Knowledge-based virtualization of human anatomy: development of an interactive atlas of the upper limbs

Introduction: Currently, two types of atlas provide anatomical studies: those with two-dimensional images, and those compiled by interactive pictures; mostly drawn virtually. In recent decades, the development of virtual anatomical atlases has been encouraged and prioritized by both the technological advances and the need to facilitate and complement medical education. The aim of this study was to develop an interactive virtual atlas of the upper limbs. Material and Methods: A systematic dissection of three upper limbs (shoulder, arm, forearm and hand) of legally preserved cadavers in Anatomy Laboratory of São José do Rio Preto Medical School, SP (FAMERP) has been carried out. Results: A website has been developed to facilitate the learning of superficial and deep structures of the limbs comprising ten pictures showing the steps and the various structures and display devices (naming demarcated structures and text with relevant information about these). In addition, the website includes a photo gallery with subtitled images of the dissected upper limbs. Conclusion: In conclusion, virtual study of Anatomy by means of interactive-image display of dissected parts can facilitate and enhance the learning of the upper limbs.(AU)

Influence of Signal Intensity Non-Uniformity on Brain Volumetry Using an Atlas-Based Method

OBJECTIVE: Many studies have reported pre-processing effects for brain volumetry; however, no study has investigated whether non-parametric non-uniform intensity normalization (N3) correction processing results in reduced system dependency when using an atlas-based method. To address this shortcoming, the present study assessed whether N3 correction processing provides reduced system dependency in atlas-based volumetry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Contiguous sagittal T1-weighted images of the brain were obtained from 21 healthy participants, by using five magnetic resonance protocols. After image preprocessing using the Statistical Parametric Mapping 5 software, we measured the structural volume of the segmented images with the WFU-PickAtlas software. We applied six different bias-correction levels (Regularization 10, Regularization 0.0001, Regularization 0, Regularization 10 with N3, Regularization 0.0001 with N3, and Regularization 0 with N3) to each set of images. The structural volume change ratio (%) was defined as the change ratio (%) = (100 x [measured volume - mean volume of five magnetic resonance protocols] / mean volume of five magnetic resonance protocols) for each bias-correction level. RESULTS: A low change ratio was synonymous with lower system dependency. The results showed that the images with the N3 correction had a lower change ratio compared with those without the N3 correction. CONCLUSION: The present study is the first atlas-based volumetry study to show that the precision of atlas-based volumetry improves when using N3-corrected images. Therefore, correction for signal intensity non-uniformity is strongly advised for multi-scanner or multi-site imaging trials.

Atlas de citohistopatología del cervix: una alternativa en el proceso enseñanza-aprendizaje de la asignatura Citodiagnóstico / Cytohistopathology atlas of the cervix: an alternative in the teaching-learning process in the cytodiagnosis subject

La Informática ha tenido en los computadores, un representante primordial para la solución de múltiples problemas educacionales con la utilización del software educativo. La imagen, como parte esencial de éste, es clave en la actividad médica, en el estudio y el diagnóstico citológico de pacientes con múltiples afecciones. Para el tecnólogo de la salud con perfil Citohistopatología, resulta de vital importancia el aprendizaje de procesos citopatológicos cervicovaginales a través de imágenes, pues permite adquirir las habilidades necesarias y perfeccionarlas durante los estudios de pregrado y postgrado respectivamente. A partir de estas consideraciones y con el empleo de las Nuevas Tecnologías de la Informática y las Comunicaciones (NTIC), se elaboró un atlas de Citohistopatología cervicovaginal, utilizando la herramienta informática Macromedia Dreamweaver MX, sustentado en una exhaustiva revisión bibliográfica relacionada con la informática educativa y recursos multimedia(AU)

The Informatics has had in the computers, a primary representative for the solution of multiple educational problems with the utilization of the educational software. The image as essential part of this is key in the medical activity, in the study and patient´s cytological diagnosis with multiple affections. For the technologist of health with profile Cytohistopathology, the learning of cervicovaginal processes though images is very important because it permits to acquire necessary abilities and to make them perfect during the studies of grade and post grade respectively. Starting from these considerations and with the job of New Technologies of Information Technology and the Communications (CINT) a Cervicovaginal Cytopathology´s Atlas using Macromedia Dreamweaver MX tool, sustained in an exhaustive bibliographic related revision with the educational information technology and multimedia resources(AU)

Mental and Social Health Atlas I in Saudi Arabia: 2007-08

Based on the World Health Organization's Mental Health Atlas, the first Mental and Social Health Atlas in Saudi Arabia describes the historical background of mental health and social services in the country and identifies several deficiencies in the system including infrastructure and logistics and lack of epidemiological data. There is now great progress in strategic planning for developing and improving mental health care services across the nation, with suggestions to develop psychiatric services for identified special populations, to establish community mental health care services, to improve research and training in mental health, and to update mental health annual information systems using advanced information technology