A system for interactive film analysis.

An interactive, minicomputer system has been constructed for analyzing dynamic phenomena recorded on movie film in a developmental biology laboratory. The minicomputer interfaces a stop-motion, variable speed projector, a digitizing pen, and real-time graphics display equipment. An analyst uses the pen to digitize features in a film, e.g. by following a cell. A computer-generated animation portraying all data entered is superimposed on the film image and synchronized with it. Noteworthy system features include: image overlays on a large screen, data entry with the projector running, large data capacity, computer control of the projector, and convenient data entry tools.     

Computer animated films for teaching

Longitudinal bone growth results from cell division and maturation in the cartilage growth plates. Computer animated films of this process have been made using the DIMFILM facility of the University of London Computer Centre. The parameters used to define the drawing of each frame in the sequences were obtained from a master programme. This simulation was based on cell kinetic data from growing rats under normal and irradiated conditions. The films have been used to aid students in their understanding of the dynamics of bone growth.     

缝隙连接在失血性休克大鼠缺血性脑损伤延生复苏中的作用

目的 探讨缝隙连接在失血性休克大鼠缺血性脑损伤延生复苏中的作用.方法 采用出血未控制失血性休克+双侧颈动脉夹闭的方式制备模型.将制成模型的24只SD大鼠随机分为3组(n=8):传统复苏组(Ⅰ组),低温延生复苏组(Ⅱ组)和甘珀酸延生复苏组(Ⅲ组).模拟救援过程,将各动物模型分为创伤失血期(1期)、院前救援期(2期)、院内复苏期(3期)3个时期.分别记录各时点的LVSP、±dp/dtmax、MAP、HR、RR,记录大鼠输血复苏后的存活时间.取大鼠左侧脑组织观察大体标本,并取0.2 g测定ATP(化学发光法)、肿瘤坏死因子-α、白介素-6(ELISA 法);取海马区脑组织0.2 g测定凋亡细胞百分数.结果 低温延生复苏可以显著增加复苏后的存活时间(P＜0.01),减少ATP的损耗(P＜0.05),减少炎症因子的释放(P＜0.05),显著减少海马区细胞的凋亡(P＜0.01);而甘珀酸延生复苏虽然能够显著增加复苏后的存活时间(P＜0.01)、维持较高的ATP水平和减少海马区细胞的凋亡(P＜0.05),但不能减少所有炎症因子的释放.结论 低温及甘珀酸延生复苏的效果显著优于传统复苏,缝隙连接阻断剂可产生与低温相似的脑保护效果,缝隙连接在失血性休克大鼠缺血性脑损伤延生复苏中具有重要作用.     

基于Matlab距骨快速图像分割与动画生成的算法

背景：骨科手术导航是利用计算机和机器视觉技术,使医师在计算机屏幕的指导下完成接骨手术。为了后续定位工作的开展,首先必须基于CT图像序列在计算机上对下肢骨进行图像分割、三维重建和动画显示,并对其位姿进行测量。 目的：在计算机上快速自动地实现距骨图像的分割、三维可视化及动画显示,为建立新型的足部手术导航系统搭建计算机显示平台。 方法：基于足部CT图像序列,提出下列算法并采用Matlab编程实现：①基于最大熵原则对足部图像进行阈值分割以提取其中所有足部骨骼。②将形态学算法与Live-wire算法相结合快速自动地从该足部骨骼图像中分割出距骨。③利用移动立方体法对距骨表面进行三维重建。④采用图形学函数生成与显示距骨旋转的动画场景。 结果与结论：实验结果表明,上述算法准确度高且以较少的时间在普通 PC机上实现了距骨的三维可视化工作,可应用于足部手术导航的计算机显示平台中。     

Engager les personnes âgées dans l’acte alimentaire : les pratiques du personnel en EHPAD

This article aims at understanding the representations and the practices of professionals working in nursing home when setting up actions to engage the resident in the feeding act. The process of engaging in the feeding act is not only looked for improving satisfaction and fulfilling nutritional needs, but also for a more general benefit, around conviviality and well-being (mental and physical). To carry out this study, a survey was achieved among 20 people working in nursing home. These semi-structured interviews gave rise to an analysis through the prism of a SWOT matrix (Strengths – Weaknesses – Opportunities – Threats) in order to identify the determinants favoring or preventing these actions. This article allows the identification of levers in favor of these actions, in particular the adaptability of the actions to residents’ capacities, collective communication and sufficient human and financial resources. This article also underlines the difficulties encountered by the staff in the implementation of these actions. These difficulties go beyond the strict framework of meals, but relate to organizational, economic and human dimensions. However, if these difficulties can be overcome, the benefits are not only nutritional but also physical, cognitive and relational. Finally, this work questions the notions of commitment and empowerment in an institution.     

Animation or leaflet: Does it make a difference when educating young people about genome sequencing?

ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of an animation against two leaflets with and without images, in educating young people about genome sequencing (GS).MethodsAn experimental survey with three assessment points (pre- intervention [T1], post – intervention [T2], 6-week follow-up [T3]). Participants (N = 606) were randomly assigned to receive one of three educational interventions; animation (n = 212); leaflet with images (n = 197); or leaflet with text only (n = 197). Measures of objective and subjective knowledge were completed at T1 (N = 606), T2 (N = 606) and T3 (N = 459). Measures of attitudes, intentions and beliefs towards GS and satisfaction with intervention were completed at T2 only.ResultsThe type of educational intervention young people received had no significant impact on their objective or subjective knowledge at both T2 and T3 (all p > .05), nor did the educational intervention type affect their attitudes, intentions and beliefs towards GS at T2 (p > .05). However, participant satisfaction was significantly higher in the animation group than the leaflet groups (p < .001).ConclusionAnimations and leaflets are both effective ways to deliver genomic education to young people, but the animations lead to higher satisfaction.Practice implicationsDifferent individuals may find different modes of educational resources more accessible than others. Therefore a range of resources should ideally be made available to patients.     

3-D imaging and quantitative comparison of human dentitions and simulated bite marks

This study presents a technique developed for 3-D imaging and quantitative comparison of human dentitions and simulated bite marks. A sample of 42 study models and the corresponding bites, made by the same subjects in acrylic dental wax, were digitised by laser scanning. This technique allows image comparison of a 3-D dentition with a 3-D bite mark, eliminating distortion due to perspective as experienced in conventional photography. Cartesian co-ordinates of a series of landmarks were used to describe the dentitions and bite marks, and a matrix was created to compare all possible combinations of matches and non-matches using cross-validation techniques. An algorithm, which estimated the probability of a dentition matching its corresponding bite mark, was developed. A receiver operating characteristic graph illustrated the relationship between values for specificity and sensitivity. This graph also showed for this sample that 15% of non-matches could not be distinguished from the true match, translating to a 15% probability of falsely convicting an innocent person.     

Computer visualisation of the moving human lumbar spine

Disorders of the spine which lead to back pain are often mechanical in origin and, despite extensive research, diagnosis of the underlying cause remains problematical, yet back pain is one of the most common rheumatological symptoms presented to the general practitioner. Diagnosis must frequently be based upon evidence gathered at the segmental level which invariably means that imaging is used in the process. In addition, surgical fixation is increasingly used when the spinal column is considered to exhibit instability. A solid model of the spine creates the possibility of visualising spine motion, of assessing the effects of loading of the spinal column in conjunction with finite element analysis to investigate the consequences of vertebral fusion, and of planning surgical intervention. Such a model could also be valuable in medical education and for demonstrating spine motion to a patient to highlight abnormalities or the effects of treatment.

This paper describes a three-dimensional visualisation of the human lumbar spine which runs on a personal computer operating under the Windows environment. The user interface enables the clinician to select the viewpoint for the spine model to allow the motion to be studied from different angles. Motion data are currently acquired from fluoroscopic image sequences but the model could be used to display data from different imaging modalities when they are developed sufficiently for spine motion studies.     

Do parents of adolescent patients undergoing fixed appliance treatment recall more information using written material or an animated video? A randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesThis “2-arm parallel” trial investigated the recall of information pertinent to obtaining informed consent of parents of orthodontic patients using; either written material and verbal support or an animation.Materials and methodsParents of patients, aged 12–18 years, about to undergo fixed applaince treatment, were randomized to either receive information by leaflet or by watching an animation. The parents were asked a series of open-ended questions immediately and one year later. The outcome measure was the total median questionnaire score immediately (T₀) and one year later (T₁). A Mann Whitney U test was performed to test for differences between T₀ and T₁.Results31 parents were randomized into the leaflet group and 33 in to the animation group. The median leaflet group score was 81 (IQR = 27) at the time of consent (T₀) and 87 (IQR = 29) a year later (T₁), compared to a median score of 76 (IQR = 23) for the animation group at T₀ and 87 (IQR = 32) at T_1. Statistically, there was no difference in the questionnaire score at (T₀) (p = 0.567) and at (T₁) (p = 0.522). The average time spent with the clinician in the leaflet group was an additional 9 min in the animation group.ConclusionThe use of a leaflet and verbal information or an animation are equivalent in providing information to the parents of orthodontic patients. The use of an animation reduces the clinical time needed to deliver the information.     

Multimedia presentation of radiological image data using the internet

Summary Aim: Recent developments of the Internet (World Wide Web) allow the integration of audio, video, digital film sequences, and three-dimensional data. The applicability of these innovations for medical documentation is demonstrated. Methods: Our existing software for medical image processing and 3D reconstruction was extended to provide images, film sequences, and complex 3D models in an Internet-compatible data format. Results: The multimedia results of the image processing were integrated into Internet documents. Specialized programs are no longer necessary for visualization. The Internet software allows for user-friendly handling and interactive presentation of the 2D and 3D data. Conclusions: The Internet offers public-domain software for display of images, audio/video, and 3D data. Thus, the tools of the Internet represent an ideal basis for local hospital information systems, computer-aided medical education, and teleconferencing. Eingegangen am 16. September 1996 Nach überarbeitung angenommen am 11. November 1996