RESUMEN

Advances in network and imaging technology, coupled with the availability of 3-D datasets such as the Visible Human, provide a unique opportunity for developing information systems in anatomy that can deliver relevant knowledge directly to the clinician, researcher or educator. A software framework is described for developing such a system within a distributed architecture that includes spatial and symbolic anatomy information resources, Web and custom servers, and authoring and end-user client programs. The authoring tools have been used to create 3-D atlases of the brain, knee and thorax that are used both locally and throughout the world. For the one and a half year period from June 1995-January 1997, the on-line atlases were accessed by over 33,000 sites from 94 countries, with an average of over 4000 "hits" per day, and 25,000 hits per day during peak exam periods. The atlases have been linked to by over 500 sites, and have received at least six unsolicited awards by outside rating institutions. The flexibility of the software framework has allowed the information system to evolve with advances in technology and representation methods. Possible new features include knowledge-based image retrieval and tutoring, dynamic generation of 3-D scenes, and eventually, real-time virtual reality navigation through the body. Such features, when coupled with other on-line biomedical information resources, should lead to interesting new ways for managing and accessing structural information in medicine.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

The computer-based tutorial, "The Cerebral Ventricles," enables the user to review the anatomy, imaging, and common pathologic conditions of the human cerebral ventricular system. The program runs on a workstation that includes a laser videodisk player and a videodisk with 21,000 still images plus motion sequences. By using a mouse to select specific portions of the anatomic diagram depicting the ventricles, the user can review different planes of normal gross anatomy, corresponding computed tomographic and magnetic resonance images of normal anatomy, images of gross specimens of different pathologic entities, and corresponding radiologic images. The motion sequences portion of the program shows reconstructed three-dimensional images of ventricular anatomy and helps the user gain a greater understanding of the complex anatomy as seen from all angles. Subprograms provide more detailed information about anatomic relationships, disease entities, and bibliographic references. "The Cerebral Ventricles" assists radiologists in gaining a greater understanding of the ventricles so that an appropriate differential diagnosis of an intraventricular lesion can be offered when such masses are encountered in clinical practice.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Structural information can be defined as data and knowledge about biological objects ranging in size from molecules to the whole body. A framework is described for organizing structural information around a well-defined set of terminology and semantic relationships, and for disseminating multimedia structural information by means of a wide-area information server that is accessible over the internet. A Macintosh-based client of this server, called the Digital Anatomist Browser, has been used to teach neuroanatomy for the last 2 years. The client-server approach provides each student unlimited access to a rapidly growing knowledge base of structural biology that, while immediately useful for anatomy teaching, has the potential to be an organizing framework for other kinds of medical knowledge as well.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

We describe a multimedia program for teaching anatomy. The program, called the Anatomy Browser, displays cross-sectional and topographical images, with outlines around structures and regions of interest. The user may point to these structures and retrieve text descriptions, view symbolic relationships between structures, or view spatial relationships by accessing 3-D graphics animations from videodiscs produced specifically for this program. The software also helps students exercise what they have learned by asking them to identify structures by name and location. The program is implemented in a client-server architecture, with the user interface residing on a Macintosh, while images, data, and a growing symbolic knowledge base of anatomy are stored on a fileserver. This architecture allows us to develop practical tutorial modules that are in current use, while at the same time developing the knowledge base that will lead to more intelligent tutorial systems.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Our group is creating a database of x-, y-, z- coordinates of central nervous system structures from serial cross-sections. We produce 3D computer images of the brain and its components and record them on videodisc. Useful animations include combining objects from different databases to correct anatomical scale, rendering a surface translucent to reveal underlying components, slicing and paging brain slabs with and without protruding individual objects, and dissecting functional pathways. We are beginning to use videodisc animations of the nervous system in computer-based interactive tutorials.

Asunto(s)

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

A new method of measuring cerebral atrophy using a ratio of brain parenchyma to ventricular and subarachnoid space is described. It uses digitized brain CT. This ratio was measured prospectively on 117 consecutive elderly patients referred for evaluation of cognitive dysfunction. Diagnosis was determined by preestablished criteria and confirmed by follow-up. Despite the improved accuracy and reproducibility of this method, its ability to differentiate persons with senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type (SDAT) from those suffering from pseudodementia was confounded by age, and was hence of limited utility. We conclude that even with sophisticated measures of cerebral atrophy, CT is unable to discriminate among common causes of cognitive dysfunction in the elderly.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

A model of cortical folding in mammals is presented. The model consists of a cube, superimposed on which are straight close-packed gyri, running the length of the cube. The cortex is represented by a thin layer of constant thickness. It proves possible, by adjusting the length, height, and width of the 'gyri' and the thickness of the 'cortex', to obtain a reasonable fit to the available empirical data (which extend over three to four orders of magnitude in brain weight). The model directs attention to possible features of the macroscopic organization of the mammalian brain which are novel and hitherto unremarked.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

A microcomputer-based facility is described that permits the data required for three-dimensional reconstructions to be collected quickly and inexpensively from serial sections. The facility consists of a microcomputer, a digitizer tablet, a graphics terminal, a printer, a plotter, and telephone coupler. Images of serial sections are superimposed on the digitizer tablet. Contours of interest on each section are digitized and the coordinates are stored on "floppy" disks. The problems of putting successive sections in correct register and of taking into account magnification factors are discussed briefly. Use of the facility for high-resolution applications is also considered.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

A settlement of Temiars, an aboriginal tribe residing in the north-eastern jungles of the Malay Peninsula, was selected for a study of their cardiorespiratory fitness. A step-test was used to elicit the Vo2max, V E max and HR max in a group of 19 boys aged 12 to 18 years and 6 men aged 19 - 40 years. The mean VO2max of the boys was found to be 45.9 +/- 6.9 ml-kg-1-min-1 compared with 45.6 +/- 5.4 ml-kg-1-min-1 for the men. The mean V E max, HR max and blood lactate levels were found to be 65.5 +/- 11.31/min and 69.2 +/- 23.71/min; 194 +/- 8 beats/min and 186 +/- 10 beats/min; and 79.8 +/- 13.4 mg% and 97.7 +/- 33.4 mg% respectively. These results are comparable to those obtained in urban populations as well as those found in other primitive communities. Telemetric monitoring of the routine daily physical activity of the men revealed that these jungle dwellers rarely tax their oxygen transport systems in their daily living and their cardiorespiratory functions were similar to communities who do not specifically train for physical fitness.

Asunto(s)

Asunto(s)

Asunto(s)

Asunto(s)

Asunto(s)

Asunto(s)

Asunto(s)

Asunto(s)