K-Train--a computer-based, interactive training program with an incorporated certification system for practicing kinetic perimetry: evaluation of acceptance and success rate.

PURPOSE: To evaluate, in an experimental study, an interactive, computer-based teaching procedure for kinetic perimetry that incorporates an evaluation system for scoring examination technique. METHODS AND SUBJECTS: K-Train was developed and based on the original user interface of the new semi-automated kinetic perimetry (SKP) feature of the OCTOPUS 101 perimeter (HAAG-STREIT, Koeniz, Switzerland). The trainer creates a 3D individual "hill of vision" for a specific pathology and the trainee can individually select target characteristics and independently define origin, end and direction of each kinetic stimulus with the help of vectors. Quality of the perimetric examination can be quantitatively assessed by the ratio of intersection area and union area of the trainee's result and the related trainer-defined original isopter. This ratio and other parameters are used to define a score of "perimetric quality". The general acceptance of K-Train was assessed in 30 participants in two perimetric courses. The success rate was examined by comparing the scores before and after a perimetric training session. RESULTS: The K-Train course was graded by the participants with an average score of 1.35 (range 1-3) in a scoring system ranging from 1=excellent to 6=unsatisfactory. The average perimetric quality score increased from 48 before to 59 (max. 100) after the training (27 trainees) indicating that K-Train was able to achieve and also verify a considerable success rate. CONCLUSION: The acceptance of K-Train, a computer-based, interactive tool that allows for certification, education and quality control of kinetic perimetry, is high. K-Train is capable of improving a trainee's individual performance in kinetic perimetry and of verifying this by an appropriate scoring system.

[Conventional techniques of visual field examination: part 4 Static perimetry: interpretation--perimetric indices--follow-up--perimetry in childhood]. / Konventionelle Perimetrie Teil 4: Statische Perimetrie: Befundauswertung--Indizes--Verlaufskontrolle--Perimetrie im Kindesalter.

Visual field examination with fixed stimuli was first realized in manual static profile perimetry. The transition from a linear stimulus alignment along a profile section towards a two-dimensional arrangement introduced the era of static grid perimetry. Application of computer technology nowadays allows automation and standardization of this procedure, which enables the examiner to select the necessary visual field area, the adequate grid, and the optimal strategy for an estimation of differential luminance sensitivity. Furthermore, the computer independently takes over the recording, visualization, and processing of the perimetric procedure. This contribution discusses conventional static visual field examinations since these are widely used, easily accessible, well established for practical application, and standardized. This paper (part 4) explicitly focuses on the correct interpretation of automated static strategies of visual field examinations. Furthermore the classification and scoring of visual field defects as well as quality control, progression analysis, and perimetry in childhood are addressed. This manuscript is based on three preceding parts, which were published in previous issues of this journal [27, 28, 29].

[Conventional perimetry. Part 3: Static perimetry: grid--strategy--visualisation]. / Konventionelle Perimetrie. Teil 3: Statische Perimetrie: Raster--Strategien--Befunddarstellung.

Methods for visual field examination using static strategies began with manual static profile perimetry. The transition from a linear stimulus alignment along the profile section to a two-dimensional grid arrangement introduced the era of static grid perimetry. The use of computers makes it possible to automate and standardise this process, allowing the examiner to choose the visual field area, an adequate grid and the optimal strategy, while leaving the processing, visualisation and recording completely observer-independent. This contribution is based only on conventional static procedures for visual field examination (the use of white on white perimetry) as this technique is easily accessible, standardised and well established in everyday practice.

[Conventional techniques of visual field examination Part 2: confrontation visual field testing -- kinetic perimetry]. / Konventionelle Perimetrie Teil 2: Konfrontationsperimetrie -- Kinetische Perimetrie.

Evaluation of visual field findings is an essential ophthalmological task. Applying psychophysical principles enables noninvasive (topo-)diagnosis in cases of unexplained visual loss or suspected lesions of the visual pathway. Furthermore, any kind of expert opinion or ability test critically depends on adequate visual field findings. Repeated examinations allow functional follow-up of a disease and assessment of therapeutic efficiency. This paper explicitly focuses on conventional strategies since these are widespread, easily accessible, standardized, and well established in everyday practice over years. Standardized white-on-white perimetry with moving targets (kinetic perimetry) is the major topic of this paper (part 2) in addition to "rough"/preliminary confrontation visual field testing. This review series is aimed at imparting basic concepts in perimetry and psychophysics to ophthalmologists and also addresses interested physicians from other disciplines.

[Conventional perimetry I: introduction--basics]. / Konventionelle Perimetrie. Teil I: Einführung--Grundbegriffe.

Evaluation of visual field findings is an essential ophthalmological task. Applying psychophysical principles enables non-invasive (topo-)diagnostics in case of unexplained visual loss or suspected lesions of the visual pathways. Furthermore, any kind of expert opinion or ability test depends critically on adequate visual field findings. Repeated examinations allow the functional follow-up of a disease and judgement of therapeutic efficiency. This paper is explicitly focused on conventional strategies of visual field examination, since these are widespread, easily accessible, standardized and well established in everyday practice. Part 1 of this continuing education series will mainly impart basic concepts in perimetry and psychophysics. It will also consider indications and the necessary general setup of a perimetric examination. Furthermore, a concept of scotoma classification is explained.

Exclusive measurement of the pp --> pppi(+)pi(-) reaction near threshold.

The pp-->pp pi(+) pi(-) reaction has been measured exclusively near threshold at CELSIUS. The total cross sections are nearly an order of magnitude lower than expected from previous inclusive measurements. The differential cross sections reveal pp-->pp(*)(1440)-->pp sigma = pp(pi(+)pi(-))(I = l = 0) as the dominant process as well as significant contributions from p(*)-->Delta(++)pi(-)-->psigma. The observed anisotropy in the proton angular dependence is consistent with heavy-meson exchange. In the invariant mass spectra, no narrow structures of statistical relevance (3sigma) are found.

[The determination of left ventricular flow rates using single-probe radiocardiography in the steady-state distribution phase]. / Bestimmung der linksventrikulären Strömungsgeschwindigkeiten mit der Einzelsonden-Radiokardiographie in der Phase der Gleichverteilung.

A new procedure of extracting data from measurements by single-probe radionuclide ventriculography is presented which reduces the phase differences during summation of single-beat actions and permits the use of a greater number of single actions for summation. Sum curves so determined are better suited for measurements of ejection fractions, compliance and ventricular blood flow rates.

[Serum concentration and kinetics after i.v.-infusion of 3 g lincomycin (author's transl)]. / Serumkonzentrationen und Kinetik nach Kurzinfusion von Lincomycin.

The pharmacokinetics of lincomycin (Albiotic) were studied in ten healthy male and female volunteers after administration of 1 X 3 g and 2 X 3 g lincomycin i.v., respectively, infused over 60 min. After discontinuing the infusion a mean serum value of lincomycin of 97.5 microgram/ml was measurable. 5 h later the mean serum values were 13.5 microgram/ml and 24 h later 1.6 microgram/ml. After 24 h 72.5% of the drug had been eliminated in the urine of 4 volunteers. The mean serum half-life was 286.3 min with the one-compartment model. The volume of distribution was 78.7 l with the one-compartment model and 25.9 l with the two-compartment model. The area under the curve has the value of 14 805.39 microgram . min . ml-1 and 44 418.9 microgram . min. ml-1 with the one- and two-compartment model, respectively. The mean values for the total renal clearance with the two models were 204.8 and 75.5 ml/min. The importance of high-dose therapy with lincomycin is discussed with respect to the tissue penetration of the substance and possible bactericidal effects, whereas lincomycin in general only acts bacteriostatic.

[Serum concentrations and kinetics after intravenous infusion of four grams of cefazolin (author's transl)]. / Serumkonzentrationen und Kinetik nach Kurzinfusion von vier Gramm Cefazolin.

The pharmacokinetics of cefazolin were studied in 25 males and females after administration of 4 g infused over 60 minutes. The mean microbiologically active concentration of cefazolin in serum five minutes after discontinuing the infusion was 410 microgram/ml, after 60 minutes 190 microgram/ml and after 8 hours 8.5 microgram/ml. After 8 hours 84% of the drug was eliminated in the urine of four of the volunteers. The mean serum half-life was 87.38 minutes in the one compartment model, and the volume of distribution 9.20 1. The area under the curve was 44626.15 microgram.min.ml-1. The mean value for the clearance was 73.5 ml/min. The importance of high dosages of cefazolin in severe infections caused by cefazolin-sensitive organisms is discussed. Side-effects were not observed.