quantitative and qualitative results are discussed.
A Framework for Web Browser-Based Medical Simulation Using WebGL
Authors: Halic Tansel  , Ahn Woojin  , De Suvranu
Published: February 2025

This paper presents a web browser-based software framework that provides accessibility, portability, and platform independence for medical simulation. Typical medical simulation systems are restricted to the underlying platform and device, which limits widespread use. Our framework allows realistic and efficient medical simulation using only the web browser for anytime anywhere access using a variety of platforms ranging from desktop PCs to tablets. The framework consists of visualization, simulation, and hardware integration modules that are fundamental components for multimodal interactive simulation. Benchmark tests are performed to validate the rendering and computing performance of our framework with latest web browsers including Chrome and Firefox. The results are quite promising opening up the possibility of developing web-based medical simulation technology.
SBAR ‘Flattens the Hierarchy’ Among Caregivers
Authors: Heinrichs Wm. LeRoy  , Bauman Eric  , Dev Parvati
Published: February 2025

As a young ensign in the US Navy on a nuclear submarine, Doug Bonacum had to brief the captain of the ship following his night-time shift, reporting about potentially dangerous situations that might emerge. He described the “situation, background, assessment, and recommendation”. This nascent SBAR communication tool served temporarily to flatten the hierarchy between the ensign and the ship's captain. Years later at KP, Bonacum developed SBAR for facilitating effective conversations between obstetricians and nurses. SBAR has been implemented in “real-world” environments with excellent results. We are implementing SBAR to facilitate communication in CliniSpace among caregivers in this 3D immersive, virtual learning environment.
A Study About Coefficients to Estimate the Error in Biomechanical Models Used to Virtually Simulate the Organ Behaviors
Authors: Lago M.A.  , Martínez-Martínez F.  , Rupérez M.J.  , Monserrat C.  , Alcañiz M.
Published: February 2025

In this paper, a set of coefficients commonly used in Medical Image to estimate the committed error comparing two images is presented, which, combined together, allow to determine the similarity between volumes. Furthermore, an analysis of the behavior of these coefficients is performed to determine those coefficients that better discriminate the fit error, proving that these are Jaccard coefficient and a modification of Hausdorff coefficient. In addition, the combination of both coefficients is applied to compare two given biomechanical models of the lamb liver.
PleurAlert: An Augmented Chest Drainage System with Electronic Sensing, Automated Alerts and Internet Connectivity
Authors: Leeson Cory E.  , Weaver Robert A.  , Bissell Taylor  , Hoyer Rachel  , McClain Corinne  , Nelson Douglas A.  , Samosky Joseph T.
Published: February 2025

We have enhanced a common medical device, the chest tube drainage container, with electronic sensing of fluid volume, automated detection of critical alarm conditions and the ability to automatically send alert text messages to a nurse's cell phone. The PleurAlert system provides a simple touch-screen interface and can graphically display chest tube output over time. Our design augments a device whose basic function dates back 50 years by adding technology to automate and optimize a monitoring process that can be time consuming and inconvenient for nurses. The system may also enhance detection of emergency conditions and speed response time.
Design and Evaluation of a Medical Teamwork Training Simulator using Consumer-Level Equipment
Authors: Marks Stefan  , Windsor John A.  , Wünsche Burkhard
Published: February 2025

Virtual environments (VE) are increasingly used for teamwork training purposes, e.g., for medical teams. One shortcoming is lack of support for nonverbal communication channels, essential for teamwork. We address this issue by using an inexpensive webcam to track the user's head and using that data for controlling avatar head movement, thereby conveying head gestures and adding a nonverbal communication channel. In addition, navigation and orientation within the virtual environment is simplified. We present the design and evaluation of a simulation framework based on a game engine and consumer-level hardware and the results of two user studies showing, among other results, an improvement in the usability of the VE and in the perceived quality of realism and communication within the VE by using head tracking avatar and view control.
Simulation of a Human Circulatory System
Authors: Menon Vinay
Published: February 2025

This article describes a mathematically based human circulatory model. The model consists of lumped elements made of venous, arterial, peripheral, pulmonary vein and artery segments. A heart model is simulated using 4 chambers (left and right atriums and ventricles). The heart pump mechanism is operated by a simple piston based models for each of the chambers. The simulation consists of 19 (states) first order differential equations. and simulated with Matlab and Simulink. The simulation computes volume, flow rate and pressures in each segment.
Virtual Reality Paced Serial Assessment Test for Neuropsychological Assessment of a Military Cohort
Authors: Parsons Thomas D.  , Courtney Christopher  , Rizzo Albert A.  , Armstrong Christina  , Edwards Joseph  , Reger Gregory
Published: February 2025

The assessment and treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) has become a difficult challenge for the DoD medical health system. Clinical neuropsychologists are being asked to make statements regarding a soldier's functional skills, ability to return to active duty, and competence in tasks of community living. Given the increasing prevalence of blast injuries to the head, and the fact that many brain injuries may have no external marker of injury, there is need for researching innovative assessment methods in detecting blast-related brain injury. To address these issues, two virtual reality-based Paced Auditory/Visual Serial Addition Tests (PA/VSAT) were developed that involve the participant being immersed in a Virtual Middle Eastern City as serial addition stimuli are presented. This study is an initial validation of the VRPASAT and VRPVSAT as assessments of neurocognitive functioning. When compared to the paper-and-pencil version of the test, as well as the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics, the VRPASAT and VRPVSAT appear to have enhanced capacity for providing an indication of a participant's performance while immersed in a military relevant simulation.
Portable Plasma Medical Device for Infection Treatment
Authors: Thiyagarajan Magesh  , Waldbeser Lillian
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of plasma treatment on bacteria in liquid phases. We predict that the plasma gas can penetrate the liquid culture media and plasma treatment will efficiently kill the bacteria at unique time and distance parameters. It is also hypothesized that less stringent plasma treatment will negatively affect the growth rate of some species of bacteria and possibly their pathogenicity. The bacteria were exposed to hot and cold plasma at various time lengths and distance parameters. Our results indicated that 2 minutes of hot plasma treatment with the plasma torch 5 cm away from the liquid culture is effective in killing/sterilizing cultures of S. aureus, S. pyogenes, Salmonella spp, N. meningitidis, and E. coli. Five minutes of cold plasma with the probe immersed 1-2 cm inside the liquid culture were needed to kill the bacteria. The portable nonthermal plasma system can be used for infection treatment and wound healing applications affected by the microbes studied in this research.
The Effects of a Mobile Stress Management Protocol on Nurses Working with Cancer Patients: a Preliminary Controlled Study
Authors: Villani Daniela  , Grassi Alessandra  , Cognetta Chiara  , Cipresso Pietro  , Toniolo Davide  , Riva Giuseppe
Published: February 2025

Oncology nurses face extraordinary stresses that may lead to emotional exhaustion, a feeling of emotional distance from patients and burnout. The presentation describes the preliminary results of a study to test the effects of an innovative 4-week 8-session self-help stress management training for oncology nurses supported by mobile tools (Nokia N70 smarthphone). The sample included 16 female oncology nurses with permanent status employed in different oncology hospitals in Milan, Italy. The study used a between-subjects design, comparing the experimental condition (mobile phone stress management protocol) with a control group (neutral videos through mobile phones). In addition to a significant reduction in anxiety state at the end of each session, the experimental group demonstrated a significant improvement in affective change in terms of anxiety trait reduction and coping skills acquisition at the end of the protocol.
Virtual Intubation Training at a Remote Military Site
Authors: Walker Robert B.  , Underwood P.K.  , Bernhagen Mary  , Markin Nicholas  , Boedeker Ben H.
Published: February 2025

To provide medical support to the far forward battlefield, training in advanced medical technologies is essential for military healthcare providers. To meet this challenge, the use of modern video communication technologies and novel medical devices can be implemented. This study demonstrates the combined use of modern video conferencing technology and video laryngoscopy equipment in the virtual laryngoscopy training of deployed military medical personnel.
Surgical Tools Recognition and Pupil Segmentation for Cataract Surgical Process Modeling
Authors: Bouget David  , Lalys Florent  , Jannin Pierre
Published: February 2025

In image-guided surgery, a new generation of Computer-Assisted-Surgical (CAS) systems based on information from the Operating Room (OR) has recently been developed to improve situation awareness in the OR. Our main project is to develop an application-dependant framework able to extract high-level tasks (surgical phases) using microscope videos data only. In this paper, we present two methods: one method to segment the pupil and one to extract and recognize surgical tools. We show how both methods improve the accuracy of the framework for analysis of cataract surgery videos, to detect eight surgical phases.
Predicting Agri-Commodity Prices: An Asset Pricing Approach
Authors: Chen Yu-chin  , Rogoff Kenneth S.  , Rossi Barbara
Published: February 2025

Volatile and rising agricultural prices put significant strain on the global fight against poverty. An accurate reading of future food price movements can be an invaluable budgetary planning tool for various government agencies and food aid programs. Using the asset-pricing approach developed in Chen, Rogoff and Rossi (2010), we show that information from the currency and equity markets of several commodity-exporting economies can help forecast world agricultural prices. Our formulation builds upon the notion that because these countries currency and equity valuations depend on the world price of their commodity exports, market participants would price expected future commodity price movements into the current values of these assets. Because the foreign exchange and equity markets are typically much more fluid than the agri-commodity markets (where prices tend to be more constrained by current supply and demand conditions), these asset prices can signal future agricultural price dynamics beyond information contained in the agri-commodity prices themselves. Our findings complement forecast methods based on structural factors such as supply, demand, and storage considerations.
National Registries in the Russian Healthcare System
Authors: Kobrinskiy Boris  , Matveev Nikolay
Published: February 2025

A number of registries of various levels (national, regional, etc.) were created in the Russian Federation during last two decades. Main principles of registries formation, as well as some limitations of the use of registries for assessment of treatment effectiveness and drug safety are discussed.
The Relation Between Fracture Morphology and Failure Strength in Annealed Glass
Authors: Veer Frederic  , Rodichev Yurii
Published: February 2025

The failure strength of glass as determined in bending tests shows a lot of scatter. In addition there is no easy statistical description of the failure strength. Part of the problem is that data sets are usually too small. To solve this a large research project was conducted that involved the effects of stress corrosion, tin side and original scoring side on the failure strength of cut, ground and polished annealed float glass. The results show that there are different strength groups, with different fracture morphologies. The change in fracture morphology is coincident with a change in average strength and Weibull modulus. Allowing for this change in fracture morphology allows a much better description of the failure strength of glass thus improving the reliability of a strength value.
Composite Structures Made of Glass and Ultra High Performance Concrete – Current Research
Authors: Freytag Bernhard  , Santner Gerhard  , Sparowitz Lutz  , Götschl Franz
Published: February 2025

Glass can be connected with UHPC in terms of direct bonding contact. Structures built according to this technology are elegant and highly transparent but beyond that they provide robustness similar to reinforced concrete. This paper focuses on the fundamental mechanics of the bonding connection, which is the key element of this building method. The design and assembling concepts are explained by means of some prospective applications and an interesting pilot project. It is an 18.5 m high noise barrier planned as standing folded plate. Finally, a detailed outlook about an experimental programme concerning durability and fatigue of the bonding glass-UHPC connection is given.
Inauguration Speech by Rudolf Strohmeier
Authors: Strohmeier Rudolf
Published: February 2025

Europe: the importance of the Aeronautics Sector, a common strategic framework in order to create a much higher impact and to simplify access, a new vision for aviation ‘Flightpath 2050’.
Flightpath 2050: Europe's Vision for Aeronautics
Authors: Krein Axel  , Williams Gareth
Published: February 2025

Towards the end of 2010 Vice-President Kallas and Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn invited a group of European top-level representatives of the European aviation1industry to develop a new vision for European aviation with a 2050 horizon. The aeronautics part of this vision encompasses all matters relating to the air vehicle, comprising the vehicle and its systems, its technology, design and manufacture as well as its maintenance, repair and overhaul.
LBP And Lower Limb Discrepancy: 3D Evaluation Of Postural Rebalancing Via Underfoot Wedge Correction
Authors: D'Amico Moreno  , Roncoletta Piero  , Di Felice Francesca  , Porto Daniele  , Bellomo RosaGrazia  , Saggini Raoul
Published: February 2025

Leg Length Discrepancy (LLD) is very often associated to Low Back Pain (LBP), but still controversial is the use of underfoot wedge correction (heel rise) to re-balance pelvis and trunk posture. In a review of our last 5 years clinical activity we observed that more than 70% out of 300 LBP patients presented a LLD. In more than 80 % we ascertained, via Baropodography, the presence of underfoot asymmetric load, during standing. More durable therapy recovery effect has been observed when LLD correction had been adopted. These reasons led us to start a study to assess if a Full 3D multifactorial Posture evaluation approach, by means of Opto-electronic device associated to foot pressure maps recording, was able to quantitatively discriminate the clinically observed phenomena. On a 94 LBP (av. age 46.3±16 Y range 15-82 Y) patients sample, 83 (88%) have been found to improve posture when LLD was corrected. The 94 patients showed a mean lower limb discrepancy of μ=8±3.2mm associated to a mean scoliotic lumbar curve μ=10.5°±5.1° Cobb (frontal plane), mean Spinal offset μ=6.6±4.9mm and mean Global offset 10.7±8.8mm. The applied paired t-test comparison (indifferent vs. corrected orthostasis) showed significant (p < 0.05) postural improvements could be obtained in the whole or in a part of the considered parameters, both in rebalancing and in spine deformities reduction after the application of suitable under-foot wedge. The joint 3D opto-electronic and foot pressure map approach proved to be effective to control several clinical parameters with statistical significance.
Correlation of Idiopathic Scoliosis Assessments between Newly Developed Milwaukee Topographic Scanner and Quantec
Authors: Lim C.H.  , Tassone C.  , Liu X.C.  , Thometz J.G.  , Lyon R.
Published: February 2025

The Milwaukee Topographic Scanner (MTS) is a newly developed system, which utilizes laser technology to obtain three-dimensional topographic evaluation of the spine. The goal of this study was to determine the correlation of topographic measurements between MTS and Quantec Spinal Imaging System. Twelve parameters generated by the MTS and Quantec Spinal Imaging System was compared to each other using the Pearson Coefficient. Twenty patients between the ages 16-18 with scoliosis were evaluated with the MTS and Quantec. There were several parameters, which showed high correlations especially back height (0.972), coronal curve (0.952), and left trunk volume (0.905). MTS is a reliable three-dimensional topographic alternative to radiographs without the exposure to radiation.
Telediagnostic 3D school screening of back curvatures and posture using structured light method – pilot study
Authors: Glinkowski Wojciech  , Michoński Jakub  , Glinkowska Bożena  , Żukowska Agnieszka  , Sitnik Robert  , Górecki Andrzej
Published: February 2025

Background: Several studies consider the school scoliosis screening as controversial. Many authors postulate to improve its clinical effectiveness.
Whither the etiopathogenesis (and scoliogeny) of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis?
Authors: Burwell R. Geoffrey  , Dangerfield Peter H.
Published: February 2025

Although considerable progress had been made in the past two decades in understanding the etiopathogenesis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), it still lacks an agreed theory of etiopathogenesis. One problem may be that AIS results not from one cause, but several that interact with various genetic predisposing factors. There is a view there are two other pathogenic processes for idiopathic scoliosis namely, initiating (or inducing), and those that cause curve progression. Twin studies and observations of family aggregation have revealed significant genetic contributions to idiopathic scoliosis, that place AIS among other common disease or complex traits with a high heritability interpreted by the genetic variant hypothesis of disease. We summarize etiopathogenetic knowledge of AIS as theories of pathogenesis including recent multiple concepts, and blood tests for AIS based on predictive biomarkers and genetic variants that signify disease risk. There is increasing evidence for the possibility of an underlying neurological disorder for AIS, research which holds promise. Like brain research, most AIS workers focus on their own corner and there is a need for greater integration of research effort. Epigenetics, a relatively recent field, evaluates factors concerned with gene expression in relation to environment, disease, normal development and aging, with a complex regulation across the genome during the first decade of life. Research on the role of environmental factors, epigenetics and chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including adiposity, after a slow start, has exploded in the last decade. Not so for AIS research and the environment where, except for monozygotic twin studies, there are only sporadic reports to suggest that environmental factors are at work in etiology. Here, we examine epigenetic concepts as they may relate to human development, normal life history phases and AIS pathogenesis. Although AIS is not regarded as an NCD, like them, it is associated with whole organism metabolic phenomena, including lower body mass index, lower circulating leptin levels and other systemic disorders. Some epigenetic research applied to Silver-Russell syndrome and adiposity is examined, from which suggestions are made for consideration of AIS epigenetic research, cross-sectional and longitudinal. The word scoliogeny is suggested to include etiology, pathogenesis and pathomechanism.
Biomechanical analysis of pedicle screw density in spinal instrumentation for scoliosis treatment: first results
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu  , Aubin Carl-Eric  , Larson A. Noelle  , Labelle Hubert  , Parent Stefan
Published: February 2025

Clinical studies reveal remarkable variation in screw patterns, or screw density in spinal instrumentation. Screw density may have a great impact on blood loss, operative time, radiation, risk of screw malposition, and cost. Thus, there is a need to understanding of the biomechanical effects of screw density so as to minimize the number of pedicle screws while ensuring safe and effective instrumentation. The objective of this study was to compare the deformity correction effects and bone-screw loadings of different pedicle screw densities in spinal instrumentation for scoliosis treatment. Spinal instrumentation simulations were performed on three scoliosis patients using 3 screw density patterns (low, preferred, and high screw density) proposed by two experienced surgeons and basic correction techniques: concave rod attachment, rod derotation, apical vertebral derotation, and convex side rod attachment. Simulation results showed that all tested screw densities generated quite similar correction, with differences between the achieved corrections all below 3°. The average bone-screw forces were 244±67N, 214±66 N, and 210±71 N, respectively for low, preferred, and high densities. It remains a complex challenge balancing the benefit of load sharing between more implants with the overconstraints and limited degrees of freedom introduced by the increased number of implants. Studies on additional screw densities and patterns proposed by more surgeons for a variety of cases, and using more diverse correction techniques are necessary to draw stronger conclusions and to recommend the optimal screw density.
Intraoperative Neurophysiologic Monitoring (INM) in scoliosis surgery
Authors: Pankowski Rafal  , Dziegiel Krzysztof  , Roclawski Marek  , Smoczynski Andrzej  , Ceynowa Marcin  , Kloc Wojciech  , Wasilewski Wojciech  , Jende Piotr  , Liczbik Wieslaw  , Beldzinski Piotr  , Libionka Witold  , Pierzak Olaf  , Adamski Stanislaw  , Niedbala Miroslaw
Published: February 2025

Even among skilled spinal deformity surgeons, neurologic deficits are inherent potential complications of spine surgery. The aim was to assess the meaning of changes and to evaluate the critical rates of Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SEP) and Motor Evoked Potentials (MEP) for Neurologic Deficit (ND) occurrence associated with scoliosis surgery. A Group of 30 patients with idiopathic scoliosis treated surgically by posterior correction and stabilisation were included. Patients were matched by age, sex, aetiology, Cobb angle, and surgical criteria. Data on three planar scoliosis correction and concomitant (INM) alarms were compared. Radiographic assessment was performed from radiographs taken before surgery and just after it. The (INM) was performed with the use of ISSIS (Inomed) in every patients the same fashion. The average thoracic curve correction was 69.7% and lumbar 69.8%. The average preoperative Apical Vertebral Rotation was 23.5° for thoracic and 27.9° for lumbar curves and postoperatively 10.9° and 14.3° respectively. There was a significant variability of SEP during surgery with only 7 (23%) patients with stable SEP. 15(50%) patients had a decrease of SEP below 50% and 8(27%) had severe decrease of SEP below 50% what caused us to stop surgery or to decrease correction of curves. There was a MEP decrease in 11(37%) patients and in 6 (20%) directly after correction up to 50% of normal value. In 5 of 30 (17%) patients there was a significant decrease of MEP below 50% and we immediately released the implant. The SEP decrease up to 50% without any MEP change did not influenced the outcome. There was no correlation between flexibility and correction of the curve and SEP and MEP decrease. The safe level for MEP was not determined but its meaning for the outcome was more important than SEP value. The need of (INM) during scoliosis surgery to avoid (ND) was confirmed.
Idiopathic Scoliosis, Growth Zones, Magnetic Therapy
Authors: Arsenev A.  , Dudin M.  , Lednev V.  , Belova N.  , Mikhailov V.  , Sokolov G.
Published: February 2025

Background. The study has been performed to investigate the influence of pulsed magnetic field on the bone growth plates to get new grounds of magneto therapy in AIS treatment.
Rate of Surgey in a Sample of Patients fulfilling the SRS Inclusion Criteria treated with a Chêneau Brace of actual Standard
Authors: Weiss Hans-Rudolf  , Werkmann Mario
Published: February 2025

Studies investigating the outcome of conservative scoliosis treatment differ widely with respect to the inclusion criteria used. Prospective cohort studies are available using the SRS inclusion criteria for studies on bracing. This seems to provide a great advantage to compare different strategies of bracing against each other. As we have gathered all data of the patients treated with a Chêneau lightTMbetween June 2005 and November 2007 it was possible to identify the sample of patients fulfilling the SRS inclusion criteria from the whole sample.
Identification of Sit-to-Stand and Stand-to-Sit Transitions Using a Single Inertial Sensor
Authors: Rodríguez-Martín Daniel  , Samà Albert  , Pérez-López Carlos  , Català Andreu
Published: February 2025

In order to enhance the quality of life of people with mobility problems like Parkinson's disease or stroke patients, it is crucial to monitor and assess their daily life activities by characterizing basic movements like postural transitions, which is the main goal of this work. This paper presents a novel postural transition detection algorithm which is able to detect and identify Sit to Stand and Stand to Sit transitions with a Sensitivity of 88.2% and specificity of 98.6% by using a single sensor located at the user's waist. The algorithm has been tested with 31 healthy volunteers and an overall amount of 545 transitions. The proposed algorithm can be easily implemented in real-time system for on-line monitoring applications.
An Approach to Geotracking Patients with Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Yuce Yilmaz Kemal  , Gulkesen Kemal Hakan  , Barcin Ebru Nur
Published: February 2025

Recently, numerous systems for geo-tracking Alzheimer's patients with dementia have been developed and reported to be functional for the purposes of security and data collection. However, studies stated possible loss of freedom and autonomy for patients, along with violations of their privacy, which may lead to loss of prestige/dignity. In this study, a geotracking system that aims to balance patients' security and their need for privacy and autonomy is proposed. The system introduces a personalized, four-level temporal geofence based tracking, warning and notification protocol that incorporates a safety check mechanism operating over Global System for Mobile Communications network.
NovaMedTech – A regional program for supporting new medical technologies in personalized health care
Authors: Ask Per  , Ekstrand Kristina  , Hult Peter  , Lindén Maria  , Pettersson Nils-Erik
Published: February 2025

NovaMedTech is an initiative funded from EU structural funds for supporting new medical technologies for personalized health care. It aims at bringing these technologies into clinical use and to the health care market. The program has participants from health care, industry and academia in East middle Sweden. The first three year period of the program was successful in terms of product concepts tried clinically, and number of products brought to a commercialization phase. Further, the program has led to a large number of scientific publications. Among projects supported, we can mention: Intelligent sensor networks; A digital pen to collect medical information about health status from patients; A web-based intelligent stethoscope; Methodologies to measure local blood flow and nutrition using optical techniques; Blood flow assessment from ankle pressure measurements; Technologies for pressure ulcer prevention; An IR thermometer for improved accuracy; A technique that identifies individuals prone to commit suicide among depressed patients; Detection of infectious disease using an electronic nose; Identification of the lactate threshold from breath; Obesity measurements using special software and MR camera; and An optical probe guided tumor resection. During the present three years period emphasis will be on entrepreneurial activities supporting the commercialization and bringing products to the market.
A qualitative study of Australians' opinions about personally controlled electronic health records
Authors: Lehnbom Elin C.  , McLachlan Andrew  , Brien Jo-anne E.
Published: February 2025

Background: A personally controlled electronic health record (PCEHR) system is being implemented in Australia. Every Australian that wants a PCEHR will be able to opt-in from July 2012.
A method for the semantic enrichment of clinical trial data
Authors: Leroux Hugo  , McBride Simon  , Lefort Laurent  , Kemp Madonna  , Gibson Simon
Published: February 2025

Clinical trial data have historically been implemented using relational databases. While this has expedited the dissemination of data among partners, it has hindered on the ability to swiftly query the data by relying on monolithic tables. This paper outlines a project that investigates the semantic enrichment of a large-scale longitudinal clinical trial, the AIBL study, by reusing entities from existing ontologies. The implication of the semantic enrichment of the AIBL study is that it is possible to query the data more effectively and efficiently. We are now able to implement our model and focus on an end-to-end data capture and analysis pipeline to query and visualise clinical trial data. The main contribution of this paper is a discussion of the methodology to semantically enrich clinical trial data using entities from existing ontologies.
The Cradle Coast personally controlled electronic health record evaluation research
Authors: Cummings Elizabeth  , Cheek Colleen  , Van Der Ploeg Winifred  , Orpin Peter  , Behrens Heidi  , Condon Sharon  , Jaffray Linda  , Ellis Isabelle  , Ringeisen Arnold Barbara  , Brogan Robyn  , Skinner Timothy
Published: February 2025

In 2010 the Federal Government announced funding over two years to create a Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record (PCEHR) for Australians. One of the wave 2 implementation sites is the Cradle Coast in Tasmania. A PCEHR Program Benefits and Evaluation Partner (BEP) has been appointed to undertake evaluation activities with the e-health lead implementation sites. In addition to this implementation a comprehensive research plan has been developed and commenced through the Rural Clinical School at the University of Tasmania. The overarching aim of the research agenda is to evaluate the outcomes of various elements of the 4C project as it evolves and is implemented, from multiple perspectives. The research agenda is important as it expands upon the NEHTA mandated evaluation and provides an holistic overview of the PCEHR implementation process and outcomes for clinicians, patients and family members. This paper will detail the planned evaluation and its progress to date.
Patients' perceptions of web self-service applications in primary healthcare
Authors: Zhang Xiaojun  , Yu Ping  , Yan Jun  , Hu Hongxiang  , Goureia Niraj
Published: February 2025

This paper presents the preliminary findings of a case study of patients' acceptance and usage of web self-service – online appointment system - in a primary health care centre in a regional area in Australia. After two months of implementation, structured interviews were undertaken over three months to ascertain patients' perceptions of the web self-service application. The findings indicates that patients' acceptance of the web self-service application maybe hindered by their relative lower computer ownership or inadequate computer skills and access to the internet, their preference for flexible personal communication for appointment making and inadequate flexibility of the appointment system compared to phone call. Our preliminary findings may suggest that more than half of the healthcare consumers in this area are likely to accept the PCEHR initiative, however the decision makers of the PCEHR system need to carefully design the strategies and practice for the introduction of the innovation to overcome the substantial barriers to consumers' ability to access the internet-based e-health solutions.