Assistance Of Computer Software Research Articles

Computer-Assisted Microcatheter Shaping for Intracranial Aneurysm Embolization.

This study investigates the accuracy, stability, and safety of computer-assisted microcatheter shaping for intracranial aneurysm coiling. Using the solid model, a microcatheter was shaped using computer-assisted techniques or manually to investigate the accuracy and delivery of microcatheter-shaping techniques in aneurysm embolization. Then, forty-eight patients were randomly assigned to the computer-assisted microcatheter-shaping (CAMS) group or the manual microcatheter-shaping (MMS) group, and the accuracy, stability, and safety of microcatheter in the patients were compared between the CAMS and MMS groups. The speed of the successful microcatheter position was significantly faster in the CAMS group than in the MMS group (114.4 ± 23.99 s vs. 201.9 ± 24.54 s, p = 0.015) in vitro. In particular for inexperienced operators, the speed of the microcatheter position with the assistance of computer software is much faster than manual microcatheter shaping (93.6 ± 29.23 s vs. 228.9 ± 31.27 s, p = 0.005). In vivo, the time of the microcatheter position in the MMS group was significantly longer than that in the CAMS group (5.16 ± 0.46 min vs. 2.48 ± 0.32 min, p = 0.0001). However, the mRS score at discharge, the 6-month follow-up, and aneurysm regrowth at the 6-month follow-up were all similar between the groups. Computer-assisted microcatheter shaping is a novel and safe method for microcatheter shaping that introduces higher accuracy in microcatheter shaping during the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Endovascular coiling of intracranial aneurysms can be truly revolutionized through computer assistance, which could improve the endovascular treatment of aneurysms.

Facile preparation of a dual-emission paper-based fluorescent sensor based on carbon quantum dots and rhodamine B for dual-mode detection of Hg2+

In this study, carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and rhodamine B (RhB) were physically mixed to construct a highly selective and sensitive ratiometric fluorescent sensor (CQDs@RhB) for the quantitative and visual detection of Hg2+. After adding Hg2+, the emission peak of CQDs at 445 nm was quenched and the peak of RhB at 575 nm remained unchanged; the ratio of the two emission peaks had a linear relationship with the Hg2+ concentration. The CQDs@RhB had a detection range of 0–15 µM and the limit of detection (LOD) is 65.93 nM and a color change from blue to pink was visible to the naked eye under ultraviolet light. The study revealed a static quenching mechanism of CQDs@RhB. The established method was successfully applied to the detection of Hg2+ in real water and rice samples with satisfactory results. In addition, a portable fluorescent paper-based sensor platform was developed using computer software assistance. The relationship with Hg2+ concentration was constructed by converting the pictures obtained under ultraviolet light to RGB color mode for visualization and quantitative detection of Hg2+. This study provides a valuable strategy for constructing a rapid detection system for Hg2+ in the field.

Computer-assisted intraoral approach in the management of infected comminuted mandibular fractures: Technical notes

In the extraoral approach for mandibular fractures, facial scars and facial nerve injury are common complications. Herein, we introduce an improved surgical technique to reduce fragments of infected comminuted mandibular fractures with the assistance of computer software. Firstly, the model was reset by 3-dimensional (3D) printing, and then the titanium plate was reconstructed on the model. Finally, open reduction and internal fixation through intraoral approach. This method can effectively control infection, reduce facial scars and avoid the risk of facial nerve injury.

The relationship between eating habits, socio-demographic characteristics and body mass index among undergraduate students from two selected universities, Tanzania

Background: Obesity is a current public health concern for both developed and developing countries. Previous studies have demonstrated that, university students exhibit poor eating habits and gain body weight more rapidly than the general population. The aim of this study was to investigate how socio-demographic characteristics and eating habits relate to body mass index (BMI) among undergraduate students from two selected universities in Morogoro region, Tanzania.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Mzumbe University and Jordan University College. Simple and cluster random sampling were used to select 200 students from the two universities. Questionnaire and Anthropometric measurements were used during data collection. One-way ANOVA and multiple linear regressions analysis were deployed with an assistance of computer software called SPSS.Results: The findings showed that each additional healthy eating habit score was insignificantly associated with 0.043 units decrease in BMI (p>0.05). This study found significant associations between mean BMI and female gender, age and place of origin (p<0.05). The results showed that each additional year of age was significantly associated with 0.495 units increase in BMI and female respondents were having 2.168 higher BMI than males. In addition, respondents from rural had significant lower BMI by 1.59 as compared to their urban counterparts.Conclusions: The study concluded that age, gender and place of origin relate with undergraduate student’s BMI significantly. The study recommend that public health planners and implementers should target age, gender, place of origin as well as eating habit during fighting for obesity among undergraduate students.

Vertebral column decancellation in Pott\u2019s deformity: use of Surgimap Spine for preoperative surgical planning, retrospective review of 18 patients

BackgroundIn the late stage of Spinal tuberculosis, the bony destruction and vertebral collapse often leads to significant kyphosis, presenting clinically as a painful gibbus deformity, with increased instability, vertebral body translations and increased risk of neurologic involvement. Vertebral column decancellation is thought to be suitable for most patients with severe rigid kyphosis. Surgimap Spine, could offer a pragmatic graphical method for the surgical planning of osteotomies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Vertebral column decancellation planned preoperatively with the computer software-assistance in the patients with Pott’s kyphosis.MethodsBetween May 2012 and May 2015, 18 patients with Pott’s kyphosis underwent the Vertebral column decancellation using Surgimap Spine for preoperative surgical planning. Preoperative and postoperative Konstam’s angle, sagittal vertical angle, lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, pelvic tilt and pelvic incidence were measured. Visual analog scale and American Spinal Injury Association were documented.ResultsThe Konstam’s angles decreased from 88.1° (range, 70–105°) preoperatively to 18.5° (range, 7–31°) (P < 0.01). All patients reached the physiological limits at the final follow-up. The mean VAS score was reduced from preoperative 7.1 (range, 6–8) to 1.8 (range, 1–3, P < 0.01) and the ODI improved from 65.8% (range, 58–74%) to 20.2% (range, 12–38%, P < 0.01). At final follow-up, there was radiographic evidence of solid fusion at the osteotomy site and fixed segments in all patients. Neurological function improved from ASIA scale D to E in 5 patients. The patients were followed up for 30.4 months on average.ConclusionVertebral column decancellation is an effective treatment option for severe Pott’s kyphosis. The surgical planning software Surgimap Spine can be a reliable and helpful tool that provides a simplified method to evaluate and analyze the spino-pelvic parameters and simulate the osteotomy procedure. According to individual character, the appropriate surgery strategy should be selected.

Y Shape Osteotomy in Ankylosing Spondylitis, a Prospective Case Series with Minimum 2 Year Follow-Up.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of a spinal osteotomy technique, Y shape osteotomy, for correcting kyphosis in AS patients planned preoperatively with computer software-assistance. 36 consecutive AS patients with thoracolumbar kyphosis were treated with one-stage posterior Y shape osteotomy and preoperative surgical planning was done with the aid of the Surgimap Spine. Radiological parameters of simulation and immediate postoperation were documented. Clinical and radiological results were evaluated in the preoperative, the early postoperative periods and during the last follow-up. The lumbar lordosis was found as 40.7 ± 4.1 degrees in the surgical planning and 49.7 ± 3.9 degrees postoperatively (p<0.01). PI-LL was 3.8± 0.9°in the simulation procedure and 6.6± 1.5°postoperatively (p<0.01). At the final follow-up, Global sagittal balance was restored and Both Oswestry Disability Index and Scoliosis Research Society scores improved largely. In conclusion, Y shape osteotomy is a safe and effective treatment option for AS patients with kyphosis deformity.

EPA-0752 – Spirituality in schizophrenia: do patients and healthcare professionals have similar understanding

The special mental states such as hallucination and confusion in schizophrenia have been creating obstacles in research in spirituality in this population. Although primary treatment should focus on symptom management, psychosocial and spiritual care should not be neglected. This study aimed to understand spirituality from the perspectives of both the patients and the healthcare professionals and its role in different stages of disease and rehabilitation. Schizophrenic patients (n=22) and healthcare professionals including psychiatric doctors, nurses, and social workers (n=19) were recruited from an out-patient clinic of a hospital and a mental health rehabilitation complex. Semi-structured interviews on the meaning and experiences of spirituality, and its role in rehabilitation were conducted, with follow-up interviews when further clarification was needed. Interviews were transcribed into verbatim and analyzed with the assistance of computer software based on Ground theory. Trustworthiness was assured through member checking and peer scrutiny. Both patients and professionals regarded spirituality as an inherent part of the patients’ well-being. Spirituality could be a practice, a way of thinking, sense of peace and fulfillment, and connectedness towards oneself, others, and a higher power. Spiritual experiences were helpful in the rehabilitation phase. However, some patients considered spirituality as apparitional experiences, thus hindered their recovery. This study demonstrated that the spirituality played a part in patients’ lives and rehabilitation. Findings suggest the importance of spiritual care in this population and provide insights and roadmap for developing spiritual assessments and holistic care in psychiatric context. This study is supported by RGCGRF / HKU745511H .

Safety Analysis of Combined FMEA and FTA with Computer Software Assistance – Take Photovoltaic Plant for Example

Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) is one of the most widely used method for safety analysis which can find out the effects of failure modes in components and system. Generally, the result of FMEA can be the foundation for more detailed safety analysis like fault tree analysis (FTA), and some computer software is released to assist the data linking, calculating, and documentation. However, with the larger scope and higher demand of hazard analysis in the emerging industry such as semiconductor or photovoltaic (PV) industry, it is difficult and time-consuming to go through the traditional analysis way by manual work to catch the critical element which may play an important role in safety and system, especially in early. The modified safety design and management after analysis are also major topics that can prevent potential risk to happen, but the inspection and modification of documents and data linking are also difficult without automation. This paper introduces the combination way of FMEA and FTA with computer software assistance to solve the problems as listed, and this proposed method is also applied into a manufacture process in a PV plant for case study.

Staying close and reflexive: An explorative and reflexive approach to qualitative research on psychotherapy

Qualitative research has the potential to explore patient and therapist experiences of psychotherapeutic processes, as well as the challenges and opportunities inherent in relational and technical aspects of therapy. This paper examines explorative and reflexive ways of doing qualitative research on psychotherapy, based on the ontological and epistemological premises of hermeneutic phenomenology. An explorative–reflective thematic analysis is presented as a team-based approach, with a firm and transparent structure to the process of finding and interpreting experiential commonalities and differences in empirical material from semi-structured interviews. We use two examples of the interplay between phenomenological exploration and reflexivity from the interviews of two adolescent psychotherapy patients in a research project examining experiences of useful ways to establish a productive therapeutic relationship. A systematic way of conducting explorative–reflexive thematic analysis in a research team and with the assistance of computer software is described and discussed. It is emphasized that the procedures in themselves do not guarantee the result – they will only contribute if they also stimulate self-reflexivity and awareness of the researchers as interpreters of basically ambiguous human experience.

Aging Matters: Humanistic and Transpersonal Approaches to Psychotherapy With Elders With Dementia

The purpose of this study is to discern the relevant and effective components of existential and process-work approaches to the clinical treatment of elderly clients with dementia. This study explores how these specific humanistic and transpersonal approaches to this population’s presenting concerns represent unique alternatives to the mainstream medical model of dementia treatment that pejoratively frames dementia as a mental illness. Ten therapist interns at two of Pacific Institute’s assisted living facilities in San Francisco, CA, were interviewed using open-ended questions designed to elicit detailed accounts of their clinical work using these two therapeutic modalities. The interview transcripts were coded using a qualitative thematic analysis methodology and computer software assistance to identify prominent factors that influenced the therapy, including therapist attitudes, embodiments, clinical conceptualizations, interventions, and impediments to effective treatment. These research results systematically thematize the prominent aspects of existential and process-work approaches in working with older people with mild to advanced symptoms of dementia. It is hoped that this study will inform further exploration of these effective therapeutic modalities in diverse clinical populations and settings.

MR Imaging–guided Breast Localization System with Medial or Lateral Access

To evaluate the degree of error of the authors' magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-guided needle localization system for biopsy of suspicious lesions visualized only with MR imaging, by using both prospectively recorded and retrospectively reviewed data, including MR imaging lesion coordinates as the reference standard, and to determine whether any lesion or breast characteristics affect this error. Institutional review board approval, along with informed consent, was obtained as directed by the board. In 31 patients (age range, 34-64 years; mean age, 54.5 years), 38 wires were placed for 35 lesions by means of an MR-guided needle localization system with medial or lateral access and computer software assistance for needle placement calculation. Needle and wire placement error measurements were calculated before and after necessary placement correction, accounting for tissue shift in the z plane. The error was statistically correlated with MR imaging lesion variables, breast density, and histopathologic findings by means of univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses or two-tailed paired t test. Procedure times and the frequency of medial or lateral approaches were recorded. Eleven of 35 localizations (31%) were medial, and 24 of 35 (69%) were lateral. The mean total magnet time was 61.6 minutes, and the mean needle deployment time was 9 minutes (range, 4-17 minutes). Sixteen of 35 lesions (46%) were malignant (seven ductal carcinoma in situ, six invasive ductal, two invasive lobular, and one lymphoma). The mean uncorrected needle placement error was 1.3 mm (range, 0-6 mm) for the x plane, 2.4 mm (range, 0-6.5 mm) for the y plane, and 5.6 mm (range, 0-15.6 mm) for the z plane. Fourteen of 38 needles (37%) required repositioning for z-plane error. The corrected z-plane error improved to 3.2 mm (range, 0-10.0 mm). Factors that significantly increased the uncorrected error included tissue shift in the z plane (R = 0.7), small lesion size (R = -0.59), and fatty breast density (P = .029). The authors' system is accurate for performing MR-guided needle localizations for both medial and lateral approaches. Factors that increased the uncorrected needle placement error included small lesion size, fatty breast density, and tissue shift in the z plane.