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A prototype decision support system for MR spectroscopy-assisted diagnosis of brain tumours.

Our objective is to develop a decision support system that improves the accuracy of non-invasive brain tumour diagnosis and grading by enabling radiologists to use data from Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS). The system, which uses pattern recognition techniques, is trained on a validated database of spectra and associated clinical information to provide automated classification of spectra from brain tumours. An innovative user-interface presents classification results as a two-dimensional overview plot in which points representing cases of different diseases form distinct clusters. Users can inspect any cases in these plots and compare them with the new, unknown spectrum. Hence, the overview plot can both communicate the classification of a case and help provide explanation for that classification in part by supporting human case-based reasoning. This paper describes the development of a prototype system implemented in JAVA.

Brain Neoplasms↗

A web-based rapid prototyping and clinical conversational system that complements electronic patient record system.

Even the most extensive hospital information system cannot support all the complex and ever-changing demands associated with a clinical database, such as providing department or personal data forms, and rating scales. Well-designed clinical dialogue programs may facilitate direct interaction of patients with their medical records. Incorporation of extensive and loosely structured clinical data into an existing medical record system is an essential step towards a comprehensive clinical information system, and can best be achieved when the practitioner and the patient directly enter the contents. We have developed a rapid prototyping and clinical conversational system that complements the electronic medical record system, with its generic data structure and standard communication interfaces based on Web technology. We believe our approach can enhance collaboration between consumer-oriented and provider-oriented information systems.

Hospital Information Systems↗

Selecting a sensitive bacteriophage assay for evaluation of a prototype water recycling system.

A rapid, simple, and direct (RSD) assay of eluate from filter concentration was developed to enumerate low numbers of MS2 bacteriophage, used as a surrogate for enteric viruses, from samples collected from a prototype-sized water recycling system. The RSD assay utilized a 50-ml eluate volume in a modified single-layer assay, neutralizing eluate pH by buffered, double-strength agar. The RSD assay developed was simpler and minimized sample-handling steps compared with another published method. The RSD assay method showed greater sensitivity than the other published method for recovering phage from filter eluate while avoiding pH shifts, which can inactivate phage. Grant numbers: NAGW 2356.

Ammonium Sulfate↗

[Combined dissector for laparoscopic esophageal myotomy: introduction of a prototype of dedicated instrumentation].

The authors' aim in this article is to present the use of a combined dissector, devised, designed and patented by themselves, for laparoscopic oesophageal myomectomy in achalasic patients. The prototype was produced by Karl Storz Endoskope. This tool has a stem measuring 10 mm in diameter, with an operative push rod consisting of two upward bent jaws and an electrode that can emerge from the jaws as required by the surgeon. The authors used the dissector in two patients with a surgical achalasic mega-oesophagus. The two jaws can dissect and then divide the oesophageal muscular layer from the submucosal layer, whereas the electrode can cut the muscular fibres. The use of the combined dissector allows the surgeon to perform oesophageal myomectomy easily, with efficacy and safety, using only the right hand. The instrument requires a number of minor changes which are currently being planned.

Equipment Design↗

Using a web-based prototype and human-computer interaction concepts to develop a vision for a next generation patient care management system.

This paper describes the novel use of two tools to develop requirements for a new generation patient care system: a web-based prototype and a human-computer interaction framework. These tools allowed a development team to crystallize new requirements for a patient care system, illustrate to clinicians a radical change in care process models, and begin the change management process in a large enterprise.

Hospital Information Systems↗

Development of prototype full-automatic environmental control system for nitrox saturation diving.

A full-automated hyperbaric environmental control system (HECS) for nitrox saturation diving HABITAT has been examined since 1994. HECS was planned to be located inside HABITAT and operated automatically by supplying electricity and cooling water. To realize this, a regenerative-type carbon dioxide removal method and AC 100 V electric powered blower system were developed as key technology. By using molecular sieves as an adsorbent material for carbon dioxide, automated sequence for adsorbent and regeneration could be successfully realized. Also, by using solid-state conductor circuit, an AC 100 V type blower to use under hyperbaric conditions could be developed. A prototype HECS was manufactured and settled in JAMSTEC diving simulator for further evaluation.

Adsorption↗

[Prototype symbolization in hooded crows].

The ability in prototype symbolization was studied in four crows trained in matching concept. The experimental approach was characterized by the absence of direct training providing an association between the pictured arrays and Arabic numerals. Experimental sessions were divided into demonstrative and test phases. In the demonstrative phases, the sample and the reinforced stimulus belonged to the same category: if the sample was a pictured array, the reinforced stimulus was also the pictured array, if the sample was a numeral, the reinforced stimulus was likewise a numeral. Matching-to-sample competence was sufficient to perform this task successfully. In case of a correct choice a crow received some mealworms, their number was equal to the number of items in the pictured array or the Arabic numeral. In the test phases, the sample and the comparison stimuli were of different categories. If the sample was a pictured array, the comparison stimuli were numerals; if the sample was a numeral, the comparisons were the pictured arrays. Such tests required the birds to choose a numeric symbol corresponding to the pictured array or to choose the array of pictured items numerically equal to the Arabic symbol. All four crows performed this task successfully. Birds were able to set up a correspondence between the Arabic numeral from 1 to 4 and the number of elements in pictured arrays by way of mental juxtaposition of the earlier received information. Similar experiments showed that crows are likely to be able to perform mental operations with numerals analogous to simple arithmetic addition.

Animal Communication↗

Evaluation of a prototype therapeutic system for prolonged, continuous topical delivery of homosulfanilamide in the management of Pseudomonas burn wound sepsis.

The ability of homosulfanilimide (HS) delivered from two different dressing vehicles to limit bacterial proliferation was evaluated in burned animals deliberately infected with virulent Pseudomonas organisms. Treatment consisted of once daily topical application of one of two vehicles: (1) an experimental prototype system that utilized micronized HS in a hydrophobic, bioerodible, polymeric matrix, impregnated on a fabric backing; or (2) a commercially available dressing that contained the same mass of drug in a hydrophilic cream base impregnated on the same backing. Wounds on control animals were covered with fabric backing with or without the bioerodible matrix. The experimental system was designed to maintain a finite local concentration of HS on the burn wound for at least 24 hours. It is known that the cream base presents a rapidly decreasing concentration of drug to the burn surface. HS delivered from the experimental system produced a significant reduction in deaths compared with the HS delivered from the cream base. In addition, the new method of delivering HS provided better control of local and systemic infection, and better wound hydration and also promoted earlier eschar separation. The experimental system was at least as convenient to apply as the cream and had an advantage with respect to inspection of the wound, since it could be removed and reapplied easily.

Administration, Topical↗

Description of a prototype emission-transmission computed tomography imaging system.

We have developed a prototype imaging system that can perform simultaneous x-ray transmission CT and SPECT phantom studies. This system employs a 23-element high-purity-germanium detector array. The detector array is coupled to a collimator with septa angled toward the focal spot of an x-ray tube. During image acquisition, the x-ray fan beam and the detector array move synchronously along an arc pivoted at the x-ray source. Multiple projections are obtained by rotating the object, which is mounted at the center of rotation of the system. The detector array and electronics can count up to 10(6) cps/element with sufficient energy-resolution to discriminate between x-rays at 100-120 kVp and gamma rays from 99mTc. We have used this device to acquire x-ray CT and SPECT images of a three-dimensional Hoffman brain phantom. The emission and transmission images may be superimposed in order to localize the emission image on the transmission map.

Algorithms↗

SIGAPS: a prototype of bibliographic tool for medical research evaluation.

Evaluation of research activity is extremely important but remains a complex domain. There's no standardized methods and evaluation is often based on the scientific publications. It is easy to identify, for a researcher, all the publications realized over a given period of time. At the level of an important establishment like an University Hospital, with about 500 researchers, this sort of inventory is very difficult to realize: we have to list the researchers, to list their publications, to determine the quality of articles produced, to store retrieved data and to calculate summary statistics. We have developed a full-Web prototype, using free software which, for a given researchers' list, interrogates the Pubmed server, downloads the found references and stores them in a local database. They are then enriched with local data which allow the realization of more or less complex analyses, the automatic production of reports, or keyword search. This tool is very easy to use, allowing for immediate analysis of publications of a researcher or a research team. This tool will allow to identify those active teams to be maintained or emergent teams to be supported. It will also allow to compare candidate profiles for appointments to research posts.

Biomedical Research↗

A prototype system for retrieval of gene functional information.

Microarrays allow researchers to gather data about the expression patterns of thousands of genes simultaneously. Statistical analysis can reveal which genes show statistically significant results. Making biological sense of those results requires the retrieval of functional information about the genes thus identified, typically a manual gene-by-gene retrieval of information from various on-line databases. For experiments generating thousands of genes of interest, retrieval of functional information can become a significant bottleneck. To address this issue, we are currently developing a prototype system to automate the process of retrieval of functional information from multiple on-line sources.

Animals↗

Comparison of three methods of entering clinical information into a prototype triage system.

This research study is a prospective, randomized trial evaluating varied means of inputting structured clinical data into a prototype triage system. Three different methods of historical data entry were evaluated for efficiency, quality of obtained data and ease of use. The results show that using a "customized" form containing check-box entries for only the most commonly seen historical data and space for text entry of other information was the most accurate method of entering triage information and was nearly as fast and easy as free text entry.

Humans↗

An evaluation of the source selection elements of the prototype UMLS Information Sources Map.

The Information Sources Map (ISM) is a component of the National Library of Medicine's Unified Medical Language System (UMLS) project. The ISM is intended to provide both human-readable and machine-interpretable information about the content, scope, and access conditions for various information sources such as databases, expert systems, and the organizations which make these information sources available. Automated source selection is supported by three types of indexing in the ISM: Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms and subheadings; Semantic Types from the UMLS Semantic Network; and Semantic Type Relations, which depict pairs of semantic types joined by a relationship chosen from the Semantic Network. This paper reports a study of the recall and precision of the source selection elements in the prototype version of the ISM.

Abstracting and Indexing↗

Prototype provisional restorations for implant-supported, full-mouth, metal-ceramic reconstructions: the hybrid technique.

The restoration of fully edentulous patients using fixed, metal-ceramic prostheses is one of the most challenging tasks in aesthetic dentistry. Provisional restorations provide the treatment team with a valuable means of addressing criteria that are required throughout the surgical, prosthetic, and technical stages. They also enable the clinician to place and evaluate a prototype of the definitive restoration in the patient's intraoral environment. This presentation describes a technique for the fabrication of provisional restorations for patients receiving fixed implant prostheses.

Cementation↗

Effect of prototypical inducing agents on P-glycoprotein and CYP3A expression in mouse tissues.

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and CYP3A have considerable overlap in inducers in vitro. Characterizing P-gp induction in vivo and potential coregulation with CYP3A are important goals for predicting drug interactions. This study examined P-gp expression in mouse tissues and potential coinduction with CYP3A following oral treatment with 1 of 7 prototypical inducing agents for 5 days. P-gp expression in brain or liver was not induced by any treatment as determined by Western blot, whereas dexamethasone, pregnenolone-16alpha-carbonitrile (PCN), St. John's wort (SJW), and rifampin induced hepatic CYP3A expression. In intestine, rifampin and SJW induced P-gp expression 3.7- and 1.6-fold and CYP3A 3.5- and 2.4-fold, respectively, whereas dexamethasone and PCN induced CYP3A only. These observations suggest that P-gp in mouse small intestine is inducible by some, but not all, CYP3A inducers, whereas P-gp expression in liver or brain is not readily induced. Intriguingly, rifampin and SJW, both activators of the human pregnane X receptor (PXR), induced CYP3A in both liver and intestine but induced P-gp only in intestine, whereas PCN, an activator of murine PXR, did not induce P-gp in any tissue. Rifampin disposition was evaluated, and hepatic exposure to rifampin was comparable to intestine; in contrast, brain concentrations were low. Overall, these observations demonstrate that P-gp induction in vivo is tissue-specific; furthermore, there is a disconnect between P-gp induction and CYP3A induction that is tissue- and inducer-dependent, suggesting that PXR activation alone is insufficient for P-gp induction in vivo. Tissue-specific factors and inducer pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties may underlie these observations.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

[Fabrication of custom-made artificial semi-knee joint based on rapid prototyping technique: three-dimensional reconstruction of femoral condyle].

OBJECTIVE: To achieve three-dimensional (3D) contour image of bone and articular cartilage for fabricating custom-made artificial semi-knee joint as segment bone allograft. METHODS: The distal femora of human and pig were scanned with Picker 6000 spiral X-ray computed tomography with 1.0 mm thick slice. The data obtained were treated in Voxel Q image workstation for 3D reconstruction with volume rendering technique. After being downloaded to personal computer at 0.1 mm interval, the transaxial 2D image data were converted into 2D digitized contour data by using image processing software developed by the team. The 2D digitized data were inputted into image processing software of Surfacer 9.0 (Imageware Company, USA), then the 3D wire frame and solid images of femoral condyle were reconstructed. Subsequently, based on the clinical experience and the requirement of the design of artificial knee joint, the 3D contour image of bone or articular cartilage was extracted from the surrounding. RESULTS: The 3D contour image of bone or articular cartilage presented was edited and processed easily for the computer aided design (CAD) of custom-made artificial knee joint. CONCLUSION: The 3D contour image of bone and articular cartilage can be obtained by spiral CT scanning, and the digitized data can be applied directly to CAD of custom-made artificial joint and subsequently rapid prototyping fabricating. In addition, the reconstruction method is simple and can be applied widely to clinical implant fabricating practice of dentistry and orthopaedics.

Adult↗

[Concept and methodology on up-scaling issue of small watershed prototypes for reconstructing ecological economies in Loess Plateau].

The general ecological situation of Loess Plateau is kept deteriorating, despite great efforts have been made and some achievements were gained after 50 years' endeavor to control soil erosion and renovate ecological landscape. Investigations on the past 20 years results from 11 experimental sites showed that the extension of prototypes and models derived from these sites, which were all based on one scale of small watershed, were unsatisfactory. The possible reasons for such a situation could be attributed to the too coarse scale of map, on which, the regional planning were set up and the locations of these experiment sites were decided, the too fine scale of the small watershed which were usually 3-10 km2 in size, the shortage of studies on various scales particularly on the meso-scale, and the lack of methods of scaling on up-scaling. Based on the analysis of restraints in management of small watershed, the specific concept and relevant proposed methods of resemblance-scaling and multi-scale complementarity were put forward and tested.

Biodiversity↗

Mixed reality for neurosurgery: a novel prototype.

Microscopes and neuronavigators are often used in neurosurgical procedures. Our Mixed Reality prototype proposes to show neuronavigator imaging overlayed onto the surgical field of view. The proposal is to replace the traditional optical microscope with a digital one. The system is presented in this article. Firsts trials have been performed at the laboratory with satisfactory results.

Computer Simulation↗