SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Computers”

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.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

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

At least 1,117 records · Page 62Linked to original sources

PubMed2004

The accuracy and reliability of measurements made on computer-based digital models.

For reasons of convenience and economy, orthodontists who routinely use and maintain pre- and posttreatment plaster casts are beginning to use computer-based digital models. The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy (validity), reproducibility (reliability), efficacy, and effectiveness of measurements made on computer-based models. A plastic model occlusion ie, dentoform, served as a gold standard to evaluate the systematic errors associated with producing either plaster or computer-based models. Accuracy, reproducibility, efficacy, and effectiveness were tested by comparing the measurements of the computer-based models with the measurements of the plaster models--(1) accuracy: one examiner measuring 10 models made from a dentoform, twice; (2) reproducibility and efficacy: two examiners measuring 50 models made from patients, twice; and (3) effectiveness: 10 examiners measuring 10 models made from patients, twice. Reproducibility (reliability) was tested by using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Repeated measures of analysis of variance for multiple repeated measurements and Student's t-test were used to test for validity. Only measurements of maxillary and mandibular space available made on computer-based models differed from the measurements made on the dentoform gold standard. There was significantly greater variance for measurements made from computer-based models. Reproducibility was high for measurements made on both computer-based and plaster models. In conclusion, measurements made from computer-based models appear to be generally as accurate and reliable as measurements made from plaster models. Efficacy and effectiveness were similar to those of plaster models. Therefore, computer-based models appear to be a clinically acceptable alternative to conventional plaster models.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1998

The acceptability of a computer HIV/AIDS risk assessment to not-in-treatment drug users.

The purpose of this paper is to report the results of a study assessing the acceptability of a computer HIV risk assessment instrument administered to not-in-treatment drug users. The study asked three questions related to acceptability: (1) are drug users comfortable responding to HIV risk questions using the computer assessment; (2) do drug users feel that they possess the requisite skill to respond to questions using a computer; and (3) do drug users believe that the responses they provide using the computer assessment will remain private and confidential. This study differs from other assessments of the acceptability of computer assisted data collection in that the population of interest has only limited education and interaction with computers. Furthermore, the study was implemented under field conditions. To conduct the study, an existing HIV risk assessment instrument was adapted for use with the computer. Only slight modifications were made to the content of the instrument. To facilitate data collection with this population, audio enhancement and touch screen were used. Three scales measuring comfort, skill and perceived privacy were developed. Results of analysis showed that drug users are comfortable responding to an HIV risk assessment using computer assisted interviewing. Drug users also perceived that they possessed the requisite skill to successfully complete the interview. And, study participants reported that they believed that their responses using the computer interview would remain private and confidential. Only minor differences in scale scores based on sociodemographic characteristics were found among study participants. Implications of the findings are discussed.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Neural computation in urology: an orientation.

Neural computation is a field in which mathematical models are derived from algorithms based loosely on the physiological function of the biological neuron. This paper serves as an introduction to those that follow in this issue of Molecular Urology, which describe actual applications of neural computational modeling in the urologic domain. In this introductory paper, the history of computer technology and the foundations of neural computation are discussed. Methods of determining the accuracy of computation models are reviewed, and a statistical method of evaluating the significance of individual input features to the model's output, a process known as "feature extraction," is presented. Resources that provide free and commercial neural computational programs are cited for those readers interested in applying this technology to their own datasets, and a brief description of the author's neural computational programming environment is included. Finally, deployment of computational models via the Internet and various computer platforms is discussed.

Algorithms↗

PubMed1997

Improved accuracy of pedicle screw insertion with computer-assisted surgery. A prospective clinical trial of 30 patients.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective clinical trial was done to study the accuracy of pedicle screw placement in 30 consecutive computer-assisted orthopedic surgeries. OBJECTIVES: To determine the accuracy and clinical applicability of this new method for pedicle screw insertion. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Conventional screw insertion techniques have been associated with high pedicle screw malplacement rates in cadaver studies and clinical studies with postoperative computed tomography evaluation. METHODS: Thirty transpedicular, low-back, titanium instrumentations were performed with computer-assisted orthopedic surgery. The accuracy of screw placement was evaluated using a sophisticated computed tomography protocol. RESULTS: The total number of pedicle screws was 174. Of these, 139 (79.9%) could be inserted with computer-assisted orthopedic surgery. The malplacement rate of computer-assisted orthopedic surgery screws was 4.3%. In screws that were not inserted by computer-assisted orthopedic surgery, the malplacement rate was 14.3%. One malplaced screw that had not been inserted with computer-assisted orthopedic surgery caused L4 root paresis. CONCLUSIONS: The accuracy of pedicle screw placement using computer-assisted surgery proved to be superior to the accuracy obtained when using conventional techniques.

Bone Screws↗

PubMed1999

Radiation dose for pedicle screw insertion. Fluoroscopic method versus computer-assisted surgery.

STUDY DESIGN: Comparison of the radiation dose between the traditional fluoroscopic approach and computed tomography (CT)-based computer-assisted surgery for pedicle screw placement was determined. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the radiation dose delivered by fluoroscopy-controlled pedicle screw placement versus insertion guided by computer. To define the CT computer-assisted protocol, involving lower radiation exposure for the patient, that still provides acceptable image quality. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: There are no published data describing the dose delivered in CT-based image-guided surgery, and there are few studies in which the organ dose and the effective dose delivered during pedicle screw insertion that is performed traditionally with fluoroscopic control are described. METHODS: Dose measurements were performed on two types (REMAB and RANDO) of anthropomorphic phantoms. Thermoluminescent dosimeters were used to measure the organ dose. Both phantoms were exposed to the fluoroscopic x-ray beam. The representative intraoperative scenario was determined by observation of 20 consecutive surgical interventions featuring pedicle screw implantation. For the CT dose measurement only, the REMAB phantom was used with two types of CT scanners. Three scanning protocols were evaluated: sequential, spiral optimized, and sequential optimized. Optimization of the scanning protocol included changes of anode current. The CT images were subsequently processed to achieve three-dimensional reconstruction of the lumbar spine for the computer-assisted intervention. RESULTS: Organ and effective doses were higher in any of the CT examinations than in the fluoroscopic procedure. There was a slight difference between doses registered during optimized spiral scanning and doses in the calculated optimized sequential CT protocol. Optimized sequential scanning was associated with an effective dose 40% lower than that in nonoptimized sequential scanning. The small anatomic structures of the spine could be easily recognized on each of the three-dimensional reconstructions, and all of them were suitable for use in computer-assisted surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous pedicle screw insertion in the lumbar region of the spine, performed using fluoroscopic control, requires a lower radiation dose than do CT scans necessary for computer-assisted surgery. The CT radiation dose can be significantly decreased by optimization of the scanner settings for computer-assisted surgery. The advantages of computer-assisted surgery justify CT scans, when based on correctly chosen indications.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Osteoid osteoma of the spine: a novel technique using combined computer-assisted and gamma probe-guided high-speed intralesional drill excision.

STUDY DESIGN: A report of five cases of thoracolumbar osteoid osteoma treated with combined computer-assisted and gamma probe-guided high-speed drill excision. OBJECTIVES: To document the surgical technique consisting of a combination of both computer-assisted and gamma probe-guided high-speed drill excision for osteoid osteoma of the spine. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Curative treatment of spinal osteoid osteoma is performed by surgical intralesional excision of the nidus, but intraoperative localization of the nidus is often difficult. Although intraoperative gamma-probe guidance facilitates accurate localization of the nidus, wide surgical resection of the bony structure is still mandatory to ensure removal of the nidus. Computer-assisted surgery has been proven to facilitate surgical intervention in spinal surgery. However, there is no clinical report regarding the application and usefulness of computer-assisted intralesional excision of the osteoid nidus. Excision of the nidus with a computer-assisted high-speed drill and intraoperative gamma probe control may result in complete intralesional excision without sacrificing more bone than necessary. METHODS: One day before surgery, patients were injected with radioactive mTc-oxidronate. With a computed tomography-based electro-optical navigation system, real-time virtual images of the osteoid osteoma were generated by matching the intraoperative surface with preoperative computed tomography images. The osteoid osteoma was excised with the use of an image-guided high-speed drill, and complete excision was controlled with a gamma detection probe. RESULTS: Excision of the nidus was confirmed by relief of symptoms, postexcision computed tomography scans, and histologic evaluation on clinical and radiographic follow-up observation. All five patients reported immediate complete relief of characteristic pain and no evidence of recurrence after 6 to 33 months of follow-up observation. There were no complications. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of both computer-assisted surgery and gamma probe-guided high-speed drill excision for osteoid osteoma of the spine helps to localize and excise the nidus of the osteoid osteoma with minimal bone resection of the posterior spinal structures.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

Computer-assisted secondary reconstruction of unilateral posttraumatic orbital deformity.

Until now, computer-assisted surgery has not been practiced as part of the surgical routine of posttraumatic orbital reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of a navigation system for computer-assisted preoperative planning with virtual reconstruction to obtain symmetry of the orbits and intraoperative control of virtual contours in comparison with the clinically achieved surgical results. A further objective of the computer-assisted orbital analysis was to use an ideal measurement for the two-dimensional and three-dimensional changes following orbital reconstruction and to check the equality of the postoperative values for the affected orbits in comparison with those of the unaffected sides. Patients with unilateral posttraumatic orbital defects (n = 18) underwent computer-assisted surgery and preoperative planning using a spiral computed tomography database. Surgical procedures were preplanned with virtual correction by mirroring an individually defined three-dimensional segment from the unaffected side onto the deformed side, creating an ideal unilateral reconstruction. These computer-models were intraoperatively used as virtual templates to navigate the preplanned contours and the globe projection using the Stryker-Leibinger navigation system. Individual noninvasive registration with an overall inaccuracy of approximately 1 mm was achieved by using a maxillary occlusal splint with four markers. The mirroring of the unaffected side allowed an ideal virtual reconstruction. A mean decrease in enlarged orbital volume of 4.0 (SD +/- 1.9) cm was achieved, as was a mean increase in the sagittal globe projection of 5.88 (SD +/- 2.98) mm. With a paired Student test, the decrease between the preoperative and postoperative differences of the affected and unaffected sides was proved significant for orbital volume, globe projection, and computed tomography-based Hertel scale changes (p < 0.01). In 15 of 18 cases, simultaneous malar bone advancement resulted primarily in an additional increase in orbital volume before intraorbital augmentation with calvarial split-bone grafts could be performed. Intraorbital bony augmentation included one (n = 1), two (n = 7), three (n = 8), and all four (n = 2) orbital walls. Computer-assisted preoperative planning enables the surgeon to predict reconstructive surgical steps before the operation. Highly vulnerable structures such as the optic nerve can be detected and avoided intraoperatively, and virtually preplanned bone graft positions and/or orbital frame contours can be checked. Computer-assisted preoperative planning and surgery thus advance the difficult surgical field of orbital reconstruction, particularly through a greater exploitation of radiologic information without additional radiation to the patient.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

The forward EEG solutions can be computed using artificial neural networks.

Study of electroencenphalography (EEG) is the one of the most utilized methods in both basic brain research and clinical diagnosis of neurological disorders. Recent technological advances in computer and electronic systems have allowed the EEG to be recorded from large electrode arrays. Modeling the brain waves using a head volume conductor model provides an effective method to localize functional generators within the brain. However, the forward solutions to this model, which represent theoretical potentials in response to current sources within the volume conductor, are difficult to compute because of time-consuming numerical procedures utilized in either the boundary element method (BEM) or the finite element method (FEM). This paper presents a novel computational approach using an artificial neural network (ANN) to map two vectors of forward solutions. These two vectors correspond to different head models but with respect to the same current source. The input vector to the ANN is based on the spherical head model, which can be computed efficiently but involves large errors. The output vector from the ANN is based on the spheroidal model, which is more precise, but difficult to compute directly using the traditional means. Our experiments indicate that this ANN approach provides a remarkable improvement over the BEM and FEM methods: 1) the mean-square error of computation was only approximately 0.3% compared to the exact solution; 2) the online computation was extremely efficient, requiring only 168 floating point operations per channel to compute the forward solution, and 10.2 K-bytes of storage to represent the entire ANN. Using this approach it is possible to perform real-time EEG modeling accurately on personal computers.

Biomedical Engineering↗

PubMed2006

A mathematical formulation of DNA computation.

DNA computation is to use DNA molecules for information storing and processing. The task is accomplished by encoding and interpreting DNA molecules in suspended solutions before and after the complementary binding reactions. DNA computation is attractive, due to its fast parallel information processing, remarkable energy efficiency, and high storing capacity. Challenges currently faced by DNA computation are: 1) lack of theoretical computational models for applications and 2) high error rate for implementation. This paper attempts to address these problems from mathematical modeling and genetic coding aspects. The first part of this paper presents a mathematical formulation of DNA computation. The model may serve as a theoretical framework for DNA computation. In the second part, a genetic code based DNA computation approach is presented to reduce error rate for implementation, which has been a major concern for DNA computation. The method provides a promising alternative to reduce error rate for DNA computation.

Base Sequence↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A model for computer-controlled delivery of 3-D conformal treatments.

Three-dimensional conformal radiation treatments are highly complex and may comprise a large number of coplanar and noncoplanar beams, virtually all of which are shaped and may also employ arbitrary intensity modulation. The delivery of such treatments with conventional means is highly labor intensive and limited to a relatively small number of fields. A generalized model for a system that can deliver 3-D conformal treatments rapidly and safely using a computer-controlled treatment machine equipped with a multileaf collimator is presented. The model emphasizes the separation of tasks between an external computer programmed by the user institution and a control computer proprietary to the treatment machine manufacturer. The treatment scheme that is employed consists of a sequence of fixed fields, called segments, which are delivered in succession without human intervention. Settings for all segments, derived from a 3-D conformal treatment planning system, are downloaded by the external computer into the control computer of the treatment machine. During patient setup, the control computer enables the operator to step through computer-controlled setup of the segments without radiation to ensure the absence of collisions, and to allow the adjustment of setup parameters if necessary. The external computer verifies the treatment setup and permits the control computer to carry out the treatment segment by segment. Safety aspects of the model and anomalous situations which may arise are discussed.

Computer Simulation↗

PubMed2003

Computer and internet use by first year clinical and nursing students in a Nigerian teaching hospital.

BACKGROUND: The internet is an important source of up-to-date medical information. Although several studies in different countries have explored the extent to which health science students use the computer and the internet, few researches are available on this subject in Nigeria. The aim of this study was to assess the uptake of computer and internet by health science students studying in the country. METHODS: One hundred and eighty three first year medical and nursing students of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, completed a-25 item questionnaire during routine Library Orientation Program in the medical library. The EPI-Info software was used for data analysis. RESULTS: The mean ages for medical students and the student nurses were 22 and 24.6 years respectively. Overall, 42.6% of the entire sample could use the computer, 57.4% could not. While more than half (58%) of the medical students are computer literate, majority (75.9%) of the student nurses are not. Slightly more than two thirds (60.7%) of the entire students had ever used the internet, 33. 9% had not. E-mail was the most popular of internet services used by the students (76.4%) and the cyber café was the common place where students had accessed these services. The students' mean scores on a 15-point perceived self-efficacy scale for internet-related tasks was 3.8 for medical and 0.7 for nursing students (p = 0.00). Students who are computer literate had superior mean scores (4.8) than those without (0.6) (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: First year clinical and nursing students in Ibadan Nigeria have not fully utilised the opportunity that the use of computer and internet offer for medical education. Improved efforts such as inclusion of computer education in medical and nursing curricular and establishment of computer laboratories are required to increase the student's access to computers and internet.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Light-hearted negative terminology used in computer education and related skill of noncomputer users.

Theory suggests that light-hearted but negative phrases and terminology used in computer literature and course titles may have a negative effect on noncomputer users. This study tested the effect of providing the suggestion of a negative dimension of computer ability labelled with a category of "Computer Dummy" a also the relation between computer ability and computer anxiety. The study incorporated 37 noncomputer users, 17 men and 20 women whose mean age was 52.1 yr. Scores on a self-report questionnaire indicated that 23 of the nonusers responded on the negative dimension of computer ability and included themselves in the category of "Computer Dummy." Also, belief about ability and belief about computer training were associated with computer anxiety for noncomputer users.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Computer skills among medical learners: a survey at King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah.

BACKGROUND: We conducted a survey at King Abdul Aziz University to assess computer and Internet related activities, needs, and attitudes of our medical students towards computer assisted medical learning. METHODS: A questionnaire containing 16 questions was distributed among medical students. The question form was prepared to assess the computer skills among students and their involvement in computer and Internet assisted medical and clinical learning activities. Each question was followed by a four or five points containing Likert-type multiple choice answer. RESULTS: A total of 303 medical member of the university filled the forms. Among them majorities were medical students constituting 247 (81.5%), 10 (3.3%) were interns, 9 (3%) residents and 36 (11.9%) were senior residents. 55% of the responders were male and 45% were females. The most important points with their brief responses are: Computer skills: 6.3% Not aware; 93.7% Aware. Purpose of using computer: Personal 62.5%; Professional 15%; Academic 21.9%. Software(s) used: MS office 9.4%; MS Office and Internet 31.3%; MS Office, Internet and any medical software 37%; No software 21%. Connecting to Internet or Email: Not at all 18%; Rarely 18%; Once a week 15%; Every alternate day 25%; Daily 12.5%; Multiple times a day 9.4%. Use of Internet for medical learning: Not at all 22%; Very rarely 22%; Some times 41%; Regularly 15%. Computers and Internet can improve studies and professional skills: No not at all 6%; Yes, to some extent 41%; Yes, too much 53%. CONCLUSION: The use of modern computer and Internet technology will result in more effective medical education. Expansion of computer-assisted learning requires careful strategic planning, resource sharing, staff incentives, and active promotion of multidisciplinary working and effective quality control.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[The effects of computer-use on adolescents].

Computers continue to play a vital role in today's generation. The need for information about the effects of computers on their users also increases. The purpose of this study is to investigate how children and adolescents use a computer and to explore the beneficial and harmful effects of computer use on children's mental and physical health. The studied group of samples comprised 69 subjects, aged between 13 and 18 years, who answered to a questionnaire. The parents of the children also answered another questionnaire with the same subject. Data have been statistically processed using the program SPSS. The results were obtained about computer use and the pathological use was identified. Some children spend much time on computers, 4% more than five hours/day. 41% of the parents believe that the usage of the computer is favorable to the children's mental and physical health and development, 49% of parents believe that the computer may be harmful. 1.4% of the children had pathological use of the computer.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

[Recent development of computer-aided tissue engineering].

OBJECTIVE: To introduce the recent advances of the application of computer technology in tissue engineering. METHODS: The recent original articles related to computer technology, medical image technology, computer-aided design, the advanced manufacture technology were summarized and systematically analyzed. RESULTS: Computer-aided tissue engineering is a new field on tissue engineering. It is the future direction of tissue engineering study. This article reviews recent development of medical CT/MRI scanning, three-dimensional reconstruction, anatomical modeling, computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing, rapid prototyping, RP manufacturing of tissue engineering scaffolds and computer-aided implantation. CONCLUSION: Computer-aided tissue engineering can be used in scaffolds design and fabrication, computer-aided artificial tissue implantation. It is a new field on tissue engineering.

Computer-Aided Design↗

PubMed1991

Using medical genetics applications to educate for computer competence.

This article proposes specific areas of computing competence and illustrates how these skills can be acquired as an integral part of the curriculum of medical genetics. Geneticists are at the forefront in the use of computers for medical care, because of the driving force of the Human Genome Project. Computer searching of international data bases is the most efficient method to keep current with the explosion in molecular genetics data and with its immediate relevance to clinical care. The use of computers in genetics education could go far beyond the use of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) to show how to use computer systems to assist with clinical decisions. The proposed basic computer skills can be obtained using genetics software. The six proposed skills include the use of (1) microcomputers, (2) productivity software, (3) CAI, patient simulations and specific application programs, (4) remote computers, (5) data bases and knowledge bases, and (6) computers to improve the clinical care of patients.

Clinical Medicine↗

PubMed1987

Computer use in allied health programs.

This article presents a preliminary assessment of computer use in allied health programs. The findings of a survey among 60 allied health programs indicate that computer use in the classroom, in clinical education, and in simulation has increased. In preprofessional education, computers are used by less than 50% of the allied health programs. However, computers are used more in the professional phase for patient management, clinical simulations using branching and logic methods, physiological simulations, and therapeutic planning and management. Students in these programs are required to take three to six semester hours of computer literacy classes. In the classroom, computer-assisted instruction is used to provide remediation, reinforcement, enrichment, and test-taking drills in clinical and didactic learning. Students use microcomputers to gain application experience in health statistics, data bases, abstracting, and diagnosis-related group classifiers. Although progress has been made in computer use, greater efforts must be expended to ensure greater use of computer technology in the next decade in allied health disciplines. Recommendations for increased use of computer technology in allied health programs are provided.

Allied Health Personnel↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Work excitement among computer users in nursing.

An exploratory study of 268 nurses and their practice patterns has yielded a new dimension of work excitement--computer use. The convenience sample included staff nurses and clinical nurse managers. In this article, individual and organizational characteristics of nurses, their varying computer skills, and levels of work excitement are compared. Using the work excitement tool developed through the Practice Excitement Project, data were collected on self-perceived level of computer skill and work excitement; practice patterns; interest in work; exciting and frustrating experiences when using the computer at work; and overall exciting and frustrating aspects of nursing. Pairwise comparisons revealed that nurses who classify themselves as having expert skills had significantly higher levels of work excitement than nurses who were novices (F = 5.937, p < 0.05), or had no experience with the computer (F = 7.026, p < 0.01). Nurses with intermediate skills also had significantly higher levels of work excitement than novices (F = 5.289, p < 0.05), or non users (F = 5.740, p < 0.05). Computer users were found to be significantly less negative about their work. In addition, nurses overwhelmingly considered the computer a nursing technology capable of making their work easier. This reflects the positive orientation nurses have toward use of computers in nursing. The findings further suggest that the introduction of computers could not only improve unit morale but could also stimulate the learning of new skills related to effective and quality care delivery.

Adult↗