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PubMedDate not supplied

Association of working conditions and lifestyle with increased serum gamma-glutamyltransferase: a follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the association of working conditions and lifestyle with the development of increased serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) in Japanese workers. METHODS: A follow-up study was carried out on workers of a telecommunication enterprise who received their first annual health check-up between 1992 and 1996, when they were between 40 and 54 years of age. Workers who had high serum GGT (> or =60 IU/L in males, > or =30 IU/L in females), a past history of disease, or current illness at their first check-up were excluded from the analysis. In total, the study included 15,586 workers. The association between working conditions and lifestyle and development of increased serum GGT (> or =60 IU/L in males, > or =30 IU/L in females) was investigated by pooled logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: In males, body mass index, consumption of alcohol (<2 times/week, 2-5 times/week, >5 times/week), smoking (<20 cigarettes/day, > or =20 cigarettes/day), rarely taking three meals a day, marked preference for salty meals, and little preference for vegetables were positively associated with the development of increased serum GGT. Preferences for fatty meals (marked, moderate) were negatively associated with the development of increased serum GGT. In females, age and BMI were positively associated with the development of increased serum GGT. CONCLUSIONS: Applying a new statistical analysis to this retrospective cohort study of 5 years, we revealed the health influences of alcohol consumption, smoking and eating habits on increased serum GGT. On the other hand, this study indicated that shift work or other working conditions are not significant risk factors for increased serum GGT.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

UML as a cell and biochemistry modeling language.

The systems biology community is building increasingly complex models and simulations of cells and other biological entities, and are beginning to look at alternatives to traditional representations such as those provided by ordinary differential equations (ODE). The lessons learned over the years by the software development community in designing and building increasingly complex telecommunication and other commercial real-time reactive systems, can be advantageously applied to the problems of modeling in the biology domain. Making use of the object-oriented (OO) paradigm, the unified modeling language (UML) and Real-Time Object-Oriented Modeling (ROOM) visual formalisms, and the Rational Rose RealTime (RRT) visual modeling tool, we describe a multi-step process we have used to construct top-down models of cells and cell aggregates. The simple example model described in this paper includes membranes with lipid bilayers, multiple compartments including a variable number of mitochondria, substrate molecules, enzymes with reaction rules, and metabolic pathways. We demonstrate the relevance of abstraction, reuse, objects, classes, component and inheritance hierarchies, multiplicity, visual modeling, and other current software development best practices. We show how it is possible to start with a direct diagrammatic representation of a biological structure such as a cell, using terminology familiar to biologists, and by following a process of gradually adding more and more detail, arrive at a system with structure and behavior of arbitrary complexity that can run and be observed on a computer. We discuss our CellAK (Cell Assembly Kit) approach in terms of features found in SBML, CellML, E-CELL, Gepasi, Jarnac, StochSim, Virtual Cell, and membrane computing systems.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2004

Web-based delivery of medical multimedia contents using an MPEG-4 system.

Moving picture expert group compression standard version 4 (MPEG-4) is a standard for video coding aimed at multimedia applications. MPEG-4 was developed to enable high compression rate in a low bitrate transmission via the Internet or mobile telecommunications. Although these characteristics of MPEG-4 are suitable for telemedicine, little is known about the possibility of using this technology in the field of telemedicine. We evaluated the quality of MPEG-4-encoded medical video streams and compared them with original analogue videos and audio-video-interleave (AVI) files. Although MPEG-4 video streams have the advantage of small file size, they were found to be inferior to original videos and AVI files in terms of smoothness of motion pictures, sharpness of images and clearness of sound. Illegibility of characters was a major problem in MPEG-4 files. The score for total impression of MPEG-4 files was significantly lower than those for AVI files. The results of this study suggest that the quality of MPEG-4-encoded video streams is not adequate for telemedicine.

Humans↗
PubMed2005

Digital technologies and quality improvement in cancer surgery.

Telecommunications, multimedia and computer technologies will introduce marked changes in the management of cancer. New modalities in the representation of patient's medical records using computer technology products and services allow unlimited cross-sharing of information. Education taught through multimedia methods, and through the Internet, is available anywhere and any time just like surgical simulation, robotics and virtual reality. Thanks to computer and IT technologies, surgeons will be able to acquire, assess and validate new surgical procedures or concepts from any geographical location. Live demonstrations shared via videoconferencing facilitate mental development through the acquisition of the cognitive aspects of surgical procedures. Virtual reality is a major improvement in the processing of medical imaging. As a result, the interpretation and the simulation of therapeutic approaches to patients with cancer are facilitated through transparency, navigation and manipulation. The Internet eventually offers uninterrupted communication links between healthcare providers (teaching, training or multidisciplinary telementoring included). Computer and IT technologies will undoubtedly contribute to standardized cancer treatment modalities and determined guidelines for good clinical practice worldwide.

Computer-Assisted Instruction↗
PubMed2005

Using distance-based technologies for emergency medicine training and education.

Cost-effective and sustainable ways of continuing to improve emergency medical services and education worldwide must be pursued if the field is to continue to expand globally. Distance-based learning and the use of telecommunications advances present us with an ideal opportunity to improve international medical education. Such technologies can overcome the financial and logistic constraints of travel and can complement existing exchanges.

Education, Distance↗
PubMed2006

Public responses to precautionary information from the Department of Health (UK) about possible health risks from mobile phones.

Understanding public perceptions of health information is of increasing importance in the light of the growing imperatives upon regulators to communicate information about risk and uncertainty. Communicating the possible health risks from mobile telecommunications is a domain that allows consideration of both public perceptions of uncertain public health information and public responses to precautionary advice. This research reports the results of a nationally representative survey in the UK (n=1742) that explored public responses to a leaflet issued by the Department of Health (DoH) in 2000 providing information about the possible health risks of mobile phones. The aims of the study were two-fold: (a) to assess awareness of the leaflet and the extent to which participants could identify the precautionary advice that the leaflet contained as coming from the Government; and (b) to examine publics' responses to the current Government precautionary advice about mobile phone health risks; was this associated with increased concern or reassurance? The results indicate the importance of policy makers developing a clear understanding of the possible effects of communicating precautionary advice.

Cell Phone↗
PubMed2004

The Malaysian Telehealth Flagship Application: a national approach to health data protection and utilisation and consumer rights.

Telehealth refers to the integration of information, telecommunication, human-machine interface technologies and health technologies to deliver health care, to promote the heath status of the people and to create health. The Malaysian Telehealth Application will, on completion, provide every resident of the country an electronic Lifetime Health Record (LHR) and Lifetime Health Plan (LHP). He or she will also hold a smart card that will contain a subset of the data in the Lifetime Health Record. These will be the means by which Malaysians will receive "seamless continuous quality care" across a range of health facilities and health care providers, and by which Malaysia's health goal of a nation of "healthy individuals, families and communities" is achieved. The challenges to security and privacy in providing access to an electronic Lifetime Health Record at private and government health facilities and to the electronic Lifetime Health Plan at homes of consumers require not only technical mechanisms but also national policies and practices addressing threats while facilitating access to health data during health encounters in different care settings. Organisational policies establish the goals that technical mechanisms serve. They should outline appropriate uses and access to information, create mechanisms for preventing and detecting violations, and set sanctions for violations. Some interesting innovations have been used to address these issues against the background of the launching of the multimedia supercorridor (MSC) in Malaysia.

Computer Security↗
PubMed2006

EmerLoc: location-based services for emergency medical incidents.

BACKGROUND: Recent developments in positioning systems and telecommunications have provided the technology needed for the development of location aware medical applications. We developed a system, named EmerLoc, which is based upon this technology and uses a set of sensors that are attached to the patient's body, a micro-computing unit which is responsible for processing the sensor readings and a central monitoring unit, which coordinates the data flow. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that the proposed system is technically feasible and acceptable for the potential users. METHOD: Transmission speed is assessed mostly by means of transmission of DICOM compliant images in various operational scenarios. The positioning functionality was established both outdoor using GPS and indoor using the UCLA Nibble system. User acceptability was assessed in a hospital setting by 15 physicians who filled in a questionnaire after having used the system in an experimental setting. RESULTS: Transmission speeds ranged from 88kB/s for a IEEE 802.11 infrastructure to 2.5kB/s for a GSM/GPRS scenario. Positioning accuracy based on GPS was 5-10m. The physicians rated the technical aspects on average above 3 on a 5-point scale. Only the data presentation was assessed to be not satisfactory (2.81 on a 5-point scale). CONCLUSION: The reported results prove the feasibility of the proposed architecture and its alignment with widely established practices and standards, while the reaction of potential users who evaluated the system is quite positive.

Emergencies↗
PubMed2006

Cell death induced by GSM 900-MHz and DCS 1800-MHz mobile telephony radiation.

In the present study, the TUNEL (Terminal deoxynucleotide transferase dUTP Nick End Labeling) assay--a well known technique widely used for detecting fragmented DNA in various types of cells--was used to detect cell death (DNA fragmentation) in a biological model, the early and mid stages of oogenesis of the insect Drosophila melanogaster. The flies were exposed in vivo to either GSM 900-MHz (Global System for Mobile telecommunications) or DCS 1800-MHz (Digital Cellular System) radiation from a common digital mobile phone, for few minutes per day during the first 6 days of their adult life. The exposure conditions were similar to those to which a mobile phone user is exposed, and were determined according to previous studies of ours [D.J. Panagopoulos, A. Karabarbounis, L.H. Margaritis, Effect of GSM 900-MHz mobile phone radiation on the reproductive capacity of D. melanogaster, Electromagn. Biol. Med. 23 (1) (2004) 29-43; D.J. Panagopoulos, N. Messini, A. Karabarbounis, A.L. Philippetis, L.H. Margaritis, Radio frequency electromagnetic radiation within "safety levels" alters the physiological function of insects, in: P. Kostarakis, P. Stavroulakis (Eds.), Proceedings of the Millennium International Workshop on Biological Effects of Electromagnetic Fields, Heraklion, Crete, Greece, October 17-20, 2000, pp. 169-175, ISBN: 960-86733-0-5; D.J. Panagopoulos, L.H. Margaritis, Effects of electromagnetic fields on the reproductive capacity of D. melanogaster, in: P. Stavroulakis (Ed.), Biological Effects of Electromagnetic Fields, Springer, 2003, pp. 545-578], which had shown a large decrease in the oviposition of the same insect caused by GSM radiation. Our present results suggest that the decrease in oviposition previously reported, is due to degeneration of large numbers of egg chambers after DNA fragmentation of their constituent cells, induced by both types of mobile telephony radiation. Induced cell death is recorded for the first time, in all types of cells constituting an egg chamber (follicle cells, nurse cells and the oocyte) and in all stages of the early and mid-oogenesis, from germarium to stage 10, during which programmed cell death does not physiologically occur. Germarium and stages 7-8 were found to be the most sensitive developmental stages also in response to electromagnetic stress induced by the GSM and DCS fields and, moreover, germarium was found to be even more sensitive than stages 7-8.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

An exploration of on-line access by non-traditional students in higher education: a case study.

The nature of Higher Education (HE) has seen many changes throughout the last decade. The agenda for widening participation in HE has led to an increase in the number of students with a broader range of educational backgrounds. At the same time there has been a surge in the development of digitalisation and the convergence of computing and telecommunications technologies available for use in education. This paper discusses the outcomes of a case study, conducted in a School of Health Studies within a northern English University, which identified the extent to which 'non-traditional' students access on-line learning facilities, such as virtual learning environments and library networks, and what factors enhanced or formed barriers to access. 'Non-traditional' students, for the purpose of this study, were defined as mature students who were returning to higher education after a considerable break. The outcomes indicated that skill deficit is a major obstacle for many 'non-traditional' students. The paper explores this issue in depth and suggests potential ways forward for the delivery of technology supported learning for 'non-traditional' students in Higher Education.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

The diffusion of virtual communities in health care: concepts and challenges.

OBJECTIVE: This paper providers an overview and discussion of virtual communities in health care. Furthermore, we aim to discuss in this context ethical, legal and technical considerations and the current status of research in this domain. METHODS: We searched medical and social science literature including survey studies, randomized and non-randomized controlled interventions and reviews. RESULTS: The literature indicates that a virtual community in health care as a group of people using telecommunication with the purposes of delivering health care and education, and/or providing support, covers a wide range of clinical specialties, technologies and stakeholders. Examples include peer-to-peer networks, virtual health care delivery and research teams. Ethical challenges including the concepts of identity and deception, privacy and confidentiality and technical issues, such as sociability and usability are discussed. CONCLUSION: Virtual communities may empower patients and enhance coordination of care services; however, there is not sufficient systematic evidence of the effectiveness of virtual communities on clinical outcomes or patient empowerment. Researchers need to address issues, such as sample sizes and experimental design to further the research field in this domain. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: When practitioners utilize virtual community tools to communicate with patients or colleagues they have to maximize sociability and usability of this mode of communication, while addressing concerns for privacy and the fear of de-humanizing practice, and the lack of clarity or relevance of current legislative frameworks.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed2006

New improvements in methane detection using a Helmholtz resonant photoacoustic laser sensor: a comparison between near-IR diode lasers and mid-IR quantum cascade lasers.

Atmospheric methane was detected by combining a photoacoustic (PA) sensor with several lasers emitting in both the near- and mid-infrared spectral ranges to check the achievable detection limits. The PA spectrometer is based on differential Helmholtz resonance. Near-infrared telecommunication-type laser diodes of increasing power, from Sensors Unlimited Inc. and Anritsu, were first used to scan the 2 nu(3) band of CH(4) near 1.65 microm. The best achieved detection limit is 0.15 ppm of methane at atmospheric pressure and with a 1s integration time. The PA sensor was then operated in conjunction with a quantum cascade laser from Alpes Lasers emitting near 7.9 microm on the nu(4) band of CH(4). The achieved detection limit is then of 3 ppb. The dramatic improvement in the detection limit obtained with the QC laser is due to the stronger optical power as well as to the capability of reaching the fundamental bands of methane lying in the mid-infrared spectral range.

Acoustics↗
PubMed2006

Patent pools and diagnostic testing.

There is increasing concern that overlapping patents in the field of genetics will create a costly and legally complex situation known as a patent thicket, which, along with the associated issues of accumulating royalty payments, can act as a disincentive for innovation. One potential means of preventing this is for the patent holders to enter into a so-called patent pool, such as those established in the electronics and telecommunications industries. Precedents for these also exist in the field of genetics, notably with the patents pertaining to the SARS genome. In this review, we initially address the patent pool concept in general and its application in genetics. Following this, we will explore patent pools in the diagnostic field in more detail, and examine some existing and novel examples of patent pools in genetics.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Robotic adrenalectomy.

The use of robotics in surgery is an emerging field. Robot-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy has been performed in small numbers worldwide. Advantages of robotic assistance over conventional laparoscopy are not acknowledged. Improvement in robotic technology, including addition of tactile feedback, miniaturization of end-effectors, reduced cost, and advances in remote surgery telecommunication technology are awaited.

Adrenalectomy↗
PubMed1999

[The virtual university applied to telesurgery: from tele-education to telemanipulation].

The advent of new computer technologies can appear as a revolution in surgical teaching, as well as in the planing and realization of surgical procedures. The introduction of a camera into the body of a patient, allowing the visual display of the operative procedure through the use of a miniaturized camera, constitutes the greatest change that the surgical world has experienced at the end of this century: mini-invasive surgery is born. This revolution also predicts further changes: the development of telecommunication devices applied to medicine (tele-education, tele-training, tele-mentoring, tele-proctoring and tele-accreditation), constitutes the basis of cybersurgery or virtual reality allowing the merging of the concepts of tele-presence and telemanipulation. These new concepts were developed at the European Institute of TeleSurgery at Strasbourg. The TESUS project developed the use of surgical images and data transmission through the realization of international multi-site video conferences between surgeons. The WEBS project created the first virtual university concept by placing surgical techniques at the surgeon's disposal through the Internet. The HESSOS project uses virtual reality as a surgical simulation system. The MASTER project allows the development of the concept of distant telemanipulation. It is now possible to face surgical teaching outside of the restricted University framework, and to conceive teaching on a world-wide level, offering the practitioner unimaginable possibilities of formation, training and the planning of surgical procedures.

Computer-Assisted Instruction↗
PubMed1998

Real-time telemedicine in the clinical assessment of the ocular surface.

PURPOSE: To report the feasibility of real-time video and audio transmission of slit-lamp images of the eye using conventional telephone systems. METHOD: We analyzed the feasibility and benefits of telemedicine in the diagnosis and follow-up of ocular surface disorders in referral patients using a real-time audio-video system that functions through integrated services digital network lines at a transmission speed of 384 kilobytes per second. RESULTS: Real-time slit-lamp images obtained through integrated services digital network lines offered satisfactory visual resolution of the ocular surface for the diagnosis and follow-up of ocular surface and corneal disease, while simultaneous audio transmission allowed for direct communication with the patient and attending physician when necessary. CONCLUSION: Telemedicine using conventional telecommunication infrastructures offers sufficient information for the diagnosis and follow-up of ocular surface disorders in referral patients.

Computer Communication Networks↗
PubMed2000

In-chair movement: validity, reliability and implications for measuring sitting discomfort.

Sitting discomfort is traditionally evaluated with subjective rating scales which are referenced to an objective correlate (e.g. sitting posture) measured on a static (i.e. non-continuous) basis. Since sitting discomfort is dynamic in nature, it requires continuous, objective measurement. We therefore adapted an interface pressure mat to continuously record in-chair movement (ICM) as an indirect measurement of sitting discomfort by tracking the center of pressure (COP) at the buttock-chair interface. Here we report on two phases in the development of the COP system: laboratory validity and field reliability. In the laboratory study we confirmed system validity by simultaneously tracking ICM with the mat and a force platform (r2 > 0.80) and by comparing subjects' COP movement with their gross trunk movements (r2 > 0.86). In our field study we used the intraclass correlation coefficient to establish a data sampling (i.e. selection) protocol that was reliable. We collected ICM data on seated telecommunications Directory Assistance operators during 2 h field tests. Results showed that using a minimum sampling time of 5 min and then averaging a series of 5 min samples of ICM was more reliable than single discrete samples. Using the averaging protocol, we also showed that ICM increased significantly over 2 h and that ICM did not differ between trials.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Cryptographic protection of health information: cost and benefit.

Medical, legal, and economic reasons inevitably force health care establishments to apply more and more open distributed IT systems rather than the less flexible and more expensive mainframes. Managing, for example, electronic patient records by various users at different locations by means of large scale client server systems requires new security provisions for storing, archiving and communicating those data. Using an analogy, data processing is being changed from railroads to highways. Formerly, only one engine-driver was responsible for the security of a whole train whereas now the car-drivers themselves are responsible each for his own car. Unless the cars are equipped with suitable security mechanisms like breaks and safety belts this change endangers individuals within and outside the cars. Cryptography provides many of the relevant security mechanisms for open distributed health care IT systems. Indeed, suitable cost effective cryptographic products are available but are rarely found in health care IT systems. The reason is more political than economic, diverging national security interests in the EU have prevented strong security in public telecommunication infrastructures arguing that, e.g. criminals would profit, too. The resulting uncertainty of investments delays the development, standardisation and installation of cryptographic solutions.

Computer Security↗