Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Microcomputers”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 685 records · Page 38Linked to original sources

Microcomputers in health education: characteristics of quality instructional software.

The potential effectiveness of microcomputer-assisted instruction is based on the availability of quality instructional programs. The following article outlines important characteristics of high quality instructional software. If health educators are discriminating consumers of instructional software they will serve as a significant market force promoting the development of high quality educational programs.

Computers↗

Microcomputer analysis for corneal endothelial cell morphology.

A method for individual endothelial cell analysis using modern microcomputer hardware and the program package "ENDO", developed specially for this purpose, is described. To determine the areas and perimeters of individual cells the coordinates of cell apices are recorded directly from specular photomicrographs with a manual digitizer. To digitize 100 cells with this method takes an average of 16 min. A new parameter for cell shape, called hexadev and derived from cell areas and perimeters, is introduced. The shapes of the individual cells are compared with the shape of an equilateral hexagon and the deviations from this reference shape are expressed in percentage. In addition, the program calculates 6 other morphological parameters for the cell sample analyzed. Accuracy and repeatability of the method are presented, Current status of individual cell analysis and previous attempts to describe cell shape are discussed.

Computers↗

A microcomputer program to predict sunburn exposure.

A simple microcomputer program written in BASIC calculates the time that can be spent in the sun without risk of sunburn. Seven data are requested by the computer: (1) the month, (2) the weather conditions, (3) the subject's complexion, (4) the subject's activity outdoors, (5) the sun protection factor if a sunscreen is used, (6) the latitude on the Earth's surface, and (7) the time of day at which sun exposure begins. The calculated "safe exposure time" is an estimate for the time to give a minimal erythema dose--a just visible sunburn.

Computers↗

Installation of EGS4 Monte Carlo code on an 80386-based microcomputer.

This article presents the considerations and efforts involved to install and fully support the EGS4 radiation-transport Monte Carlo simulation code on an 80386-based microcomputer. It also presents some EGS4 benchmark timing comparisons between this and other computer architectures.

Electrons↗

Analysis of antimicrobial susceptibility results using microcomputers.

A computer program has been developed on an IBM-PC-compatible microcomputer to analyze antimicrobial susceptibility results of large numbers of organisms tested against a variety of antimicrobial agents. For each species, the output includes the numbers, percentages, cumulative numbers, and cumulative percentages of organisms inhibited at different concentrations of each drug, the MICs for 50 and 90% of organisms tested, MIC ranges, and geometric mean MICs. The distributions of MICs are also plotted as histograms. The program was written in dBASE III command language, but a compiled version allows rapid program execution independently of the dBASE III package.

Microbial Sensitivity Tests↗

Prescribing and formulating neonatal intravenous feeding solutions by microcomputer.

This paper describes a computer programme for a low cost microcomputer designed to assist in the task of administering total parenteral nutrition to neonates: no knowledge of computers is necessary to operate the system. The programme displays recommended values for each of the total parenteral nutrition constituents that must be prescribed, based on detailed analysis of all the pertinent variables. The recommended values may be rejected but they do provide a useful prompt, especially for the more junior doctors. The programme includes a number of safeguards that protect against entering potentially dangerous values. As soon as the operator has completed the procedure of entering total parenteral nutrition requirements the calculations necessary to formulate a solution containing these are automatically performed. The print out contains this data plus instructions on the infusion rate and an analysis of the formulation's calorific content. This system makes it easier to vary the quantity of individual total parenteral nutrition constituents and time has been saved which was previously wasted performing laborious calculations. One of the most important contributions has been the virtual elimination of errors in the complex task of prescribing and formulating total parenteral nutrition for sick neonates.

Computers↗

SYNDROC: microcomputer based differential diagnosis of malformation patterns.

The differential diagnosis of human malformation patterns is difficult because of their great number and low occurrence. To compensate for deficiencies in experience, the authors have developed a microcomputer based differential diagnosis for dysmorphic syndromes. Written in PL/I-80 and using a MDBS III data base containing more than 700 signs and 300 syndromes, the algorithm of SYNDROC, the program's name, is built on three different approaches. An initial differential diagnosis is given by a pseudo-Bayesian method. Its refinement is possible through an heuristic approach, and undiagnosed cases are stored for subsequent Boolean retrieval, thus permitting the recognition of new dysmorphic disorders. The reliability of the program was tested in a retrospective study based on 100 dysmorphic cases. The results showed a 95% agreement between the first two diagnoses suggested by SYNDROC and the diagnosis made by experienced geneticists.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Portable bedside microcomputer system for management of parenteral nutrition in all age groups.

A microcomputer program has been designed to provide comprehensive assistance to the clinician in prescribing parenteral nutrition in children of all ages. It is implemented on a fully portable, independent machine that can be taken to the bedside anywhere in the hospital. The user is guided through a standardised prescribing process based on a well tried protocol and taking into account the patient's age, clinical condition, concurrent parenteral infusions, laboratory findings, and enteral intake. A printout is produced for insertion into the patient's clinical record, giving all concerned in the care of the child a clear, legible record of when, how, and by whom the prescription was calculated. The user can review and amend the proposed prescription before printing, giving ultimate control to the prescriber, not the computer. The system saves time by performing accurately the necessary calculations, and provides financial savings by reducing wastage of parenteral nutrition during the re-introduction of enteral feeding.

Adolescent↗

Microcomputer system in an accident unit.

A microcomputer-based records system has been developed for use in the accident unit of a district general hospital. Patient details are entered directly at the reception desk and the computer generates a casualty card that is updated after the patient has been seen by the doctor, who determines the diagnosis to be recorded and specifies the injury coding. Information is stored on floppy discs, each holding the details of 3400 patients. The computer is used to produce a daily log-book of attendances, including revisits. The stored data may be examined and analysed for both administrative and medical purposes. The work load can be rapidly analysed according to various options that include the nature, type, and site of injuries. The system was introduced in December 1980. Location within the unit allows control over its operation, and many of the limitations of a manual system have been overcome.

Computers↗

Lifestyle assessment: applying microcomputers in family practice.

A randomised trial of assessment by computer was conducted with 180 patients in a family practice clinic. Histories of alcohol, tobacco, and drug use were obtained by computer (n = 60), interview (n = 60), or self completed questionnaire (n = 60). The results of previous research suggest that some patients may provide more accurate information about "sensitive" problems to a computer. No significant differences, however, in levels of consumption or problems were reported for the three methods of assessment. Patients gave differential ratings about the method of assessment, with the computer rated as more interesting but also more mechanical, cold, and impersonal. Although the interview was initially preferred by most, patients who completed the assessment by computer showed a significant increase (13% to 43%) in their preference for the computer after the assessment. The results of our study indicate that patients' acceptance of computers in family practice may be favourably influenced by direct experience with a microcomputer.

Computers↗

A comprehensive bibliography database using a microcomputer.

A system was implemented using a commercial database management program and a microcomputer for computerising references from journals and other sources. In addition to the citation, the user can enter the address of the institution where the study was carried out, a description of the article and of the work, key words, and an abstract. References are added, edited, searched for, displayed on screen, typed on paper, or sent to a text file, using selection criteria entered by the user. When a search is performed the printout will include the abstract of each paper, similar to that obtained from larger bibliographic services. The computer also writes requests for reprints. This program now holds over 30 000 references and has been in use for over three years. Such a system is beneficial for personal study, for writing books, articles, and theses, and for use by institutions, departments, and small libraries.

Bibliographies as Topic↗

A microcomputer system for clinical bacteriology: experience of 12 months' trial.

A data processing system using microcomputers was developed in a hospital bacteriology laboratory processing more than 60 000 specimens yearly. The purchase price of the hardware was frs 200 000 (17 500 pounds) and the software was written by the authors. The system has been running since May 1980 without general breakdown. The present configuration allows the processing of specimens, enquiries, scientific and administrative tasks but multiprogramming and cumulative reports are not possible.

Bacteriology↗

Microtome: histopathology day book based on a microcomputer system.

The development of a histopathology day book based on a microcomputer is described. The system has the capacity to search on file records for details of previous specimens from current patients. It also possesses a SNOP/SNOMED input and search system that can aggregate data for analytical and other purposes. The system is relatively inexpensive and is user friendly. It has been developed within and is exclusively devoted to the requirements of a histopathology department and is designed to permit expansion to a multiuser system.

Computers↗

Microcomputer system for multistep specimen processing and reporting in a microbiology laboratory.

A microcomputer system for use in the sequential processing of specimens has been developed in a hospital microbiology department which receives 90 000 specimens a year. Data handling is performed directly through the computers without the use of cards or worksheets. The system facilitates the multistep processing of specimens and the servicing of results inquiries and provides an alphabetical daysheet of completed and incomplete work, report form printout, and automatic transfer of reported data to an existing on line database. The system includes on line break point antibiotic sensitivity testing and multipoint agar organism identification. The hardware was purchased as required at small cost per unit, and the software was written by the authors. More than 80% of specimens received are processed using the computers, the remainder being under development. The system has been running for three years without major breakdown.

Computers↗

Use of microcomputer to help teach pathology.

A BBC microcomputer was incorporated into a closed circuit television system while it was being used to show microscope slides. The computer generates screens of text that complement the demonstration of the microscopy. An additional feature is the capacity of the system to produce 35 mm transparencies.

Audiovisual Aids↗

Use of microcomputer for histopathology: system using IBM PC and dBaseIII.

A microcomputer program for use in the storage and retrieval of histopathology records is described. The program was written using dBaseIII, a commercially available data management system. The program provides for efficient storage and rapid retrieval of pathology reports and facilitates clinical research. Downloading of data on to a mainframe computer is possible.

Computers↗

A microcomputer assisted method for obtaining composite pictures of focal brain damage.

A method used to produce composite drawings of superimposed areas of brain infarction is described. The method uses a microcomputer interfaced to a digitising pad and linear plotter. Areas of brain damage are drawn on standardised maps, digitised, manipulated in computer memory, and summated using computer graphics facilities. The composites show the position of brain damage in groups of patients as a contour map of the extent of lesion overlap. The method can be used to study neurological and neuropsychological deficits using CT-scan, or other imaging techniques. Deep and superficial lesions may be displayed equally well.

Cerebral Infarction↗

A study of facial expression in Parkinson's disease using a novel microcomputer-based method.

The aim of this study was to compare the smiling behaviour of a group of Parkinson's disease sufferers with a control group of a similar age using a novel microcomputer-based approach, which utilises a mathematical model of the face to quantify facial expression. The findings indicate that the Parkinson's group differed from the control group in the frequency of smiling while watching a series of cartoons and in the degree of mouth opening during smiling. Both groups completed the Levine-Pilowsky Depression questionnaire, and patients with Parkinson's disease had significantly higher depression scores than those of the control group. Significant negative correlations between depression score and frequency of smiling, and depression score and inner eyebrow separation were also found.

Aged↗