bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medical EDI Message Specification and Interchange Formats
Authors: Schilders L.  , Segers D.
Published: February 2025

Assessment of the current medical edi environment learns that “old” interchange formats are being used to represent information of highly complex and quickly evolving nature. Whenever the domain requirements are translated into acceptable messages according to these interchange format specifications, system developers use the latest technologies to implement the messages towards the distorted view imposed by the interchange format constraints. This situation, combined with the fact of coexistence of several interchange formats and the urgent need for more standardised message types, led to the specification of a new meta-syntax, supporting easy message definition and allowing the data-driven conversion between multiple interchange formats. As such, and supported by the development of interchange fonnat independent message descriptions, it may become a tool to support the medical edi needs of the future.
Developments in Health Informatics within the Standards Associations of Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Neame Roderick
Published: February 2025

Activities to support the development and adoption of Standards in health informatics are now well started. The Standards Association of Australia formed a committee (IT/14) on Medical Informatics which met for the first time in February 1991: early in 1992 it changed its name to reflect a broader concern with “Health Informatics” rather than the rather narrower interpretation that many had chosen to place on the term “Medical Informatics”.
MOBILITY RESTORATION FOR PARALYSED PERSONS
Authors: Pedotti Antonio
Published: February 2025

The major achievements of this Concerted Action can be summarised as follows: Techniques and algorithms for investigation into human gait modelisation and functional evaluation of walking recovery in paralysed patients. Creation of a European network for multicenter clinical trials of the assistive devices for restoration of walking in patients with high level spinal lesions, using the same methods and protocols for patient selection, training, device adaptation and patient assessment. Research into electrodes (surface and implantable) and stimulation patterns for Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), supported also by experiments on animals; development of models for control strategies in walking by FES and their preliminary validation on patients. As direct effect of the Concerted Action, more than 200 paraplegic patients in Europe are benefiting of advanced mechanical orthoses, and almost 20 are testing hybrid systems with FES. Investigation into the ergonomics of wheelchairs and into its influence on design parameters, construction aspects, prescription criteria and fitting process. Study of technical testing techniques and methodologies and investigation into their comparability in view of promoting implementation of international standards. Development and validation of methodologies for consumer testing of wheelchairs. Identification of obstacles and solutions for wheelchairs testing information disclosure at European level so as to ensure coherence with either the ISO standards or the European Handynet information system. Definition of a preliminary agreement among the 6 European Wheelchair Testing Institutes to circulate the Test Reports, according to common guidelines, defined in the frame of the Concerted Action (particularly important in view of the 1992 free market), and publication of the first pilot volume including such Test Reports of wheelchairs tested in 1990 and 1991, provided by each Institute. Promotion of an infrastructure for ensuring that the expertise of the Testing Centres be exploited in the frame of the CEN Standardisation activities which are starting by the end of 1991.
INFORMATION NEEDS OF ELDERLY AND DISABLED PERSONS IN CONNECTION WITH NEW TECHNOLOGY IN TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT
Authors: Risser Ralf  , Ståhl Agneta
Published: February 2025

It is likely to assume that in future traffic organisation and traffic planning everything will be done to encourage elderly and handicapped to take part in social life. I.e., traffic and transport structures will have to be such that they can be used by these groups. However, to those members of society that have difficulties to take part in traffic for individual reasons (disease, mobility handicaps, etc.) several types of support can be given. One important area in this respect is tele-communication. With the help of new technology in this area the requirements of elderly and disabled persons can be met in a very specific way with respect to various scenarios of life. Several VTX-systems exist in Europe already that offer a large number of services. However, there is some evidence that knowledge about these services is not good at all, especially among the groups we want to address in this present context. Moreover, the use of the system is very often a difficult task that needs good explanation and guiding. In this respect, several short-comings can be identified. Our aim is to look upon these problems as a main concern for experts that develop and implement different tele-communication services. Especially as far as information to potential users of services on all levels is concerned, much work has to be done. Among other things, these experts should be better trained and instructed in order to be able to meet the information needs of customers.
How to appreciate expert principles for antibiotic prescription in a fuzzy context
Authors: Morlat P.  , Palmer G.
Published: February 2025

We describe the main functions of our expert system AntibES. This program is designed to help practitioners for prescribing antibiotics. We show the process of decision making in a fuzzy environment through a description of our decision engine. First, we use production rules for representation of expert principles. Then we make the comparison between these principles and context observations. Finally we produce a classification of decisions in a best choice way.
Criteria for the acceptance of decision-support systems by clinicians; lessons from ECG interpretation systems
Authors: van Bemmel Jan H.
Published: February 2025

An analysis is made of the reasons why clinical support systems in health care (e.g., imaging systems, laboratory systems) are in routine use whereas decision support systems have not been widely accepted. The conclusions of this review are illustrated by the results of a large evaluation study of systems for ECG interpretation.
Choosing Color Contrasts in Low Vision: Practical Recommendations
Authors: KNOBLAUCH Kenneth  , ARDITI Aries
Published: February 2025

How should colors be chosen to code information in order to optimize performance for individuals with low vision? Optimal choice is complicated by the heterogeneity of color vision losses occurring among individuals with acquired and congenital color vision defects. Two guidelines often suggested are to choose contrasting colors and to maximize luminance contrast, but each of these recommendations neglects that specifications of contrast and luminance often vary from the norms in a visually impaired eye. The approach taken here begins with general properties of color vision loss in low vision and from these derives principles to guide choices to colors that would optimize contrast in spite of such visual losses.
Visual Functioning A practical approach for teachers
Authors: EKKENS Ida E.
Published: February 2025

The paper outlines a procedure to assess for visual functioning related to classroom-tasks. As an example perception of detail, one of the twelve selected assessment items, is subdivided according to a task analysis.
ECCVUE: A computer generated method of training eccentric viewing
Authors: FITZMAURICE Kerry  , KINNEAR Judith F.  , CHEN Y.Adam
Published: February 2025

The results of a retrospective study of the client records of persons attending the Visual Rehabilitation Clinic at La Trobe University will be presented. This retrospective study analyses the reduction in print size which a client is able to achieve following eccentric viewing training and the impact of improved visual function on tasks of daily living. This study indicates that eccentric viewing training significantly ameliorates the effects of sight loss caused by agerelated maculopathy.
Some Results of Cochlear Implants in 4 Persons with Usher’s Syndrome Type I
Authors: Vermeulen Lianne  , van Dijk Jan  , Hinderink Hans  , van den Broek Paul
Published: February 2025

Usher’s Syndrome Type I is characterized by profound congenital deafness in combination with balance problems and symptoms of Retinitis Pigmentosa, which manifest themselves before adolescence. Between 1988 and 1991 4 clients with Usher’s Syndrome Type I received a cochlear implant. Some quantitative and qualitative data show improvement of communication and mobility in these deafblind clients, as a result of the cochlear implantation.
Low Vision Services in the Context of Vision Rehabilitation
Authors: Stuen Cynthia
Published: February 2025

Offering and marketing low vision services to a burgeoning older adult population in the United States needs to occur in the context of a continuum of vision rehabilitation services. The Lighthouse Inc. has modified its services to incorporate group models and supported the utilization of paraprofessional staff in some areas of rehabilitation to address concerns for efficiency and staff shortages.
Comparison of three Ways to Assess Residual Vision after Macular Vision Loss
Authors: Mackeben Manfred  , Colenbrander August  , Schainholz Daniel
Published: February 2025

This research addresses the problems faced by patients with macular vision loss who are trying to adopt new viewing strategies. The hypothesis is that these problems are tightly connected with the detailed topography of residual vision in both eyes. In order to assess this topography in a quick and cost-effective way, a computerized test was developed and is here compared to already established methods. The results show that existing methods of analyzing visual field properties do not yield the information necessary to guide patients with macular vision loss through the difficult period of adopting new viewing habits. In contrast, our test provides the necessary data and does so in much less time and with less fatigue for the patient.
State-Dependency of Cardiovascular Dynamics during Sleep and Wakefulness
Authors: NAKAO M.  , TAKAGI H.  , MIZUTANI Y.  , YAMAMOTO M.  , MUNAKATA M.  , IMAI Y.  , ABE K.
Published: February 2025

We have investigated the cardiovascular dynamics during physiological states such as sleep and wakefulness. Their dynamics are modeled as a multivariate autoregressive time series. Mutual geometric relationships among state-dependent dynamics are obtained by means of the Kullback–Leibler divergence. The dynamics during slow wave sleep is found to be markedly consistent through records and subjects compared with waking states and rapid eye movement sleep. The state-dependency of cardiovascular dynamics and their mutual relationships are suggested to uniquely characterize the autonomic regulation of the cardiovascular system.
Three-Dimensional Dynamic Reconstruction of Back Shape
Authors: ROTELLI Fabio  , SANTAMBROGIO Giorgio C.
Published: February 2025

This work presents an approach to mathematical description of back surface kinematics. General purpose measurement techniques, based on the last generation of opto-electronic systems for image capture and motion analysis, have been adopted in order to acquire in real-time the 3-D co-ordinates of a suitable grid of passive markers placed on the back surface. A fast, specially-developed bicubic B-spline interpolation algorithm has been then used to increase the spatial resolution of the acquired digital image. This procedure, applied to each acquired frame, has allowed the tracking of the surface movements and the evaluation of the related changes of shape during the execution of some simple motor tasks. A further data processing has completed the quantitative description of the rendered surface (iso-level curves, asymmetries, etc.) in static and dynamic conditions.
Informatics for Care Protocols and Guidelines:Towards a European Knowledge Model
Authors: Herbert S.I.
Published: February 2025

The DILEMMA Generic Protocol Model (DGPM) is a trans-national ontology of clinical protocols designed using a blend of logic engineering and business modelling techniques, and developed as part of the AIM programme's DILEMMA project. It allows the declarative representation of clinical activities and the knowledge associated with them. It is being used to represent protocols of all sorts - including standards and guidelines - for use in acute, primary, home and shared care. Central to the model are the states that protocol-derived actions can assume, and the statements that must be true before transitions between those states can be proposed. Proposed transitions may then be scrutinised by clinicians, patients and carers, and approved or rejected. This approach enables the model to handle anticipated exception situations, as well as more normal protocol selection and application. Links to multi-media material are being investigated, to enable users to examine the evidence upon which protocols are based, and to provide decision support where deterministic reasoning is not readily available. The model is being discussed with other AIM projects, with a view to developing a European consensus, and generating a version of the model for submission to CEN TC251 as a European pre-normative standard
Computerized Guidelines for Preventative Care in General Practice
Authors: Boon Wilfried  , Nardi Roberto  , Bertelli Stephano
Published: February 2025

Computer-based guidelines for preventative care is an example of the way in which protocols can be put to use in an effective and useful way. However, computerised medical protocols will only be used on a large scale if they are integrated with the computer-based medical record.
DETOUR: Brain Deconstruction Ahead
Authors: Addison Rita
Published: February 2025

Virtual reality is explored as a medical and patient education and evaluation tool. The case study presented is a person with altered perceptual capabilities due to traumatic brain injury sustained in a car accident.
Designing Interactive Video Games for Children's Health Education
Authors: Lieberman Debra A.  , Brown Stephen J.
Published: February 2025

This article presents the educational goals and design strategies that are incorporated into the Health Hero™ video game series for pediatric patient education. A theory-based model supported by a literature review describes how the video games are expected to enhance young people's self-esteem, self-efficacy, communication about health, health knowledge and skills, and motivation to learn about health, and how these factors can influence self-care behavior and health outcomes. Short-term studies of the impact of the games on children's motivation to learn, knowledge about health, and communication about health have found improvements in these areas. A long-term outcome study addressing all learning and health goals is currently underway.
Medicine 2001
Authors: Satava Richard M.
Published: February 2025

Medical applications for the 21st century based upon the information infrastructure are just beginning to emerge. These include telepresence surgery, virtual reality (VR) surgical simulators, medical informatics, and rehabilitation. These applications are mediated through the computer interface and as such are the embodiment of the paradigm shift in the field of medicine.
Interactive Segmentation for Target Outline
Authors: Fontana F.  , Dellepiane S.  , Vernazza G.
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we describe two novel approaches to interactive image segmentation, developed within the COVIRA [1] framework. Both methods have been designed to extract the boundary of a connected object. Accuracy and real-time processing are the main objectives to be accomplished. The speed requirement is met by a) drastically reducing the user interaction during processing (semi-automation) and, b) performing pseudo 3D processing (propagation of information between slices). Accuracy is improved through multivalued segmentation. Results are reported, using the COVIRA reference data set.
NUCLEUS: Customisation Environment for Multimedia Integrated Patient Dossiers
Authors: Kilsdonk Anton C.M.  , van der Werff Albert
Published: February 2025

This paper addresses the requirements of healthcare providers and hospital managers vis-à-vis electronic patient records that can be integrated. It starts from some critical failure factors, found with previous attempts to standardise the electronic health record. Standardisation appears to be the key issue: the subject of standardisation requires delicate positioning. Technology must provide us with the means to obtain the standardised foundation for an integrated health record concept, which can be completely configured and customised to meet the requirements of health professionals and institutions involved. NUCLEUS, project A2025 in the AIM programme, has taken on this endeavour, and with good success.
Education and training of health informatics in Europe
Authors: HASMAN A.  , SOSA M.
Published: February 2025

The paper describes the state of the art of education and training of health informatics in Europe as the result of a survey conducted by EDUCTRA, a Concerted Action of the AIM programme of the European Commission. It is shown that healthcare professionals have inadequate knowledge of the basic principles of health informatics and that education of healthcare students is largely insufficient to fill the wide gaps observed.
Inter-university Co-operation Programme under Erasmus in Developing and Implementing a Master’s Course Curriculum in Health Informatics
Authors: MANTAS J.
Published: February 2025

This paper presents efforts in developing and implementing a Master’s level curriculum in health informatics. This initiative was approved and financed by the Erasmus Bureau of the European Commission. The curriculum development process was based on the results of a workshop that was organised in Athens and the continuous feedback from both students and teachers after the initial implementation of the curriculum as a pilot course. During the next phase of the programme more than twenty European Universities joined our efforts in implementing the course, which now runs for the fourth consecutive academic year.
Medical Functions on a Dynamically Multifunctional Personal Chip System (mPCS)
Authors: Hrabcik H.  , Braun R.W.  , Piller E.
Published: February 2025

To support medical diagnosis, treatment and documentation in the run of the military service as well as the civil lifetime - as effectively and efficiently as possible - the Austrian Ministry of Defence set up the project ‘mPCS’ and is about to introduce an entirely new concept of intelligent chip card-technology in terms of flexibility, usability, security and robustness. Medically relevant information is structured into various medical functions according to its typical usage and in compliance with international medical standardisation efforts as well as with legal recomendations/proposals made so far. Real multifunctionality is supported in sofar, that additional other than medical functions can coexists with medical functions on one medium. None of the functions ‘does know’ about the existence of any other function on the same medium, and if one of the functions is about to be used, it can be done only if the holder does explicitely or implicitely allow it. In either case a ‘footprint’ of the accessor is left on the medium and can be traced. The proper (multi-)chip-equipped medium ‘mPCM’ is not only a storage-device for partly confidential and intimate information any more but also a controlled communication device owned by its holder and NOT by any other person, group or organisation, making such a chip-medium the ‘most personal and intimate computer’.
An Integrated Regional Health and Medical Care System through the Use of Medical Cards
Authors: Matsuura S.  , Yamaguchi M.
Published: February 2025

A regional health maintenance, medical care, and information system utilizing IC cards was implemented in a region that was well-suited to the construction of a new social medical care system. All medical facilities in this region as well as the major hospitals in the surrounding areas participated in the formation of a network, and the medical information was input with each patient visit as it was generated; this information was categorized into diagnostic data, test data, and medication data, and was managed sequentially; by utilizing the data from physical examinations, health activities as well as medical and welfare services were administered efficiently. The construction of such an information system resulted in the improved organization of medical facilities and the logical operation of medical care, which in turn improved the health consciousness of the general population.
The PCS, a Trigger for an Evolution or a Revolution in the Health Care System: A Reflexion from the Quebec Experience
Authors: Fortin J.-P.  , Lavoie G.  , Bérubé J.  , Papillon M.-J.
Published: February 2025

More than two years after the start of the Quebec Patient Smart Card (PSC) pilot project in Rimouski, we can better identify the pertinent clinical information for providers, the specific services, patients groups, and organizational setting to target. We also know more about effective strategies for development and specifications for optimal use. It allows us to look at its role as part of a solution for a better health services system. The project also leads to foresee a possible revolution in this health system if some conditions are met.
Tactile Optical Sensor for Use in Minimal Invasive Surgery
Authors: Fischer Harald  , Trapp Rainer
Published: February 2025

In minimal invasive surgery high sensory palpation of the organs is largely lost. It is the purpose of this work to recover tactile sensing for the surgeon. To achieve this goal, a new tactile optical pressure sensor has been developed which allows to display 64 measuring points on a 0.64 cm2surface area with a digital resolution of 12 bits. The sensor has been conceived for application in laparoscopic grasping forceps and can also be integrated into a sensing rod, both 15 mm in outside diameter. This optical sensor allows us to display graphically indurations spread in the tissue. Furthermore, the measured values serve to activate a vibrotactile display unit for tactile feedback onto the surgeon’s fingertip. In order to obtain further information about the requirements for an analog tactile display, an actuatorarray with 144 pins on a 4 cm2surface area was built. The array allows various test objects to be recognized in a true scale presentation by exploratory movements of the fingers.
TEXTURE ANALYSIS IN MEDICAL IMAGING
Authors: Bruno Alain  , Collorec René  , Bézy-Wendling Johanne  , Reuzé Patrick  , Rolland Yann
Published: February 2025

The main objective of any diagnostic study of image is the characterization of tissues. Therefore images are acquired in order to determine whether the tissues in the selected area for study show normal (healthy tissue) or pathological characteristics. Hence, giving the exact appearance of the tissue in the image, pathology is classified in the most precise way possible, by refering to other diagnostic data. This process requires both a complex evaluation of the various properties which characterize the appearance of the image studied and the comparison of these properties with the radiologist's experimental database. Giving the subjective nature inherent in the majority of appreciations associated with this process, the expert is able to accomplish this task with precision and exactitude. There does however exist a significant series of diagnostic problems, for which simple visual analysis of the image is insufficient for the specific pathologic characterization of tissues. It was this clinical requirement which encouraged scientists to develop advanced methodologies concerning both acquisition systems and image processing methods. As a starting point, researchers naturally considered the image characteristics that radiologists use explicitly or implicitly in their evaluation of tissue appearance. Intensity, morphology and texture are usually quoted as important characteristics. Image texture is known to be a particularly sensitive characteristic in the evaluation of pathologies. Its visual analysis has always been used in medical imaging in order to establish a diagnosis. It is however well known that the human observer has only a limited sensitivity to textural properties, whereas mathematical techniques for texture analysis give quantitative and therefore objective elements. It is for this reason that many studies have been carried out in the aim of automating this analysis. This chapter is composed of an introduction, a conclusion and three parts : part two outlines the main methods of texture analysis in the medical field, part three summarizes the medical applications which use these techniques and part four describes several experiments in greater detail.
Nursing Records as a key to design of Electronical Medical Case Records
Authors: Djurtoft Karsten
Published: February 2025

Much effort is spend analysing the changes in organisational structure when introducing IT-based Medical Patient Records, and of course in investigating on the very technology, hypermedia etc. that shall produce the Electronical Medical Case Record. But very few results actually contribute to illuminate obstacles in the basic design of a computer based Medical Case Record Systems. How to capture care related data in the working situation, without making computer smartness or hypermedia enthusiasm yet another discipline to be mastered by skilled medical staff. The process of implementing the Nursing Record as a natural extension of a Ward Support System has led to a lot of experiences that are applyable to the general Medical Case Record. The demonstration will show a series of methods to Design and Individualize a common Nursing Record and Ward Support System to the specific needs on different wards. Yet a smooth exchange of data between wards with different Individualization is facilitated when the patients admission is changed.
THE DANISH NATIONAL HEALTH CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (DHCS). Nursing Interventions Classification
Authors: Madsen Inge
Published: February 2025

In 1992 the Danish National Board of Health started a project with the purpose of establishing a commen classification system in Denmark. The system collects all official classifications in a joint hierarchical structure. which will form the basis of the classifications to come.
Integrative Database Analysis for the Detection of Inborn Errors
Authors: Frauendienst-Egger G.  , Hofestädt R.  , Pfisterer T.  , Mischke U.  , Trefz F.K.  , Wieland J.
Published: February 2025

Methods of biotechnology allow the detection of defect genes and modified metabolic pathways. These new methods produce data, which can be used in cooperation with the classical diagnostic process for the diagnosis and therapy of inborn errors. Information systems based on integrative database systems have to be implemented. In this paper we present the goals and the point of view of our interdisciplinary project for the detection of inborn errors.
Classification of Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: McCullagh P J  , King G  , McAllister H G  , Houston H G
Published: February 2025

Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials (BAEPs) are now routinely used in the assessment of hearing as they provide a more objective test than conventional audiometry, which relies on the co-operation of the patient. However the interpretation of the resultant BAEP waveforms requires the specialist skills of the audiologist, especially recordings at threshold stimulation level. This paper investigates the role of artificial neural networks in assisting the classification of waveforms as having a valid response or no response. A feed-forward network using backpropagation training was used to investigate optimum configuration parameters of momentum, learning rate constant, number of hidden units and the effect of appending intensity label and prestimulus data to the waveform.
Knowledge-based monitoring of glaucoma patients - a connectionist's approach
Authors: Zahlmann Gudrun  , Obermaier Marko  , Ritzke Christiane  , Scherf Matthias
Published: February 2025

All forms of glaucoma require a long-term monitoring of several parameters of the patients' eyes. These parameters include real numbers, descriptive terms and complex pattern from perimetric examinations. The complex and complicated decision task of the ophthalmologist is to find the correct time point for adequate therapy decisions ranging from further observations to eye surgery. The detection of early stages requires very deep knowledge. This expert knowledge included in an object-oriented approach combined with fuzzy rules and neural nets is our approach to realize a ‘watch-dog’ monitor, becoming active with new incoming data in an electronic readable patient record base, when a suspicious parameter (or combinations) is found.
Dynamic knowledge networks and intelligent tutoring
Authors: Giani Umberto  , Ascione Roberto  , Martone Pietro  , Giani E.
Published: February 2025

In this paper the learning process is conceived as an active construction of a Dynamic Network of concepts (DKN) arising from the interaction between two actors: the teacher and the student. The knowledge is split in two classes: the domain knowledge and the pedagogical knowledge. The concept_nodes are connected with one or more concept_nodes by means of tutorial links representing didactic actions,and are implemented as multimedia objects. A concept node can also be an other DKN, so giving rise to networks of networks describing different levels of knowledge. The learning process is conceived as a bounded navigation among tutorial links activated by the student as an answer to a learning need. Also, an assessment of the student's knowledge is performed at crucial nodes by means of an abductive process which allows diagnosing the student's mis-conceptions.
Medical Teleconsultation and Emergency Aid Services to European Fishing Vessels
Authors: Anogianakis G.  , Maglavera S.
Published: February 2025

European Union (EU) Council Regulation 2847/93 sets rules on the use of fishing resources. In its framework a number of pilot applications of telematic services for fishing fleet management have been implemented. They are based on continuous tracking of the exact position of fishing vessels is effected through satellites while messages (structured or unstructured) can be exchanged with other vessels and land or sea-based control centers. The EU fishing population is spread thin, not reaching the critical mass that would make it meaningful for health care systems to provide good and inexpensive medical coverage. In addition, fishing is an activity that takes place in rough environments: Boats stay at sea for several days, sometimes isolated from the core of a fishing fleet, often in bad weather conditions. Generally they are small in size and are manned by minimal crews. Under these conditions medical emergencies can easily evolve into critical situations, managed by inexperienced fellow mates. The severity of the fishermen working conditions was recognised by Council Directive 92/29 which goes on to state that “the use of long distance medical consultation methods constitutes an efficient way of contributing to the protection of the safety and health of workers”. Against this background a consortium to “Transfer Medical Teleconsultation and Emergency Aid Services to European Fishing Vessels” (TRATA) has been set up that envisages to provide an integrated medical emergency service by utilising the telematic infrastructure set up under Council Regulation 2847/93. The present paper is a presentation of the TRATA telematics application in the context of the services it proposes to offer and the issues involved.
Health Informatics Standards
Authors: Monteagudo Pena José Luis
Published: February 2025

Standardisation in Health Information and Communication Technologies is a necessity for all the agents involved and it is an opportunity for national and international cooperation.
Three Dimensional Measurement of Vertebral Deformity Using Helicoidal Axis
Authors: Le Borgne P.  , Skalli W.  , Zeller R.  , Lavaste F.
Published: February 2025

Scoliotic deformities do not only correspond to abnormal 3D distribution of vertebral position but also to intrinsic vertebral deformation. The aim of this study is to use a new approach to quantify these deformities using helicoïdal transformation. The study focused on the apical region when discontinuity appears. This study, realised on 12 dry scoliotic spines, allowed to quantify vertebral wedging as well as discal deformity.
Idiopathic Scoliosis. What is it?
Authors: Sevastik J.A.
Published: February 2025

Idiopathic scoliosis is generally considered as a uniform pathologic condition. However, its three groups, the infantile, the juvenile and the adolescent idiopathic scolioses and the seven patterns of the curve, except for the thoracospinal deformity, have nothing else in common but their unknown etiology, pathogenesis and pathomechanism. On the other hand, several known variations between the three groups of idiopathic scoliosis and between the patterns of the curve are challenging the undiscriminated use of the term today. Increased cognizance of the unknown cause, origin, and pathomechanism involved in the development of the thoracospinal deformity in the different forms of the condition would promote the ultimate task of relevant research, i.e. early treatment and in the long-term prophylaxis.
Predictability of Curve Progression of Idiopathic Scoliosis: The Intervertebral Disc Changes Using MRI
Authors: Nakata Y.  , Kitahara H.  , Minami S.  , Otsuka Y.  , Chuma A.  , Takaso M.
Published: February 2025

Thirty-one patients with idiopathic scoliosis were studied to identify changes in the nucleus pulposus(NP) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The mean curvature and the mean age at initial assessment were 26and 12.6 years respectively. The mean follow-up time period after MRI scan was 3.6 years. Deviation of the NP near the apex of the curves was examined from two sets of MRI scans obtained before and after correction of the deformities. The subjects who showed good mobility or slight deviation of the NP(n=14) successfully completed brace treatment. Those subjects who showed an immobile NP(n=5) were shown to have progressive curves despite brace treatment. Unbraced subjects who showed mobility or slight deviation of the NP(n=10) demonstrated no progression at final follow-up. Two patients with Risser sign 4 and 2 years after menarche who showed an immobile NP were shown to have nonprogressive curves. The results indicate that deviation and mobility of the NP prior to application of a brace or prior to cessation of growth seem to be good prognostic indicators for curve progression.
Psychiatric Therapeutic Applications of Virtual Reality Technology (VRT): Research Prospectus and Phenomenological Critique
Authors: Bloom Richard W.
Published: February 2025

There is theoretical and empirical research supporting the hypothesis that virtual reality technology (VRT) can be efficaciously applied to attenuate the symptoms of mental disorders (Baer, 1996; Rothbaum et al, 1995a, 1995b; Rothbaum et al, 1996.) Yet there is also research suggesting psychiatric therapeutic applications of VRT may induce noxious or unexpected psychological consequences (Kolasinski, 1996; Muscott & Gifford, 1994; Regan & Price, 1994; Regan & Ramsey, 1996; Strickland, 1995.) A prudent conclusion would be to advocate ever more sophisticated studies on psychiatric therapeutic applications of VRT concerning (1) increasing the overall socioadaptiveness of patients, (2) the robustness of moderating, modifying, or other intermediary variables effecting or affecting VRT therapeutic efficacy, and (3) variables, processes, and hypotheses generated from VRT applications in non-psychiatric fields.
Building a Virtual Reality Temporal Bone Dissection Simulator
Authors: Kuppersmith Ronald B.  , Johnston Rob  , Moreau Dennis  , Loftin R. Bowen  , Jenkins Herman
Published: February 2025

The temporal bone is one of seven bones that comprise the human skull, and has an intimate relationship with many vital structures. Anatomically, its three-dimensional relationships make it one of the most challenging areas for surgeons to understand and master. In addition, the temporal bone contains minute structures that are among the most sophisticated and delicate in the human body. These structures include the cochlea and vestibular organs, which are responsible for hearing and balance; the middle ear, including the ossicles, which conduct acoustic energy to the cochlea; and the facial nerve, which is responsible for controlling the muscles of facial expression, and contributes to the sensation of taste. Additionally, the temporal bone forms a major portion of the skull base, and has intimate relationships to vital structures including the carotid artery, jugular vein, cerebral cortex, brainstem, and cranial nerves.
Integrating Medical Informatics into the Medical Undergraduate Curriculum
Authors: Khonsari Laleh S.  , Fabri Peter J.
Published: February 2025

The advent of healthcare reform and the rapid application of new technologies have resulted in a paradigm shift in medical practice. Integrating medical Informatics into the full spectrum of medical education is a vital step toward implementing this new instructional model, a step required for the understanding and practice of modern medicine. We have developed an informatics curriculum, a new educational paradigm, and an intranet-based teaching module which are designed to enhance adult-learning principles, life-long self education, and evidence-based critical thinking. Thirty two, fourth year medical students have participated in a one month, full time, independent study focused on but not limited to four topics: mastering the windows-based environment, understanding hospital based information management systems, developing competence in using the internet/ intranet and world wide web/HTML, and experiencing distance communication and TeleVideo networks. Each student has completed a clinically relevant independent study project utilizing technology mastered during the course. This initial curriculum offering was developed in conjunction with faculty from the College of Medicine, College of Engineering, College of Education, College of Business, College of Public Health. Florida Center of Instructional Technology, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa General Hospital, GTE, Westshore Walk-in Clinic (paperless office), and the Florida Engineering Education Delivery System. Our second step toward the distributive integration process was the introduction of Medical Informatics to first, second and third year medical students. To date, these efforts have focused on undergraduate medical education. Our next step is to offer workshops in Informatics to college of medicine faculty, to residents in post graduate training programs (GME), and ultimately as a method of distance learning in continuing medical education (CME).
Micro-Tomographic Imaging for the Nondestructive evaluation of Trabecular Bone Architecture
Authors: Müller Ralph  , Rüegsegger Peter
Published: February 2025

The structural properties of trabecular bone have been shown to vary significantly with age, anatomic location, and metabolic condition. Micro-computed tomography (μCT) is an emerging technique for the nondestructive assessment and analysis of the three-dimensional trabecular bone architecture. Within the framework of the European Union BIOMED I project “Assessment of Bone Quality in Osteoporosis”, a total of 350 bone biopsies from five different anatomical locations were harvested post mortem from 70 donors (aged 23 to 92 years). These biopsies were measured using a newly devised compact micro-tomographic system, also referred to as desk-top μCT. Samples with a diameter from a few millimeters to a maximum of 18 mm and a length of up to 55 mm can be measured. For this study fresh, untreated bone biopsies with a diameter of 8 mm were measured micro-tomographically with a nominal isotropic resolution of 14 μpm. For all samples, the volumes of interest (4 × 4 × 4 mm3) were binarized using a uniform threshold. Subsequently, standard structural indices such as bone volume density (BV/TV), bone surface density (BS/BV), trabecular plate number (Tb.N), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) and the degree of anisotropy (DA) were computed for all specimens incorporating mean intercept length (MIL) measurements. Regression analysis was used to estimate the correlations of single structural parameters with age or with a second parameter and also among different measurement sites. The nondestructive μCT measurements allowed not only to perform quantitative bone morphometry but also to assess other important microstructural features in the determination of the mechanical integrity of trabecular bone such as the incidence and prevalence of microcallus formations. The findings from the BIOMED I study are expected to improve our understanding of the relative importance of bone architecture, damage accumulation, and bone mineralization in the characterization of bone quality in the progress of age- and disease-related bone loss.
UN/EDIFACT based Medical Documentation and Messages
Authors: Tcharaktchiev Dimitar  , Georgiev Borislav  , Tzonov Petar  , Dimitrov Anton  , Dimov George  , Kirov Vladimir  , Shinkov Alexander
Published: February 2025

New documentation and messages conforming to the rules of EDIFACT are created and an attempt is made to follow internationally standardised and wordwide available commercial experience. A set of medical documents, aligned with United Nations Layout Key for trade documents is designed. The approach is to develop a set of paper documents and to standardise the data which are filled in these documents. There is a possibility to fill the data directly in medical documents and to print them from the Clinical Information System in our University Hospital.
Flexible electronic patient record: first results from a dutch hospital
Authors: van der Lubbe I.  , van der Loo R.P.  , Burgerhout J.
Published: February 2025

This paper covers a pilot project that has been done at a dutch general hospital. They searched for the feasibility of a flexible patient record based on intranet technology and a system integrator (CAI). Based on an extended analysis of the organisation (i.c. hospital and pilot specialism), information and communication, the specifications for the interfaces are defined. Furthermore the structure and number of data to be stored in the Patient Data & Result Server are defined. Finally, a prototype of the flexible patient record has been developed. This prototype is not yet in routine use. However, experiences of the clinicians have learned that the web technology in combination with a system integrator could be a major step in the
Program package for paramedical investigations (EEG, EKG, radiography, biochemical investigations, pathological anatomy, nuclear medicine)
Authors: Constantinescu Smaranda  , Raclariu Adina  , Butufei Tania  , Purice Mariana
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this program package is to provide computer-based assistance for the work performed in paramedical investigation laboratories: functional investigations, radiology, biochemical investigations, pathological anatomy, nuclear medicine, in hospitals, polyclinics, medical practices. The common characteristics regarding the management of the work done in such laboratories has made a global approach of the problem possible. The modular design of the program package has allowed its stagewise development, thus offering the possibility of integration with the medical information management in each laboratory.
Improving Early Recognition of Malignant Melanomas by Digital Image Analysis in Dermatoscopy
Authors: Horsch A.  , Stolz W.  , Neiß A.  , Abmayr W.  , Pompl R.  , Bernklau A.  , Bunk W.  , Dersch D.R.  , Schiffner R.  , Morfill G.
Published: February 2025

The malignant melanoma (MM) is the most dangerous human skin disease. The incidence increased dramatically during the last years. The only chance for the patient is an early recognition and excision of the MM. The best diagnostic method for this is skin surface microscopy or dermatoscopy. Its use, however, requires much expertise. In order to support learning and using the method, a computer-based dermatoscopy workstation is being developed. Among others, new complexity measures are used for the image analysis.
An Intelligent System for the tracking-localization of changes & exploratory analysis-of Long-Term ECG
Authors: Laskaris N.  , Koudounis G.  , Fotopoulos S.  , Bezerianos A.
Published: February 2025

An interactive methodology for the analysis of long-term ECG is introduced. It is an anthropomimetic technique and consinsts of three parts. At the first stage, the clinicians' scan of the ECG traces is imitated and changes in the shape of QRS are quantified. In the sequel, a clinician involves in the interpretation of the most prominent changes providing the patient-dependent prototypes for the subsequent machine learning procedure. Finally, a classification scheme incorporates the portion of medical knowledge needed to explore the whole patient's ECG. This scheme, being very robust to noise, presents excellent generalization properties and can serve as a reliable automation in a future examination of the certain subject.
Machine Learning for the Quality of Life in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Babic Ankica  , Ster Branko  , Pavesic Nikola  , Wigertz Ove
Published: February 2025

Presence of a chronic disease influences patients' lives and reinforces demands to accept and then cope with the illness. In the case of inflammatory bowel disease, quality of life greatly differs through phases of remissions and relapses. Could the quality of life questionnaire tell the difference?
Interventions for Improving Information Management in Family Practice
Authors: Teasdale Sheila  , Bainbridge Michael
Published: February 2025

Information management training has been neglected in family practice in the UK in the past. An adult learning model for such training is introduced. A pilot study using the adult learning approach showed improvements in information management processes over the six-month study period. The research project described in this paper compares the effectiveness of on-site training using adult learning methods, written information, and no intervention, in 33 family practices in the UK. Nine of the eleven practices in the on-site training group completed the training sessions and provided data, whereas only four of the eleven practices in the written information group provided data, and only three of the eleven practices in the control group did so. Preliminary analysis demonstrates that on-site training practices made considerable changes to the information systems in their practices, and appreciated the importance of high-quality data, both for patient care and reporting requirements. Full comparisons of data quality and information management methods are presented, and an assessment of priority training needs for maximum benefit is made.
Virtual Environments for the Rehabilitation of Disorders of Attention and Movement
Authors: Wann John P.  , Rushton Simon K.  , Smyth Martin  , Jones David
Published: February 2025

The incidence of perceptual-motor disorders arising from stroke is steadily increasing in the population of Europe and USA. This chapter sought to define the role that virtual environments may have in designing remedial programmes for rehabilitation following stroke in the areas of attentional retraining and the reacquisition of perceptuo-motor skills. Principles for the structure of guided learning were identified and emphasis placed on the need to identify when and how virtual environments technology can introduce added value to the therapy situation.