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PubMed2002

A comparison of the effects of manual and ventilator hyperinflation on static lung compliance and sputum production in intubated and ventilated intensive care patients.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Lung hyperinflation is a technique used by physiotherapists to mobilize and remove excess bronchial secretions, reinflate areas of pulmonary collapse and improve oxygenation. Hyperinflation may be delivered by the ventilator or manually, by use of a manual resuscitation circuit, depending upon the respiratory and cardiovascular status of the patient. The effects of manual hyperinflation, with respect to excess bronchial secretions and static lung compliance, have been well-established. There is, however, only limited evidence as to the efficacy of ventilator hyperinflation as a physiotherapy treatment technique. The purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of manual hyperinflation and ventilator hyperinflation on static pulmonary compliance and sputum clearance in stable intubated and ventilated patients. METHOD: Twenty patients who met the inclusion criteria were studied. This was a double crossover study where all patients were randomly allocated to one of two treatment sequences over two days. The first sequence involved manual hyperinflation followed two hours later by ventilator hyperinflation and the order was reversed on the second day. In the second sequence, ventilator hyperinflation preceded manual hyperinflation. The variables of static pulmonary compliance and sputum wet weight were analysed by use of an analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in sputum wet weight production between either technique or on either day of treatment. Static pulmonary compliance improved with both hyperinflation techniques (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hyperinflation as part of a physiotherapy treatment can be performed with equal benefit using either a manual resuscitation circuit or a ventilator. Both methods of hyperinflation improve static pulmonary compliance and clear similar volumes of pulmonary secretions.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Automated vs. manual assessment of left ventricular function in cardiac multidetector row computed tomography: comparison with magnetic resonance imaging.

We compared semiautomatic contour detection and manual contour tracing in cardiac multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for calculation of left-ventricular (LV) volumes. The study included 30 patients who underwent contrast-enhanced cardiac MDCT and cardiac cine-MRI. Were calculated 8 mm short-axis slices from MDCT data using three-dimensional multiphase image reconstruction. LV volumes including peak ejection rate and peak filling rate were calculated from manually and semiautomatically determined contours. Results were compared to those from cine-MRI with manually drawn contours as the standard of reference. We found good agreement for the LV volumes, with an ejection fraction of 47.1+/-9.4% for manually drawn contours, 47.9+/-9.9% for semiautomatically detected contours on MDCT, and 48.0+/-10.2% for MRI. Except for peak-filling rate analysis of variance revealed no difference between any of these techniques. Bland-Altman plots and Lin's concordance correlation coefficient showed best agreement between MRI and manual contour tracing in MDCT. Calculation of LV volumes using either semiautomatic or manual contour tracing in cardiac MDCT is therefore feasible when compared to MRI. Automated contour detection needs to be improved to equal manual contour tracing.

Algorithms↗

PubMed1988

Retained fetal membranes in cows: Manual removal versus nonremoval and its effect on reproductive performance.

Sixteen primiparous Holstein cows with retained fetal membranes (RFM) were studied for postpartum prostaglandin release, uterine infection and resumption of estrous cyclicity after manual removal of RFM (eight cows) versus leaving the RFM untreated (eight cows). The RFM were results of induced parturition on Day 274 of gestation. Seventeen non-RFM primiparous cows were controls. The 15-keto-13, 14-dihydro-metabolite of prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGFM) was measured in daily blood samples. Aerobic and anaerobic bacteria were cultured from weekly uterine swabs from Week 3 until results were negative. Resumption of estrous cyclicity was determined by milk progesterone three times weekly. Manual removal caused an immediate and large but short-lived increase in PGFM, probably due to the physical damage of uterine tissue. No sustained difference in postpartum PGFM release between cows with RFM manually removed and cows with RFM left untreated was detected. Non-RFM controls had lowest PGFM concentrations. Uterine infections were more frequent and more severe after manual removal of RFM. Untreated RFM-cows and controls were similarly affected. Most infections involved Actinomyces (formerly Corynebacterium ) pyogenes and/or Fusobacterium necrophorum . Actinomyces pyogenes was isolated in the third week postpartum in 5 8 cows with RFM manually removed versus 2 8 cows with RFM left intact and in 2 17 controls. Manual removal prolonged the interval from calving to first functional corpus luteum by 20 d. This study, using RFM resulting from induced parturition, shows that manual removal of RFM can delay the postpartum return to normal reproductive status without altering PGFM profiles.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1992

Thermodilution cardiac output: comparison between automated and manual injection of indicator.

In clinical practice, cardiac output (CO) is usually reported as the average of thermodilution determinations with injection of the thermal indicator performed at end-exhalation. However, an average of multiple determinations with injections equally dispersed throughout the respiratory cycle has been shown to provide the best estimate of mean CO. This study sought to determine the reproducibility of CO determinations obtained with manual injections of indicator solution performed at end-exhalation, compared with those determined by computer-controlled injections equally dispersed throughout the breathing cycle of 27 patients undergoing cardiac operations. Mean CO was calculated by averaging the four determinations obtained with each technique before induction of anesthesia, after induction of anesthesia, after sternotomy, after cardiopulmonary bypass, and after sternal closure. A total of 130 pairs of mean CO estimations were obtained with manual and automated injections. Mean CO values obtained with manual injections were significantly lower than those obtained with the dispersed injection technique (5.0 +/- 1.4 L/min vs 5.3 +/- 1.6 L/min, P = 0.002). The bias between CO values measured with the manual technique was -0.25 +/- 0.47 L/min lower than those obtained with the dispersed technique. The mean relative bias for the group was 7 +/- 18% with 95% confidence intervals of +/- 26%. During mechanical ventilation, the thermodilution technique with manual injection of indicator solution significantly underestimated CO. Variability in the manual injection technique and inappropriate representation of the mean CO by injections timed to occur at end-exhalation contributed to the disparity. These results indicate that the manual technique of determining CO at end-exhalation may not accurately reflect the average CO.

Anesthesia, General↗

PubMed2004

Quantification of fetomaternal hemorrhage: a comparative study of the manual and automated microscopic Kleihauer-Betke tests and flow cytometry in clinical samples.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quantification of fetomaternal hemorrhage by the manual and automated microscopic analysis of Kleihauer-Betke stained slides and by flow cytometry. STUDY DESIGN: Blood smears were stained and evaluated manually according to the Kleihauer-Betke test. The same slides were used for automated microscopy. In addition, blood flow cytometry was performed by anti-hemaglobin F immunostaining. RESULTS: Fetomaternal hemorrhage >0.1% was detected in 4 patients by manual and automated Kleihauer-Betke test and by blood flow cytometry. Fetomaternal hemorrhage was absent according to all 3 methods in 13 patients; fetomaternal hemorrhage<0.1% was detected in 27 patients by either manual or automated Kleihauer-Betke test or both. Moderate agreement was observed between the manual and automated Kleihauer-Betke test (weighted kappa, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.33-0.78). Agreement between the manual Kleihauer-Betke test and blood flow cytometry was fair (weighted kappa, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.15-0.66). CONCLUSION: Automated microscopic detection of fetal blood cells in clinical samples provides accurate quantification that is comparable to the manual Kleihauer-Betke test in both small and large fetomaternal hemorrhage. Blood flow cytometry is capable only of quantifying fetomaternal hemorrhage of >0.1%.

Erythrocyte Volume↗

PubMed2005

Scapular kinematics during transfers in manual wheelchair users with and without shoulder impingement.

BACKGROUND: Scapular function during humeral elevation has been reported in groups with and without shoulder impingement pathology. To date, no one has assessed scapular kinematics during upper extremity loaded tasks that manual wheelchair users must perform on a daily basis. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare scapular kinematics and muscle activation patterns during two different wheelchair transfers in groups of manual wheelchair users with and without shoulder impingement. METHODS: A case controlled study of manual wheelchair users, with and without shoulder impingement was performed. Twenty-three male manual wheelchair users (13 without shoulder impingement, 10 with shoulder impingement) performed transfers toward the involved or dominant limb (lead limb transfer) and away from the instrumented limb (trail limb transfer). Position and orientation measures of the thorax, scapula and humerus were obtained using an electromagnetic tracking system. Muscle activity data were collected using telemetered electromyography. Each subject performed three trials of wheelchair transfers to each side. FINDINGS: Manual wheelchair users with impingement performed transfers with reduced thoracic flexion, increased scapular internal rotation, and increased humeral internal rotation as compared to those without impingement. Differences were found between the tasks in the scapular motions and EMG amplitude. Trail limb transfer presented with reduced scapular upward rotation and posterior tip as compared to the lead limb transfer task. Increased muscle activity for the lower trapezius and serratus anterior muscles was demonstrated in the trail limb transfer. INTERPRETATION: This study provides the first kinematic description of scapular kinematics during transfer tasks. Shoulder impingement and direction of transfer does affect transfer task performance in manual wheelchair users. Scapular kinematics and muscle patterns during transfers may predispose manual wheelchair users to the development of shoulder pathology.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Internal models for bi-manual tasks.

Co-ordinated bi-manual actions form the basis for many everyday motor skills. In this review, the internal model approach to the problem of bi-manual co-ordination is presented. Bi-manual coordinative tasks are often regarded as a hallmark of complex action. They are often associated with object manipulation, whether the holding of a single object between the two hands or holding an object in each hand. However, the task of movement and control is deceptively difficult even when we execute an action with a single hand without holding an object. The simplest voluntary action requires the problems of co-ordination, timing and interaction between neural, muscular and skeletal structures to be overcome. When we are making a movement whilst holding an object, a further requirement is that an internal model is able to predict the dynamics of the object that is being held as well as the dynamics of the motor system. There has been extensive work examining the formation of internal models when acting in novel environments. The majority of studies examine uni-lateral learning of a task generally to the participant's dominant hand. However, many everyday motor tasks are bi-manual, and the existing findings regarding the learning of internal models in uni-manual tasks and their subsequent generalization highlights the complexities that must underlie the formation of bi-manual tasks. Our ability to perform bi-manual tasks raises interesting questions about how internal models are specified for co-ordinative actions, and also for how the motor system learns to represent the properties of objects.

Attention↗

PubMed2006

A new device producing manual sternal compression with thoracic constraint for cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

OBJECTIVE: Blood flow during conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is usually less than adequate to sustain vital organ perfusion. A new chest compression device (LifeBelt) which compresses both the sternum and the lateral thoraces (compression and thoracic constraint) has been developed. The device is light weight, portable, manually powered and mechanically advantaged to minimize user fatigue. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mechanism of blood flow with the device, determine the optimal compression force and compare the device to standard manual CPR in a swine arrest model. METHODS: Following anesthesia and instrumentation, intravascular contrast injections were performed in four animals and the performance characteristics of the device were evaluated in eight animals. In a comparative outcome study, 42 anesthetized and instrumented swine were randomized to receive LifeBelt or manual CPR. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) was induced electrically and was untreated for 7.5 min. After 7.5 min, countershocks were administered and chest compressions initiated. Pulseless electrical activity (PEA) was observed after one to three shocks in all animals. CPR was continued until restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) or for 10 min after the first shock. If ROSC had not occurred within 5 min of beginning CPR, 0.01 mg/kg of epinephrine (adrenaline) was administered. During CPR, peak systolic aortic pressure (Ao), diastolic coronary perfusion pressure (CPP-diastolic aortic minus diastolic right pressure) and end-tidal CO(2) were measured. RESULTS: Angiographic studies demonstrated cardiac compression as the mechanism of blood flow. Optimal performance, determined by coronary perfusion pressure, was observed at a sternal force of 100-130 lb (45-59 kg). In the comparative trial, significant differences in the measured CPP were observed between LifeBelt and manual CPR both at 1 min (15+/-8 mmHg versus 10+/-6 mmHg, p<0.05) and 5 min (17+/-4 mmHg versus 13+/-7 mmHg, p<0.02) of chest compression. A greater (p<0.05) ETCO(2), a marker of cardiac output and systemic perfusion, was observed with LifeBelt CPR (20+/-7 mmHg) than with manual CPR (15+/-5 mmHg) at 1 min. Peak Ao pressures were not different between methods. With the device, 86% of animals were resuscitated compared to 76% in the manual group. CONCLUSIONS: Blood flow with the LifeBelt device is primarily the result of cardiac compression. At a sternal force of 100-130 lb (45-59 kg), the device produces greater CPP than well-performed manual CPR during resuscitation from prolonged VF.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Agreement and reproducibility of automatic versus manual measurement of QT interval and QT dispersion.

To determine whether the automatic measurement of the QT interval is consistent with the manual measurement, this study evaluated the reproducibility and agreement of both methods in 70 normal subjects and 54 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The mean, minimum, and maximum QT interval and QT dispersion were computed in a set of 6 consecutive electrocardiograms (3 in the supine and 3 in the standing position) obtained from each subject. The automatic method determined the T-wave end as the intersect of the least-squares-fit line around the tangent to the T-wave downslope with the isoelectric baseline. Manual measurements were obtained using a high-resolution digitizing board. QT dispersion was defined as the difference between the maximum and minimum QT interval and as standard deviations of the QT interval duration in all and precordial leads. In patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the absolute values of the QT interval and QT dispersion were significantly higher than those in normal subjects (p < 0.0001). In both groups, the intrasubject variability of the QT interval was significantly lower with automatic than with manual measurement (p < 0.05). The agreement between automatic and manual QT interval measurements was surprisingly poor, but it was better in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (r2 = 0.46 to 0.67) than in normal subjects (r2 = 0.10 to 0.25). In both groups, the reproducibility and agreement of both methods for QT dispersion were significantly poorer than for QT interval. Hence, the automatic QT interval measurements are more stable and reproducible than manual measurement, but the lack of agreement between manual and automatic measurement suggests that clinical experience gained with manual assessment cannot be applied blindly to data obtained from the automatic systems.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Influence of task complexity on manual asymmetries.

The degree of manual asymmetry is generally assumed to vary with task complexity. However, task complexity as a factor in manual asymmetries has rarely been examined directly. Further, the results of psychophysical studies indicate that manual asymmetry increases with task complexity, while physiological studies consistently report a reduction of manual asymmetries in more complex tasks. The use of different tasks (rather than different complexity levels within a given task) in many psychophysical studies might result in this inconsistency. This study investigated the influence of task complexity on manual asymmetries in 70 right-handed subjects. We used three complexity levels within a finger-tapping paradigm. A strong advantage of the preferred hand was particularly pronounced in the simple finger-tapping task. When the task was more complex, the advantage of the preferred hand, and thus, the manual asymmetry significantly decreased or disappeared. These results support previous suggestions that simple motor tasks involve localised neural networks confined to one cerebral hemisphere, while complex motor tasks are controlled by more widely distributed neuronal assemblies that involve both hemispheres. However, the influence of task complexity on manual asymmetry seems not to be monotonic.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1996

Computer versus manual measurement of ST-segment deviation.

Total ST scores (sum of absolute deviations in all 12 electrocardiographic [ECG] leads) have been used for research purposes to estimate total ischemic burden and to predict reperfusion after thrombolytic therapy. Computerized monitoring systems are capable of measuring ST deviation to the 10-microV level, whereas humans are incapable of such precise resolution. The purpose of this study was to compare computer versus manual ST scores in 12-lead ECGs exhibiting ischemia and to compare interrater reliability of manual measurements between two experts. A total of 58 subjects with 100 microV or more ST deviation in one or more leads during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty balloon inflation were selected for analysis. ST measurements were made at J + 80 ms, using the isoelectric line as a reference, and summed across all 12 leads. Manual measurements were made to a minimum of 50 microV by two independent reviewers blinded to the computer scores. Total ST scores were compared using paired t-tests, and Pearson coefficients were used to test the correlations. A high correlation was observed between the manual and computer measurements (r = .96, P < .00) and between the two reviewers (r = .96, P < .00). A high degree of interrater reliability is possible with manual measurements of ST deviation. Computer measurements are consistently greater than manual measurements, presumably because humans "round down" to the nearest 50 microV. As such, computers may detect ischemia that is missed by humans. However, computer and manual measurements of ST deviation should not be mixed when used as a variable for research.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

PubMed1997

Computer versus manual measurement of ST-segment deviation.

Electrocardiography, Ambulatory↗

PubMed1996

Manual versus mechanical esophagogastric anastomosis after resection for carcinoma: a controlled trial. French Associations for Surgical Research.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical anastomosis has been claimed to reduce the rate of leakage compared with manual anastomosis. No randomized trials have been performed to date to prove this specifically in esophagogastric anastomosis. METHODS: One hundred fifty-four patients, 139 men and 15 women ranging in age from 36 to 83 years (mean, 50 +/- 10 years) and undergoing elective resection of esophageal or cardial carcinoma, were included in this multiinstitutional (14 centers) randomized study comparing the rate of anastomotic leakage after esophagogastric anastomosis performed manually or mechanically. Eligible for this study were patients with esophageal or cardial carcinoma located between the esophagogastric junction (included) and the upper border of the aortic arch. The choice between resection with or without thoracotomy was left to the discretion of the operating surgeon. Proximal resection of the fundus was mandatory. Intestinal tract continuity was reestablished in a one-stage procedure by an esophagogastric anastomosis without interposition of either the jejunum or the colon. The site of the anastomosis could be either intrathoracic or cervical. The principal end point was anastomotic leakage as judged by (1) egress of intestinal fluids or orally ingested methylene blue through drains, (2) sodium diatrozate swallow prescribed either routinely for all patients between postoperative days 3 and 8 or because of signs of leakage, or (3) reoperation or autopsy. RESULTS: After two patients were withdrawn for protocol violation, 152 patients, 74 in the manual group and 78 in the mechanical group, were studied. The number of anastomotic leakages was identical in both groups (n = 12, 16% and 15%, respectively). Overall 30-day mortality was 11%. Fewer deaths occurred in the manual group (7%), which had three anastomotic leakages, than in the mechanical group (15%), which had five anastomotic leakages, and fewer repeat operations were done in the manual group (n = 9) than in the mechanical group (n = 13), but both of these differences were not statistically significant. The duration of anastomosis and of operation was similar in both groups. In the mechanical group 16 anastomoses (20%) gave rise to technical mishaps (either in the fashioning of the purse-string, dilation of the esophagus, or in stapling). Among the factors recognized as potentially preventing leakage, only testing for airtightness was significantly correlated with less postoperative leakage (p < 0.05). Eight postoperative strictures were recorded at 3 months in 62 (13%) patients in the manual group, whereas seven strictures occurred in 53 (13%) patients in the mechanical group. CONCLUSIONS: When mechanical staples rather than manual sutures are chosen, the disadvantages (technical mishaps and higher costs) are not counterbalanced by a gain of time or a decrease in the rate or severity of anastomotic leakage.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Vascular complications after percutaneous coronary interventions following hemostasis with manual compression versus arteriotomy closure devices.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the vascular complications after hemostasis with arteriotomy closure devices (ACD) versus manual compression after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). BACKGROUND: Previous clinical studies have indicated that ACD can be used for achievement of hemostasis and early ambulation after PCI. This study investigated the safety of ACD in achieving hemostasis after PCI compared with manual compression in a large cohort of consecutive patients. METHODS: A total of 5,093 patients were followed after PCI was performed with the transfemoral approach. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to identify the predictors of vascular complications with ACD (n = 516) or with manual compression (n = 5,892) as a hemostasis option after sheath removal. RESULTS: The use of ACD was associated with a more frequent occurrence of hematoma compared with manual compression (9.3 vs. 5.1%, p < 0.001). There was also a higher rate of significant hematocrit drop (>15%) with ACD versus manual compression (5.2% vs. 2.5%, p < 0.001). Similar rates of pseudoaneurysm and arteriovenous fistulae were noted with either hemostasis technique. Vascular surgical repair at the access site was required more often with ACD versus manual compression (2.5 vs. 1.5%, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: In this early experience with ACD after PCI, their use was associated with higher vascular complication rates than hemostasis with manual compression.

Aged↗

PubMed2003

A randomized comparison of a percutaneous suture device versus manual compression for femoral artery hemostasis after PTCA.

BACKGROUND: The prolonged bed rest following femoral sheath removal after PTCA is a source of discomfort for the patient. We designed a randomized study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an arterial suture device developed to percutaneously close the vascular access site after PTCA, allowing immediate sheath removal and early ambulation, compared to manual compression. METHODS: After successful PTCA, patients were randomized to manual compression or immediate femoral percutaneous closure. Exclusion criteria were arteritis, age > 80 years and > 3 previous femoral punctures on the same side. The two-needle device was used for the 6F sheath removal and the four-needle device for the 8F sheath. Ambulation was allowed 4 hours after the arterial suture. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-seven patients (59 +/- 10 years, 81% males) were randomized to suture device (n = 91) or to manual compression (n = 76). The two groups were similar in terms of age, sex, size of sheath, number of patients with stent implantation (62 vs 61%), procedural anticoagulation. Procedural duration was 8 +/- 6 minutes with percutaneous suture versus 25 +/- 11 minutes with manual compression (P < 0.0001). Procedural success with percutaneous suture was 93% whereas six technical failures were treated with prolonged manual compression. Nonsurgical hematoma occurred in five patients (5%) with the suture device and in two (3%) with manual compression with no need for blood transfusion (P = NS). Uneventful blood oozing occurred in 11 patients (12%) with percutaneous suture and in only 2 (3%) with manual compression (P < 0.06). The tolerance of the hemostasis procedure and the length of post-procedure hospital stay (40 +/- 32 hours) were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous suture of the femoral artery, allows immediate closure of femoral puncture sites after PTCA, without increasing the incidence of vascular complications. The use of this device should allow earlier discharge and subsequent cost savings.

Aged↗

PubMed2002

A randomized clinical trial of manual therapy for cervico-brachial pain syndrome -- a pilot study.

Cervico-brachial pain syndrome is an upper quarter pain condition in which mechanosensitive neural tissue is considered a primary feature. A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted to determine the clinical effect of two manual therapy interventions. Thirty subjects (20 females and 10 males) were randomly allocated to one of three groups - one of two manual therapy intervention groups or a control group. One manual therapy intervention group consisted of passive techniques aimed at mobilizing neural tissue structures and the cervical spine. The other involved indirect manual therapy techniques with a focus on articular components of the gleno-humeral joint and thoracic spine. The treatment period lasted 8 weeks in total and was combined with a home exercise programme. Following the 8-week baseline period the control group were crossed over into the specific neural tissue manual therapy group. Pain visual analogue scale (VAS), the short-form McGill pain and Northwick Park neck pain questionnaires were completed before, midway and after the treatment period. The findings suggest that both manual physiotherapy interventions combined with home exercises are effective in improving pain intensity, pain quality scores and functional disability levels. A group difference was observed for the VAS scores at 8 weeks with the neural manual therapy technique having a significantly lower score.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Automated external defibrillation versus manual defibrillation for prolonged ventricular fibrillation: lethal delays of chest compressions before and after countershocks.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine whether the delays in chest compressions and defibrillation associated with an automated external defibrillator would adversely affect outcome compared with manual defibrillation in a swine model of out-of-hospital prolonged ventricular fibrillation. METHODS: After 8 minutes of untreated ventricular fibrillation, 16 swine (33+/-4 kg) were randomly assigned to automated external defibrillator defibrillation or manual defibrillation with the same biphasic truncated exponential waveform 150-J shock through the same type of pads. Defibrillation with the automated external defibrillator was performed as recommended by the manufacturer, and manual defibrillation was provided per American Heart Association Guidelines. The primary outcome measure was 24-hour survival with good neurologic outcome. Data are described as means+/-SD. RESULTS: None of 8 animals in the automated external defibrillator group survived for 24 hours, whereas 5 of 8 animals in the manual defibrillation group survived 24 hours, all with good neurologic outcome (P=.027). The time interval from simulated defibrillator arrival to first compressions was 98+/-18 seconds in the automated external defibrillator group versus 68+/-15 seconds in the manual defibrillation group. In particular, the interval from first shock to first chest compressions was 46+/-18 seconds versus 22+/-16 seconds, respectively. The mean percentage of time that chest compressions were performed in the first minute after the first countershock was 15%+/-13% versus 40%+/-15%, respectively. As a result, return of spontaneous circulation within 5 minutes of simulated defibrillator arrival occurred in only 1 of 8 animals in the automated external defibrillator group versus 6 of 8 animals in the manual defibrillation group. CONCLUSION: The longer delays in chest compressions with automated external defibrillator defibrillation versus manual defibrillation can worsen the outcome from prolonged ventricular fibrillation.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Comparison of semi-automated image analysis and manual methods for tissue quantification in pancreatic carcinoma.

Objective measurements of tissue area during histological examination of carcinoma can yield valuable prognostic information. However, such measurements are not made routinely because the current manual approach is time consuming and subject to large statistical sampling error. In this paper, a semi-automated image analysis method for measuring tissue area in histological samples is applied to the measurement of stromal tissue, cell cytoplasm and lumen in samples of pancreatic carcinoma and compared with the standard manual point counting method. Histological samples from 26 cases of pancreatic carcinoma were stained using the sirius red, light-green method. Images from each sample were captured using two magnifications. Image segmentation based on colour cluster analysis was used to subdivide each image into representative colours which were classified manually into one of three tissue components. Area measurements made using this technique were compared to corresponding manual measurements and used to establish the comparative accuracy of the semi-automated image analysis technique, with a quality assurance study to measure the repeatability of the new technique. For both magnifications and for each tissue component, the quality assurance study showed that the semi-automated image analysis algorithm had better repeatability than its manual equivalent. No significant bias was detected between the measurement techniques for any of the comparisons made using the 26 cases of pancreatic carcinoma. The ratio of manual to semi-automatic repeatability errors varied from 2.0 to 3.6. Point counting would need to be increased to be between 400 and 1400 points to achieve the same repeatability as for the semi-automated technique. The results demonstrate that semi-automated image analysis is suitable for measuring tissue fractions in histological samples prepared with coloured stains and is a practical alternative to manual point counting.

Algorithms↗