Medical data analysis using microprocessor-based Walsh transformations

The use of Fourier transforms based on orthogonal sinusoidal functions is well established in the analysis of spectral components in noisy medical signals. In this paper the use of Walsh transformations based on orthogonal discrete signals is described for the analysis of ‘slow-wave’ rhythms in the gastro-intestinal tract of mammals. The Walsh transform approach has the advantage that very fast algorithms can be developed since multiplications involving sinusoidal functions are replaced by additions and subtractions. These algorithms are very suitable for simple microprocessors and it is shown that, for determining the frequency of gut rhythms, simple filtering and signal conditioning preceding the microprocessor dispenses with the need for analogue to digital conversion. Hence a very simple digital microprocessing system for the continuous monitoring of gut rhythms has been produced. It has also been extended to provide filtering of signals via forward and inverse Walsh transforms.     

Diabetes education: a chance to improve well-being of Turkish people with type 2 diabetes

To examine the influence of diabetes education on well-being, 255 patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited according to whether they attended a diabetes education program (n=126) or not (n=129). In patients who had participated in the program, the mean anxiety score was significantly lower, whereas positive well-being and general well-being scores were significantly higher than for patients who had not participated. Factors related to lower well-being included: being female, taking insulin, not attending a diabetes education program and having HbA(1c) level greater than 8%. The odds of having better well-being were two-fold higher in patients participating the diabetes education program compared with those who had not. Diabetes education has a crucial role in improving the well-being of patients with type 2 diabetes. All patients with diabetes should be encouraged to attend a diabetes education program.     

Ophthalmic findings in GAPO syndrome

BACKGROUND: The main manifestations of GAPO syndrome are growth retardation (G), alopecia (A), pseudoanodontia (P), and optic atrophy (O). CASES: This syndrome has been described in 21 patients from 16 different families. Four cases are from Turkey and have been presented by Sayli and Gül. The purpose of our study is to document the cases from Turkey and discuss the ophthalmological and neuro-ophthalmolgical findings of these and other reported GAPO cases. OBSERVATIONS: All patients in the literature and our 4 cases have severe growth retardation with delayed bone age in infancy, characteristic facial appearance (high and bossed forehead, midface hypoplasia), alopecia or severe hypotrichosis, and pseudoanodontia. Optic atrophy was present in 1 of our cases and in 5 previous cases. Glaucoma was present in 5 cases, including 2 of ours. Buphthalmia and keratopathy secondary to glaucoma were also observed. White eyelashes, seen only in our cases, may be a sign of "early senility." CONCLUSIONS: Optic atrophy is not a constant finding in GAPO syndrome. Glaucoma may accompany the ocular findings. This syndrome has been attributed to either ectodermal dysplasia or the accumulation of extracellular connective tissue matrix, due to an enzyme deficiency involved in its metabolism. Current studies show that an elastin defect and secondary changes in collagen may be important in the pathogenesis of the disease.     

Choroidal structural changes determined by the binarization method after intravitreal aflibercept treatment in neovascular age-related macular degeneration

AIM: To assess the choroidal structural alterations after intravitreal injection of aflibercept in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). METHODS: Fifty eyes with treatment-naïve nAMD were evaluated at baseline, 3rd, and 12th month. Fifty eyes of 50 healthy subjects were also included as controls. Choroidal thickness (CT) was measured in the subfoveal region. Total circumscribed choroidal area (CA), luminal area (LA), stromal area (SA), and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) was calculated using Image J. RESULTS: At baseline, subfoveal CT was increased in nAMD patients compared to controls (P=0.321). Eyes with nAMD had a significantly increased total circumscribed CA and SA (P=0.041, 0.005, respectively). The CVI was decreased (P=0.038). In the 3rd month, the subfoveal CT, LA, and CVI revealed a decrease (P=0.005, P=0.039, 0.043, respectively). In the 12th month, subfoveal CT, LA, and CVI were decreased in comparison to baseline measures (P<0.001, 0.006, 0.010, respectively). CONCLUSION: Significant structural alterations are found after intravitreal aflibercept treatment during the 12-month follow-up, in particular at the third month, in eyes with nAMD.     

Code Status Documentation in the Outpatient Electronic Medical Records of Patients with Metastatic Cancer

BACKGROUND  

Advanced care planning (ACP) is considered an essential component of medical care in the United States, especially in patients with incurable diseases. However, little is known about clinical practices in outpatient oncology settings related to discussing end-of-life care and documenting code status preferences in ambulatory medical records.