bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing a Medication Information Workstation for Patients
Authors: Tanner T. Bradley  , Gitlow Stuart  , Ganguli Rohan  , Kubacka Renée  , Mulsant Benoit H.  , Epstein Barbara A.
Published: February 2025

Interactive multimedia software employing digital video technology can be an excellent means to teach patients about their medications. PC-based digital video technology represents a comfortable medium for patients to work with because of the familiarity of television images. Interactivity and individualization allow the software to tailor the experience to meet the needs of wide variety of patients. The author developed interactive CD-ROM based multimedia software for psychiatric patients with schizophrenia, a severe mental illness notorious for effecting concentration and motivation. Despite these limitations, patients with schizophrenia must be educated about the potential long term effects of their medications (such as Tardive Dyskinesia) as well as the expected side effects and benefits (to help maintain compliance). The software successfully reached its goal of engaging and involving severely mentally ill patients in medication education. Patients noted they enjoyed the computer experience, were willing to repeat it and would recommend it to other patients. The lessons learned from this project can be applied to populations of patients without psychiatric illness. Interactive multimedia software can be successfully written to address patient needs if the developer focuses on the unique challenges inherent to educating non-professionals.
Global Information Society
Authors: Mattheus Rudy
Published: February 2025

Information is one of the most important components of a VR environment. Multi-Media data is the common data being used in health-care, and also by VR applications. The interaction with this information; by users and systems, at any time at any place, in a real-time interactive environment is the challenge of each user. Particularly in medicine the interaction with the information in the health care process is crucial. VR will play a key role as enabling technology dealing with this information, where the infrastructure is a prerequisite for most of the VR applications allowing communication and interaction with the necessary data sets.
Tactile and Force Sensing for Computerized Hand Diagnosis
Authors: Burdea Grigore  , Goratowski Robert  , Langrana Noshir
Published: February 2025

Commercially available force sensors were investigated with respect to their applicability as force transducers to measure grasping and pinching forces during hand strength evaluation procedures. The sensors investigated were force sensitive resistors, ultrasonic force sensors and miniature strain gauges. The ultrasonic force sensor was found to have the most suitable statical and dynamical characteristics for our application. Electronic pinchmeter and J-mar dynamometer were also investigated as the devices currently used for evaluation of grip and pinch strength. A virtual reality graphics simulation was constructed in order to experiment with hand evaluation procedures.
Emergent Technologies from Human–Dolphin Interaction Research
Authors: Cole David M.
Published: February 2025

The AquaThought Foundation is a privately funded research organization dedicated to the exploration of human-dolphin interaction. Since 1989, AquaThought has studied the neurological impact of close contact with dolphins on human subjects and the related healing phenomena. Our research in neurological imaging has led to the development of MindSet, a low-cost neuro-mapping electroencephalograph instrument which makes advanced EEG research affordable. In partnership with the Cancun Convention Center, a new virtual reality theme park, we are developing the “Cyberfin Dolphin Encounter Immersive Simulator” which will bring virtual dolphin contact to a massive audience.
A $100 Surgical Simulator for the IBM PC
Authors: Daane S.  , Constantinou P.  , Hesselroth G.
Published: February 2025

Abstract and Purpose: As flight simulators have been valuable to aviators, VR surgical simulators will someday be valuable in medical education, both to reduce training costs and provide enhanced physician training [l]. Current surgical simulators rely on real-time volume rendering techniques, and run on hardware costing several hunded thousand dollars. It is currently impossible for these systems to become widespread, as most physicians and hospitals own PCs which cost 100 times less. We previously created interactive software using stereo-paired images of anatomical dissections to more clearly show 3-D structural relationships in gross anatomy [2]. Subsequently we realized that most surgical procedures could be represented using the “peeling away layers” metaphor [3]; in our new program, the mouse is used as a scalpel or suture to cut away or repair layers of the abdominal wall for a hernia repair.
Interactive Image-Directed Epilepsy Surgery
Authors: Doyle Werner K.
Published: February 2025

Preliminary experience using a low cost interactive image-directed neurosurgical system in Epilepsy Surgery is described. The device was made with readily available technology and uses rudimentary artificial reality concepts. It incorporates a partially immersive head mounted display bridging contemporary image-directed ideas with virtual reality notions. The system has been successfully used in twenty epilepsy surgery cases to position subdural electrode arrays, place burr holes, locate functional cortex and coregister electrodes. The system has improved surgery by locating lesions and surgical landmarks. Analysis of coregistration error and clinical utilization of this technology is discussed. Also described are the mathematical fundamentals correlating virtual reality image space to the operating field. Interactive image-directed techniques are a hybrid form of virtual reality which may best be described as augmented reality.
Multi-modality image registration within COVIRA
Authors: Vandermeulen D.  , Collignon A.  , Michiels J.  , Bosmans H.  , Suetens P.  , Marchal G.  , Timmens G.  , van den Elsen P.  , Viergever M.  , Ehricke H.-H.  , Hentschel D.  , Graumann R.
Published: February 2025

In this paper we summarize the work on multi-modality image registration performed within the COVIRA (COmputer VIsion in RAdiology) project (AIM, contract A2003). Algorithms for registration using stereotactic frames, anatomical landmark points and anatomical surfaces are presented. Quantification and correction algorithms for geometric distortion in MR and MRA are discussed. These methods are currently clinically evaluated in six clinical pilot application systems for neuroradiological diagnosis, neurosurgery planning and radiotherapy planning.
The Influence of Ventricular Interdependence on Indices of Left Ventricular Function
Authors: Amoore John N.  , Santamore William P.  , Bove Alfred A.
Published: February 2025

Left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction often precedes systolic dysfunction. Thus, the assessment of LV diastolic function is imperative for the early diagnosis of the disease, and many indices have been developed. Most, however, exclude pericardial and right ventricular (RV) effects, both of which alter LV pressure and volume. This study used a previously developed model of the cardiovascular system to examine how the pericardium and the RV affect these indices. By this approach, we could set the intrinsic LV compliance. We compared this to the LV diastolic indices derived from LV pressure and volume measurements. The analysis shows that RV and pericardial pressures affect the measured LV pressures and volumes and hence, the indices of LV diastolic function. Even with completely accurate measurements for pressure and volume, as in the simulation, ignoring the RV and the pericardium resulted in errors ranging from −38% to +37% in derived indices of LV function. Further, ignoring ventricular interdependence minimizes the ability of the indices to separate normal from disease states. To improve accuracy, RV and pericardial effects must be considered when calculating LV diastolic indices.
Indexing Left Ventricular Isovolumic Pressure Decay
Authors: Courtois Michael  , Ludbrook Philip A.
Published: February 2025

Development of an index of the rate of left ventricular isovolumic pressure fall that accurately and consistently reflects alterations in relaxation has been elusive. Considerations with the use of any index include avoiding potential artifacts due to linear data shifts and loss of monoexponentiality. This report details the effects of an intervention that significantly alters the value of the variable asymptote on the calculation of certain indexes of left ventricular isovolumic relaxation. Our results indicate that in the closed-chest canine, in the normal sinus beats immediately following short-coupled extrasystoles, the magnitude and the direction of the trends of relaxation can be a function of the method of index calculation. Our results also emphasize the utility of biexponential approaches in the delineation of subtle trends in the form of isovolumic pressure decay that may reflect the complex interplay between active and passive components of the diastolic process.
Constancy and Variability of Oxygen Costs of Mechanical Energy (PVA) and Contractility (Emax)
Authors: Suga Hiroyuki  , Takaki Miyako  , Matsubara Hiromi  , Araki Junichi
Published: February 2025

We have found in canine left ventricles that myocardial oxygen consumption (Vo2) is an increasing function of ventricular mechanical energy (PVA) and contractility (Emax). Sensitivities of changes in Vo2to changes in PVA and Emax are characterized by oxygen costs of PVA and Emax. We have found that these costs are usually constant under a variety of loading, heart rate and contractile conditions in normal canine hearts. However, oxygen cost of PVA increases in hyperthyroid rabbit hearts and decreases in acute failing hearts. Oxygen cost of Emax also increases in abnormal hearts such as postischemic stunned, hypercapnic acidotic, and post-acidotic stunned hearts. To obtain insights into the mechanisms of the constancy and variability of these costs, we carried out computer simulation studies. The results showed that changes in Ca transient, and Ca and crossbridge kinetic parameters affect oxygen cost of PVA in a complex manner and that increases in Ca sensitivity in the subnormal range decrease oxygen cost of Emax. These results help us speculate about the mechanisms underlying the experimentally observed constancy and variability of the oxygen costs of PVA and Emax in normal and diseased hearts.
Elastance-Based Mechanical Restitution Provides Data from the Intact Heart Not Available from Any Other Technique
Authors: Freeman Gregory L.  , Prabhu Sumanth D.
Published: February 2025

At a constant rate of stimulation the systolic performance of cardiac muscle is very consistent from beat to beat. If the muscle is stimulated prematurely, however, the contraction has reduced magnitude. The time dependent process by which myocardium returns to baseline performance is called mechanical restitution. The purpose of our studies has been to define whether the mechanical restitution curve (MRC) can be defined in intact animals, and whether it is useful in assessing aspects of function in heart failure. We studied dogs chronically instrumented with three sets of diameter gauges, LV manometers, vena caval occluders, and pacing wires. Control animals were used to validate the method during systole and diastole. We also studied animals before and after three to four weeks of high rate pacing which induced tachycardia heart failure (THF).
Contribution of the Collagen Extracellular Matrix to Ventricular Mechanics
Authors: MacKenna Deidre A  , McCulloch Andrew D.
Published: February 2025

Fibrillar collagen forms the major structural component of the cardiac extracellular matrix. Whereas the central contribution of collagen to the mechanical properties of many connective tissues is well known, the specific role of the cardiac collagen matrix in ventricular mechanics remains unclear and controversial. A review of the cardiac extracellular matrix and the mechanical effects of altered cardiac collagen structure and content suggests that collagen in the myocardium may affect ventricular mechanical function significantly. Mathematical models show that the functional effects of changes in the cardiac collagen matrix during disease probably depend on specific, measurable microstructural parameters.
ATIM: Assessment of information Technology In Medicine
Authors: van Gennip E.M.S.J.  , Talmon J.L.  , Bakker A.
Published: February 2025

This paper describes the ATIM accompanying measure. It describes the motivation and objectives of ATIM. An overview is given of the activities that have been performed. The relevance of the ATIM work for the assessment in the Telematics Application Programme of the 4th Framework Programme is discussed.
MARIA: Multimedia Applications for Regional and International Access
Authors: Turner Roy  , Marshall Paula
Published: February 2025

The MARIA project aims to stimulate the uptake of telematics in European Oncology. The project examines existing practice, future potential and demonstrates the application of telematic service networks with regional and European scale pilots. It also forms a focus for consensus activity, working towards more co-ordinated developments in European oncology telematics.
CAMARC-II: Computer Aided Movement Analysis in a Rehabilitation Context-II
Authors: Leo Tommaso
Published: February 2025

This paper intends to give detailed information on the objectives and the results of the Project CAMARC-II and to outline their possible exploitation in the interest of the European industry and for the enhancement of the quality/cost ratio of the Rehabilitation Care provided to the EU citizens. The status of the relevant scientific and clinical areas at the beginning of the project, the description of the project objectives and process, the synthetic presentation of the achievements of the project and the clarification of their potential impact on the relevant clinical sectors and on the Rehabilitation Care System in Europe will be explained. The scope of the project is limited to Motor Rehabilitation. In such a field Movement Analysis methods and techniques are able to improve the Functional Evaluation of the disabled person, provided that suitable and agreed Evaluation Protocols are available, that the results attained at different Rehabilitation Centres can be communicated and compared among them, that the quality of the results can be checked in a standard way, that the measurements are really disability-oriented and, first of all, that a specific Knowledge is available and properly formalised. The objectives of the project were tailored to the purpose of fulfilling all the above conditions. Their synthesis is the aim at establishing a demonstrator of a pan-European Network of clinical and research centres, strictly interconnected with the main manufacturers of the relevant instrumentation, able to perform a standardised Functional Assessment of the motor (dis)ability of the motor impaired and/or the elderly. This main target and all the related objectives originally stated have been attained. Their potential impact is relative to the reduction of the time spent into the hospital for performing Rehabilitation, to the best focusing of the treatment and to the verification of treatment efficacy, to the enhancement of the European industry competitiveness and to the amelioration of the cost/efficacy ratio of the Rehabilitation Care throughout Europe.
BRITER: Biosignal Representation, Integration and Telecommunication Services in Rehabilitation
Authors: Talbot Arne
Published: February 2025

The BRITER project is a two year project concerned with alignment and evaluation of telecommunication services and methologies for service support within the areas: rehabilitation, integrated instrumentation, biosignal handling and telepresence. The telecommunication services tested are within rehabilitation centres (access to remote databases, generic interfaces for data exchange) and trauma centres (videoconference and telepresence). The project also includes the development of a domain information model according to the approach specified by CEN TC251 PT004 and a common communication protocol for biosignals with connected clinical information.
EPIC: European Prototype for Integrated Care
Authors: Boydell Leslie
Published: February 2025

The aim of the EPIC project is to improve the quality of care provided to vulnerable people in their own homes, through the development of an information system for integrated care, which supports the sharing of information between health and social care professionals.
Health Cards in Germany
Authors: Geiss E.
Published: February 2025

In recent years, German health authorities and legislature have concentrated on the introduction of a standardized nation-wide insurance card. By selecting ISO-compatible chip cards they provided a perspective for more sophisticated applications like emergency or diabetes cards based on processor chip technology. In this field emphasis is concentrated on an active role in the Eurocards concerted action aiming at interoperability of card functions and harmonisation of data structures.
Optical Health Cards - Patient Carried Comprehensive Medical Records
Authors: Beattie J.A.G.  , Jones V.M.  , Petrie J.C.P.  , Thompson B.
Published: February 2025

The Optical Healthcard Project is a three year implementation, and evaluation, of the effect of patients carrying a comprehensive medical record in the form of computer readable optical cards. The project is funded by the National Health Service in Scotland, in Grampian region, and is hosted by Grampian Health Board. It involves 15,000 patients attending Inverurie Health Centre, a group general practice in the town of Inverurie, 17 miles North West of Aberdeen. An independent evaluation project, taking the form of a randomised controlled trial, is being conducted by the Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen. The aim of the evaluation is to test the claim that the availability of comprehensive and up-to-date information on patient held electronic records will bring benefits to patients and health professionals. The evaluation will examine the effects of healthcards on the efficiency of communication of medical information, on patients’ awareness of their personal health information and on their involvement in the process of health care. The evaluation will estimate the benefits to patients and health professionals and the cost of national implementation.
Cryptographic Mechanisms for Health Care IT-Systems
Authors: Bleumer Gerrit
Published: February 2025

Present health care information and communication systems sufficiently respect neither the interests of the professional users (physicians, nurses, etc.) nor those of the usees (patients) concerning informational self-determination, integrity, and non-repudiation. The EU-AIM-SEISMED project has attacked this challenge. There is consensus that legal regulations and organisational measures around health care IT-systems have to be revisited and harmonised. However, the increasing processing capacities of IT-systems demand that the legitimate security interests of users and usees are enforced in advance — not only after the fact. This cannot be achieved against IT-systems but only by the help of IT-systems. Since cryptographic mechanisms are an essential tool to this end SEISMED provides guidelines and technical recommendations on cryptographic mechanisms.
Spain’s Competent Authority Initiatives
Authors: Abad Luna Carmen
Published: February 2025

In Spain, only the Active Implantable Medical Device Directive has been transposed into national legislation, with the Medical Device Directive relevant Decree still in a draft edition. However, the notification of serious adverse incidents is compulsory for manufacturers and users, both for CE-marked devices and non CE-marked devices. Manufacturers of all medical devices classes must be registered at the national competent authority, though the directives do not require it.
Medical Device Vigilance at FDA
Authors: Gross Thomas P.  , Kessler Larry G.
Published: February 2025

This overview of medical device vigilance at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) discusses the basic reporting regulation and program at FDA. The FDA program has grown to the point where we now receive over 100,000 reports per year. How FDA examines the data patterns in overall reporting, to identify signals in the database, and the potential actions FDA takes to respond to these problems are also presented. New initiatives include, for example, new methods to triage reports and the move developing an internationally harmonised nomenclature.
Interactive Operation Planning and Control with VIRIM
Authors: Hesser J.  , Kröll J.  , Männer R.  , Poliwoda C.  , Reinhart C.  , Hassfeld S.  , Jäger W.  , Quien N.  , Simon J.  , Wirth J.
Published: February 2025

The VIRIM system, which stands for Virtual Reality In Medicine, aims at realising computer aided surgery (CAS) using methods of virtual reality (VR). In contrast to other approaches the visualisation/segmentation system VIRIM implements both real-time volume ray-casting as visualisation method and real-time grey-value segmentation. VIRIM is currently the first realtime volume ray-casting system. In contrast to most other systems no special data preparation like surface extraction is necessary. Different volume ray-casting algorithms can be implemented in VIRIM and arbitrary opacity levels are possible for the structures that are visualised.
Cranial Base Tumor Visualization through High-Performance Computing
Authors: Wiet Gregory J.  , Stredney Donald  , Yagel Roni  , Swan J. Edward  , Shareef Naeem  , Schmalbrock Petra  , Wright Kenneth  , Smith Jack  , Schuller David E.
Published: February 2025

Tumors of the skull base in general are considered among the more difficult head and neck pathological entities to treat surgically; some surgeons, in fact, consider lesions in this area inoperable. The most appropriate and safest surgical approach to lesions of the anterior and lateral skull base can be devised only with accurate and precise pre-operative assessment. The literature demonstrates the constant evolution of and search for more efficient less invasive, and safe surgical approaches to this region. With the development of a more exact three-dimensional, interactive anatomical “road map” for each patient’s disease and anatomy, the skull base surgeon can not only achieve a more accurate preoperative assessment leading to a less invasive and less morbid approach, but also can continue to develop and refine new approaches without fear of actual morbidity and mortality. An interdisciplinary team approach, the advent and continued development of faster high performance computers, and the development of new and innovative rendering algorithms can lead to surgical simulation. A prototype of an interactive system has been developed. The system will be iteratively modified through a stepwise evaluation of its clinical usefulness by continually reassessing the system with clinical trials. The current state of the system and the potential benefits are presented.
Robotic Arm Enhancement To Accommodate Improved Efficiency and Decreased Resource Utilization in Complex Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures
Authors: Peter Geis W.  , Charles Kim H.  , Brennan Jr. Edward J.  , McAfee Paul C.  , Wang Yulun
Published: February 2025

Resource allocation, including manpower and other expenses, have limited the evolution of minimally invasive surgical procedures to provide humanism and to improve surgical care for patients. Robotic enhancement has been proposed as a mechanism to improve the cost-benefit relationship for patients. To this end, we have used the robotic arm enhancement to minimize resource and personnel utilization during minimally invasive procedures. Phase I of our study has included the use of the robotic arm in 24 laparoscopic hernia repairs, cholecystectomies, and nissen fundoplications with the surgeon as a solo surgeon, i.e., the primary surgeon is the only participant in the operative sterile field. The scrub nurse did not participate in the procedures. During this study, there were no technical mishaps, no complications related to the solo surgeon - robotic arm concept, and the operative times were statistically similar to equivalent procedures utilizing multiple personnel. The hernia repair is least complex and most amenable to solo surgery due to the use of only three access ports; cholecystectomy occasionally requires four access ports increasing its complexity to a measurable degree. Nissen fundoplication, however, requires five access ports and proved to be the most complex of the procedures to adapt successfully to solo surgery utilizing robotic arm enhancement.
Surface Electromyogram for the Control of Anthropomorphic Teleoperator Fingers
Authors: Gupta Vineet  , Reddy Narender P.
Published: February 2025

Growing importance of telesurgery has led to the need for the development of synergistic control of anthropomorphic teleoperators. Synergistic systems can be developed using direct biological control. The purpose of this study was to develop techniques for direct biocontrol of anthropomorphic teleoperators using surface electromyogram (EMG). A computer model of a two finger teleoperator was developed and controlled using surface EMG from the flexor digitorum superficialis during flexion-extension of the index finger. The results of the study revealed a linear relationship between the RMS EMG and the flexion-extension of the finger model. Therefore, surface EMG can be used as a direct biocontrol for teleoperators and in VR applications.
Human Body Textbook with Three-Dimensional Illustrations
Authors: Umehara Tomoyuki  , Matsuda Tatsuki  , Chiyokura Hiroaki  , Kobayashi Masahiro
Published: February 2025

We made a toolkit for making education softwares using 3D computer graphics, and using the toolkit, we made an education software based on 3D illustrations for learning about the human body. The toolkit enables us to make such kind of education software based on 3D illustrations easy and systematic. In the education software, the human body structure is illustrated with 3D models. The user can see the 3D objects with real-time rotation and walk through the virtual space, and their functions are expressed in the 3D virtual space
ON THE PROBLEM OF VALIDATING COMPUTER ASSISTED MEDICAL IMAGE INTERPRETATION
Authors: Van Cleynenbreugel Johan  , Nuyts Johan  , Verbeeck Rudi  , Smet Maria-Helena  , Marchal Guy  , Suetens Paul
Published: February 2025

Hinging on approaches from the fields of clinical imaging and information technology assessment in medicine, a validation scheme is presented for 3-D biomedical image interpretation. This scheme considers measurement of algorithmic accuracy and evaluation of clinical functionality and usefulness. The former component is meant to characterize the intrinsic quality of a method, the latter to assess how well a method serves its clininal goals. Four examples from our own research are used to illustrate this scheme. We report on the validation of (1) a semi-automatic method to quantify myocardial perfusion on SPECT images, (2) bone segmentation accuracy on spiral CT images, (3) a workstation for stereotactic neurosurgery, and, (4) stereolithographic models.
Guidelines for Secure Systems Procurement, Development and Design for Health Care Management
Authors: van Dorp H.  , Dubbeldam J.
Published: February 2025

The use of information systems in Health Care Establishments is essential in providing proper treatment and care for patients, and in managing the people and the organisation. However, as improper functioning of those systems can influence the well being of the patient, people and the organisation, it is important to have the best systems one can acquire. The decision what system to acquire is taken, given the budget and the required level of quality and security to be built into the system.
Network Security Guidelines for Health Care IT and Security Personnel
Authors: Patel A.  , Kantzavelou I.  , Clissman C.  , Maroulis D.
Published: February 2025

This document includes two parts. The scope of Part I is to accomplish the final set of Network Security guidelines that aim at providing a secure environment in European Health Care networking information systems. These guidelines will be used by Reference Centres to implement security mechanisms and protocols for the provision of network security in Health Care Establishments in EC member countries.
Kommunedata's Electronic Patient Record
Authors: Olsen Peter Sylvest
Published: February 2025

Kommunedata has started the implementation of an electronic patient record. Data is recorded and presented as “documents” which may look exactly like the paper forms in the paper-based patient record. However, behind the documents is a highly structured data base ensuring the quality, integration and usability of data. Selected aspects of the user interface, data structure, integration and implementation are described.
Assigning SNOMED codes to natural language pathology reports
Authors: de Bruijn L.M.  , Verheijen E.  , van Nes F.L.  , Arends J.W.
Published: February 2025

A method is presented that enables automatic classification of medical diagnoses through their reports in natural language. The method is based on the nearest neighbor rule: classification of a new case by assigning to it the same codes as the most similar case in the archive. A simulation experiment showed that in 84% of the trials a suitable classification was contained within the first five alternatives.
Overcoming terminological barriers in nursing
Authors: Hardiker Nicholas  , Kirby John
Published: February 2025

Nursing represents a significant and increasing proportion of healthcare budgets in European countries. Comparison of nursing practice across countries, regions and hospitals is difficult because of the diversity of computer-based representation schemes and the nature of nursing information. To address this problems the TELENURSE project will be promoting consensus around the emerging International Classification of Nursing Practice (ICNP). This paper describes how the GALEN (Generalised Architecture for Languages, Encyclopedias and Nomenclatures in Medicine) approach will be used as part of the TELENURSE project to develop a model of nursing terminology which refers both to ICNP and to national and local representation schemes. By facilitating cross referencing it is hoped that the GALEN approach will help overcome some of the current difficulties of comparing nursing practice.
Development of a terminology management system for the Swedish healthcare sector
Authors: Carlsson M.  , Wigertz O.  , Junfors A.  , Wallin S-B.
Published: February 2025

This paper describes the ongoing work of creating and building a Swedish national terminology database. The terminology management system herein is a prototype, built in ACCESS™. Still it addresses some important issues concerning terminology management such as the data model used for representing concepts and terms, and multiple inheritance is discussed in relation to relational databases.
‘AORTICS’, Advanced Open Resources Telematics In Critical Care Situations
Authors: Basagoiti P.  , Borches D.  , Zywietz C.  , Mifsud V.  , Friesdorf W.  , Gonzalez A.  , Ernst C.  , Ruiz R.  , Trueba I.
Published: February 2025

An enormous amount of information, such as the medical instrumentation data and the medical personnel observations regarding the patient, is being generated at the patient’s bedside in an Intensive Care Unit. In practice, all this information is not always being captured, integrated and consequently processed in order to achieve a better understanding of the condition of the patient. Several proprietary solutions have been developed by local initiatives from big companies. These solutions have not gained general acceptability and have failed to draw upon the immense resources for instrumentation development which are available in the industry. Consequently, there is an urgent need to have a set of standards for Medical Device Intercommunication that will provide the ability to connect devices to each other freely and to exchange data between them. The application of such standards will rapidly create a completely new Open concept of the monitoring capabilities in the different departments within a health care institution.
BlackSeaDiab: Project of an Informational Network Aiming at a Better Diabetes Care in the Countries of the Black Sea Region
Authors: Ionescu-Tirgoviste Constantin  , Bejan Sergiu  , Stanciu Emilia  , Rachiteanu Gheorghe  , Roman Tania  , Pruna Simion  , Mincu Iulian
Published: February 2025

In order to provide the material support required by the BlackSeaDiab Action Project, possible solutions for the creation of a regional informational network covering the countries surrounding the Black Sea have been studied. The solution sought had to facilitate an extension of the network from a minimal level up to a top level, with the smallest costs. A two stage solution has been adopted. In a first stage, an INTERNET compatible network (protocols, application interfaces) will be realised using existent physical communication channels, with limited INTERNET access. In the second stage, the network will be developed to use high speed communication channels, with total INTERNET access from any point of the network.
FACE: a GUI integrated in an existing, large HIS, a chain of many links
Authors: Hooymans M.P.  , Osseyran A.  , Bakker A.R.
Published: February 2025

In this paper it is stated that developing a graphical user interface in an HIS is not an isolated matter. Realisation of a GUI boils down to paying attention to a chain of at least 5 links: the UI from a conceptual point of view, the GUI-building tools, the hardware platform, datacommunication facilities and integration in the HIS.
Significance of HL7 for the User
Authors: van Poppel B.M.  , Lodder H.  , Bakker A.R.
Published: February 2025

In a growing number of cases HL7 is the success factor for the integration of departmental information systems and the HIS. The number of messages defined, and thus the coverage, is growing. This growing usage makes HL7 a real standard.
A Concept for a Regional Health Information Network (HIN) based upon the experiences with the Tyrolean HIN
Authors: Schoner Wolfgang  , Pfeiffer Karl P.  , Glasauer Joerg  , Raudaschl Gerhard
Published: February 2025

Regional Health Information Networks (HIN) that structure information about local health services and make it available to both professional people and patients are to be developed within the next years in many regions. The main goals of HINs are both to support professionalist by reducing their administrative workload and to give people the chance to take better care of themselves. A conceptual framework based upon the experiences with the Tyrolean HIN is presented in this paper.
Intelligent Control for Medical Quality Assurance
Authors: Gergely Tamás  , Szõts Miklós
Published: February 2025

This paper proposes the use of intelligent assistant systems in medical quality assurance to assist the control of medical processes. The functional structure of these systems is introduced, and modelling of medical processes is discussed. An environment for the generation of assistant systems is outlined. The general approach is illustrated by the HypHop system that supports hypertension care.
Systems of Information Supply of Management Process in Medical Institutions
Authors: Tchaklosh I.  , Khobzay M.  , Suvalo B.
Published: February 2025

This paper provides an overview Management Quality and Effectiveness Health Care on the base Regional computer network development and usage in L'viv. The aim of the subject is to enable administration and medical staff to identify critical point in them activity, analyze and interpret input and output information, and use the results to support decision making. The paper also describes the content and methods to combine clinical and management data on the basis systematic quantitative measures. It allows to reduce risk in taking decisions and to provide the information needs in all the segments of managerial structure, beginning from physician and nurse.
The DIABCARD Feasibility Study
Authors: Engelbrecht R.  , Hildebrand C.  , Blecher M.  , Corcoy R.  , de Leiva A.
Published: February 2025

DIABCARD, a project sponsored by the European Union, has developed the core of a Chip Card Based Medical Information System for chronic diseases in ambulatory and hospital care. Specific functions deduced from the requirement analysis were implemented into a prototype. A pilot of this system was run for 3 months. This paper shows the approach of the project and the results of its first field test.
IT solutions in a centrally organised mammography screening in Norway
Authors: Ottestad Per Marcus
Published: February 2025

The aim with this paper is to explain the IT-solutions in a centrally organised mammography screening project in Norway. All of the major participants in the project are connected together in the same network (ISDN). Sending and receiving data is automatically taken care of with a replication server. In this way very sensitive medical data are being transferred via telecommunications among each participant. To secure the information that are being transferred an encryption/decryption unit is being used.
An Expert System For ITU Treatments
Authors: Hollingsworth Robert. A.  , Richards Bernard  , Doran Barry
Published: February 2025

An Expert System has been implemented for use in an Intensive Care Unit. The modules described below deal with the control of Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, and Central Venous Pressure. Explanation and Help facilities are also included as well as CAL Modules giving diagrammatic guidance for certain procedures.
A Graphical User Interface For Biomedical Literature Search
Authors: Wiesman F.  , Hasman A.
Published: February 2025

This paper presents an approach to searching in document databases. A system is discussed that presents the user with a graphical interface depicting both the documents and the domain of the documents in an abstract way. This enables also users with little domain knowledge to locate relevant documents. A prototype of the system provides access to the Medline biomedical literature database and contains the UMLS medical thesausus. The system is also compared with the World Wide Web.
A hypermedia information system for the diffusion of telemedicine services
Authors: Grifoni Patrizia  , Lalle Cecilia  , Luzi Daniela
Published: February 2025

Since telemedicine is still developing as a discipline, information on research, on pilot applications and technologies needs to be widely diffused as do the results obtained in different health care contexts. In this paper we present a hypermedia system which offers information on teleassistance and telemonitoring taken from different sources and media. Criteria chosen in structuring the information and the basic functions of the prototype developed are described. In the last part an example of a working session is presented.
Comparative Evaluation of Lossless Image Compression Techniques on Mammograms
Authors: Anastassopoulos G.  , Karavatselou E.  , Lymberopoulos D.  , Panayotakis G.
Published: February 2025

Image compression has an increasing role in modern medical imaging affecting the preservation of the diagnostic information. In this paper a comparative evaluation of lossless techniques was performed by means of both subjective and objective criteria. Upon X-ray breast and breast phantom images (mammograms) the Lempel Ziv technique has provided the best performance results. Phantom images could be considered as objective reference images for the classification of image compression techniques and for the operational design of Medical Images Communication Systems.
Research using Neural Networks for Auditory Brainstem Response Detection
Authors: Tian Jilei  , Grönfors Tapio  , Juhola Martti
Published: February 2025

In recent two decades, artificial neural networks have been well developed and widely used in many fields, such as pattern recognition, optimization calculation, signal processing, and so forth. In this paper, the neural networks theory was induced into detection of auditory evoked responses. The well-defined backpropagation net with momentum item has been used to increase convergence. The structure and parameters of the neural networks have been chosen carefully. The input feature vector consists of original data, segmented data, AR parameters and principal component coefficients before and after filter, respectively. The comparable detection results showed that augment principal component values as feature vector is best choice among the methods provided in this paper. The well-defined neural networks is powerful approach on detection of auditory evoked responses.
Factors to Consider when Establishing a Europe-Wide Network for Exchange of Health Information
Authors: Nielsen T.M.  , Jorgensen H.D.
Published: February 2025

Health authorities, at local, regional, or national levels have over the last few years expressed an increasing interest in and need for international health data comparison in pursuance of policy making and monitoring. To promote health and prevent diseases, administrations need high-quality, policy-oriented health information; information that will allow them to monitor the impact of health programs and policies and provide a means for comparison between countries as well as comparison at European Community level. This task would be greatly facilitated by the development of an EU-wide Health Information System. Such a system should consist not only of a series of indicators covering the areas of interest, but also of a telematic system for the collection and dissemination of this data and indicators. However, the development of an EU-wide Health Information System will be a difficult task - politically and technically. A number of issues have to bevery carefully considered when planning, developing and implementing such a telematic system. The principles for the design and development of the system are the subject of this article.
ONCOL2 Medical Education System
Authors: Stempczyńska Joanna  , Kącki Edward
Published: February 2025

The paper presents the application of a multimedial computer system designed to assist the oncology teaching. Some important exploitation remarks are also included. In the building of the system, special attention has been paid to the question of effective communication between the system and the user in order to achieve high educational efficiency. At present, the system is being tested at Oncology Department of Medical University of Łódź.
Long term management of diabetic patients: a distributed architecture
Authors: Bellazzi R.  , Riva A.  , Stefanelli M.  , Fiocchi S.
Published: February 2025

This paper describes the functional specifications of a telemedicine system prototype, devoted to the Management of Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus. This work is part of the Telematics Application project T-IDDM, funded by the European Commission.
Resource Management Constraints in Guideline-Based Care
Authors: Barahona Pedro
Published: February 2025

Despite the increased interest they raise, it has been difficult to introduce guidelines in clinical practice, namely due to the difficulty in adapting guidelines into patient care plans, and the management of the latter taking into account specificity of patients and policies for the management of scarce resources. This paper presents a Constraint Store as an extension to the representation and handling of guidelines that provide decision support facilities in guideline-based care.
Development of a coherent policy of security-confidentiality in a heterogeneous University hospital environment in Belgium
Authors: Piret C.  , Roger France F.H.  , Pirard F.
Published: February 2025

A strict security policy has been developed in a complex and heterogeneous computer and network systems environment at the St Luc Hospital in Brussels. Responsibilities have been defined by a Security Committee. A quality officer has been appointed and the Master of the File nominated. The computer application is made of four modules currently in development : identification and autorization data; changes in access rights; security data base; file of data. Sensitive data are flagged to prevent unauthorized accesses. Rules to protect private life, a code of good conduct and a training program are available, but not yet smart cards to access to the information system.
Time-Dependent Analysis of Autonomic Tests: a Method Based on Wigner-Ville Power Spectral Density Estimation
Authors: Marchesi C.  , Emdin M.  , Pola S.  , Macerata A.  , Bernardi L.  , Carpeggiani C.  , Marin Neto J.A.  , Cipriani M.
Published: February 2025

Heart rate variability is currently analysed through the power spectral density (PSD) of the time series of RR interval (tachogram), estimated by either Fourier transform based or parametric methods. The hypothesis of stationarity of the tachogram, implicit in these methods, cannot be assumed when the series are derived during autonomic tests.
Statistical Dependence between Blood Pressure and Heart Rate: Functional Significance and Application to the Evaluation of Baroreflex Sensitivity
Authors: Cerutti C.  , Ducher M.  , Gustin M-P.  , Cuisinaud G.  , Paultre C.
Published: February 2025

A new statistical method for expressing bonds between 2 variables is proposed, which 1) does not require any hypothesis and 2) may quantify a bond that varies over the ranges of variation of both variables. It allows to quantify the statistical dependence between 2 events with a coefficient, Z, using probabilities of each event and their conditional probability. When applied to blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR), the method gave the statistical dependence between 2 discrete values of the variables, expressed as amplitude intervals. Control rats, rats submitted to sinoaortic denervation (SAD) or to an early chronic sympathectomy (SNX) were included in a first study. BP was continuously recorded in baseline conditions during 24 hours in control rats and 30 minutes in SAD and SNX rats. The occurence frequency and the Z value were computed for each couple of systolic BP (SBP) and HR beat-to-beat values. Contour line representations of 3-dimensional Z histograms showed reproducible dependence zones in the (SBP, HR) plane. In control rats, dependence zones were found in the modal class and in 3 zones corresponding to 1) low SBP associated with high HR, 2) high SBP associated with high HR and 3) high SBP associated with low HR. Dependence zones 1 and 3 were not present in SAD rats and dependence zone 2 disappeared in SNX rats. These results suggest the participation of the baroreflex in the dependence between SBP and HR values located in zones 1 and 3 and of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) in the dependence between SBP and HR values located in zone 2. A second study tested the ability of Z analysis to estimate baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), using mean BP (MAP) and HR values. Dependent (MAP, HR) couples located in zones 1 and 3 were selected and a linear regression was performed. The regression slope, taken as the index of BRS, was strongly correlated to BRS estimated with a pharmacological method. In conclusion, the concept of statistical dependence was applied to BP and HR values taken as statistical events. Z coefficient allowed to separate couples of BP and HR values related to baroreflex activity from those related to SNS activity. In addition, it allowed to estimate in a global manner the BRS from spontaneous BP recordings.
International Cooperation for Better Information Access: Onconet Project
Authors: Oliveri Nora  , Raijman Diego
Published: February 2025

The Medical Informatics Foundation launched the Onconet Project in Argentina with the purpose of making access to information and the use of CANCERNET databases easier to the health professionals, students, patients and people in general who may be interested in knowing more about cancer.