Impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on digital device-related ocular health

Purpose:Since the declaration of the lockdown due to COVID-19, the usage of digital devices has gone up across the globe, resulting in a challenge for the visual systems of all ages. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of the lockdown on digital device usage, and consequently, the ocular surface health implications and circadian rhythm abnormalities related to digital eye strain.Methods:An open online survey was sent through various social media platforms and was open for a period of 2 weeks.Results:A total of 407 usable responses were obtained; the average age of respondents was 27.4 years. Typically, 93.6% of respondents reported an increase in their screen time since the lockdown was declared. The average increase in digital device usage was calculated at about 4.8 ± 2.8 h per day. The total usage per day was found to be 8.65 ± 3.74 hours. Sleep disturbances have been reported by 62.4% of people. Typically, 95.8% of respondents had experienced at least one symptom related to digital device usage, and 56.5% said that the frequency and intensity of these symptoms increased since the lockdown was declared.Conclusion:The study highlighted the drastic increase in use of digital devices after the initiation of the COVID-19 lockdown, and along with it, the slow deterioration of ocular health across all age groups. Awareness about prevention of digital eye strain should be stressed, and going forward, measures to bring these adverse effects to a minimum should be explored.     

The effect of different statistical approaches on image quality data obtained from radiological examinations

IntroductionSelection of optimal image acquisition protocols in medical imaging remains a grey area, the superimposed use of the Likert scale in radiological image quality evaluations creates an additional challenge for the statistical analysis of image quality data.Using a simulation study, we have trialled a novel approach to analysing radiological image quality Likert scale data.MethodsA simulation study was undertaken where simulated datasets were generated based on the distribution of Likert scale values according to varying image acquisition protocols from a real dataset. Simulated Likert scale values were pooled in four different ways; the mean, median, mode and the summation of patient Likert scale values of which the total was assigned a categorical Likert scale value. Estimates of bias, MAPE and RMSPE were then calculated for all four pooling approaches to determine which method most accurately represented an expert's opinion.ResultsWhen compared to an expert's opinion, the method of summation and categorisation of Likert scale values was most accurate 49 times out of the 114 (43.0%) tests. The mean 28 times out of 114 (24.6%), the median 23 times out of 114 (20.2%) and the mode 17 times out of 114 (14.9%).ConclusionWe conclude that our method of summation and categorisation of Likert scale values is most often the best representation of the simulated data compared to the expert's opinion.Implications for practiceThere is scope to reproduce this simulation study with multiple observers to reflect clinical reality more accurately with the dynamic nature of multiple observers. This also prompts future investigation into other anatomical areas, to see if the same methods produce similar results.     

An electronic travel guide for visually impaired – vehicle board recognition system through computer vision techniques

Abstract

Purpose: In the context of assistive technology, mobility takes the meaning of “moving safely, gracefully, and comfortably”.The aim of this article is to provide a system which will be a convenient means of navigation for the Visually Impaired people, in the public transport system.

Method: A blind regular commuter who travels by public transport facility finds difficulty in identifying the vehicle that is nearing the stop. Hence, a real-time system that dynamically identifies the nearing vehicle and informs the commuters is necessary. This paper proposes such a system namely the “Vehicle Board Recognition System” (VBRS). Computer Vision techniques such as segmentation, object recognition, text detection and optical character recognition are utilized to build the system, which will detect, analyze, derive and communicate the information to the passengers.

Results: Thanks to the rapid development in technology, there are several navigation systems both hand held and wearable, available to help visually impaired (VI) people move comfortably both indoor and outdoor. Many blind people are not comfortable in using these devices or they are not affordable for them. Thus the proposed system gives them the comfort of navigation.

Conclusion: This system can be installed in the bus stop to assist the Visually Impaired, from externally rather than their hand held or wearable assistive devices.

• Implications for rehabilitation

• This proposed system will help the visually impaired to

• ensure secure navigation

• be independent of the others

• develop self confidence.

• overcome the training, affordability of wearable/ handheld devices.

     

体视学法在颅内血肿体积测量的应用

目的介绍改进后的体视学法测量颅内血肿体积,并验证其准确性。方法在92例颅内出血的CT图像上,同时运用体视法、CT定量法测量颅内血肿体积,以CT定量法的结果为标准验证体视法的准确性。结果按血肿体积大小分为5组,各组CT定量法、体视学法所测得体积采用配对样本的t检验分析P值皆大于0.05,即CT定量法、体视学法所测血肿体积无统计学差异。结论体视学法测量颅内血肿准确可靠,在CT工作站对颅内血肿病例行胶片打印排版时,在图像上加上合适的网格,可方便临床医生快速运用体视法准确测量颅内血肿体积。     

Adverse events due to unnecessary radiation exposure in medical imaging reported in Finland

IntroductionAdverse events in radiology are quite rare, but they do occur. Radiation safety regulations and the law obligate organizations to report certain adverse events, harm and near misses, especially events related to patients' health and safety. The aim of this study was to describe and analyse incidents related to radiation safety issues reported in Finland.MethodsThe data were collected from incident reports documented by radiology personnel concerning notifications of abnormal events in medical imaging made to the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority between 2010 and 2017. During these eight years, 312 reports were submitted. Only events reported from radiology departments were included; nuclear medicine, radiotherapy and animal radiology cases were excluded. The final number of reports was 293 (94%).ResultsThe majority of the 293 approved reports were related to computed tomography (CT, 68.3%) and to X-ray examinations (27.6%). Altogether 82.9% of those irradiated were adults, most of whom were exposed to unnecessary radiation through CT (86.5%), 5.5% were children, and 4.4% pregnant women. The most common effective dose of unnecessary radiation was 1 mSv or less (89.7% of all examinations). The highest effective doses were reported in CT (from under 1 mSv–20 mSv and above). The reasons for the adverse events were incorrect identification (32%), incorrect procedure, site or side (30%); and human errors or errors of knowledge (20%).ConclusionAdverse events occurred especially in CT examinations. It is important to collect and analyse incident data, assess the harmful events, learn from them and aim to reduce adverse events.Implications for practiceThis study emphasizes the need for radiological personnel to obtain evidence-based information on adverse events and focus on training to improve patient safety.     

Computer Assisted Clinical Assessment

The number and range of computer-based assessment procedures for children and young people have increased greatly over the past few years. Over this time as well, other technological advances have occurred with a potential for application in services for young people. This paper provides an overview of the range of applications of relevance to practitioners, with a focus on assessment. Some of the benefits and disadvantages of computerised procedures for test administration and report writing are considered. The paper concludes with an examination of the issue of access to tests and some of the implications of the introduction of other new technologies.     

发展中的国际计算机辅助骨科手术协会

国际计算机辅助骨科手术协会(CAOS-International)是目前致力于计算机辅助骨科手术(CAOS)临床应用和相关生物医学工程技术研究的国际性学术组织。协会通过每年举办学术年会,召集世界各地的骨科医生、工程师及医疗器械厂商探讨CAOS的应用现状和未来发展趋势。其深远目标是通过会议讨论,交换研究和临床信息,并通过计算机辅助系统帮助术前计划、术中操作和术后评估。协会的宗旨是促进骨科医生与技术人员间的合作,使CAOS系统成为临床日常应用的有利工具和有用技术。协会成立迄今已有5年历史,通过国际间的学术交流和各相关学科的技术融合,极大地推动了CAOS技术的发展和普及。中国的CAOS研究还处于起步阶段,积极参加CAOS-International的学术活动,了解有关信息,将有助于及时跟踪国际学术动态,推动相关研究。     

CT扫描及超声内镜术前评价进展期食管癌

目的比较胸部螺旋CT增强扫描及微探头超声内镜 (MPS)检查在评价进展期食管癌中的价值。方法 :32例进展期食管癌术前行CT扫描和MPS检查并与术后病理学比较。结果 :CT扫描能发现 84 .4 %的食管癌病灶 ,但不能准确诊断癌肿浸润深度 ,诊断纵隔结构受侵准确率 75 % ,发现区域淋巴结转移的敏感性90 .9% ,特异性 81.8% ,对纵隔内远处淋巴结转移诊断准确率 80 %。MPS检查能检出所有病例的进展期食管癌病灶 ,癌肿浸润深度诊断准确率 81.3% ,诊断纵隔结构受侵准确率 5 0 % ,诊断区域淋巴结转移敏感性81.8% ,特异性 72 .7% ,而对纵隔内远处转移的淋巴结均未能探及。结论 :CT扫描在评价进展期食管癌纵隔内结构受侵及远处淋巴结转移的意义较大。而MPS检查在判断癌肿管腔浸润深度的准确率较高。