Swept-source optical coherence tomography microsystem with an integrated Mirau interferometer and electrothermal micro-scanner.

In the rapid evolution of gastrointestinal endomicroscopy, optical coherence tomography (OCT) has found many diverse applications. Until recently, the micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems (MOEMS) technology has been playing a key role in shaping the miniaturization of these components. We report here, to the best of our knowledge, a novel endoscopic microsystem. It is based on a spectrally tuned MOEMS Mirau micro-interferometer integrated with micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) electro-thermal micro-scanner, operating in the regime of swept-source (SS) OCT imaging. This Letter validates our initial proof-of-concept toward the development of such MOEMS probe and the presentation of experimental performances of the resulting SS-OCT microsystem.

Internet supported standardized patient information for selfcare.

BACKGROUND: An informed patient is a better partner for the physician than an uninformed one. Such a patient will be more likely to practice effective selfcare, appropriately utilize the health care system, and be prepared to seek and obtain health care services that meet his needs. Objectives. To develop a system of presenting standardized medical information for the general population based on guidelines developed for general practitioners (GPs). METHODS: Guidelines are instruments to be used by GPs to assure comprehensive and consistent enhancement of the quality of care. At the same time, guidelines describe the actions which could be expected by patients in various clinical situations. These materials establish a good basis for the patient's understanding of health care procedures and when and how to utilize health services. These materials will have to be adapted in form, content, and nomenclature in order to be understandable with the background knowledge of the average "citizen". This information for patients is currently being developed in various forms of presentations and applications. The use of web-oriented tools is a priority, because web content offers the patient a very simple and easy way of browsing and searching for the latest relevant information on both basic and advanced/detailed levels, including supporting pictures and animations. Materials are also being developed in other formats such as printed leaflets, audio presentations and videoclips. RESULTS: Web content and printed materials based on clinical guidelines have been created. Focus groups of health professionals and non-professionals were used for evaluation of the materials. General practitioners have tested written materials in practices. CONCLUSIONS: The development and preparation of information and materials for patients has become an integral part of the GP practical guideline development cycle.

The transepidermal oxygen flux from the environment is in balance with the capillary oxygen supply.

It has been known since the nineteenth century that oxygen is taken up by the human skin. With a newly developed sensor it became possible to examine the influence of the vascular supply on the oxygen flux into the skin, tcJ(O2). tcJ(O2) was measured optically by determining the oxygen partial pressure difference, DeltapO2 across a diffusion test membrane, which itself was brought into close contact to the skin surface. Under these conditions DeltapO2 is proportional to the tcJ(O2). The skin perfusion was varied by the application of a hyperemizing ointment on the abdomen of 12 volunteers and by suprasystolic occlusion at the thigh of 20 volunteers. The tcJ(O2) was measured at a temperature of 33 degrees C of the humid skin. It was compared with the skin perfusion monitored by laser Doppler flow, and the capillary oxygen supply measured by transcutaneous partial pressure of oxygen, tcpO2, at an electrode temperature of 37 degrees C. The transcutaneous O2 flux produced a distinct DeltapO2 of 81.8 +/- 8.2 Torr (abdomen) and 72.8 +/- 12.3 Torr (ankle). In hyperemic skin on the abdomen the O2 flux was reduced (DeltapO2 = 57.7 +/- 10.6 Torr). The tcpO2 increased from 8.7 +/- 10.7 to 35.1 +/- 16.9 Torr. During suprasystolic occlusion, DeltapO2 increased by 6.4 +/- 2.3 Torr, whereas laser Doppler flow and tcpO2 decreased significantly. These results indicate that the total oxygen supply of the epidermis and the upper dermis is guaranteed even if the perfusion varies.

[Detection and prevention of mental and motor disorders in childhood. 3. Synopsis of a longitudinal study]. / Detekce a redukce smyslových a motorických poruch v detském veku. 3. Synopse longitudinální studie.

The submitted study is a brief account of theoretical and methodological solutions of a research project "Detection and reduction of sensory and motor disorders in childhood". In this research project the effectiveness of preventive examinations is assessed. It is focused on obtaining objective data on the incidence and prevalence of sensory and motor disorders. The authors describe the strategic aims, organization of data collection and processing. The empirical data should contribute to the rational development of preventive, therapeutic and rehabilitation procedures in paediatrics.

[Prevention and reduction of sensory and motor disorders in childhood. Formulation of the problem]. / Prevence a redukce smyslových a motorických poruch v detském veku. Formulace problému.

At present the Scientific and Research Laboratory of Preventive and Social Medicine is concerned with an extensive longitudinal research "Detection and reduction of sensory and motor disorders". Specialists from various paediatrics disciplines and some 200 health community paediatricians from six districts on the CR and SSR participate in the research. The research comprises children born in these districts in one calendar year. In part 1 the authors give an account of the basis formulation of the research problem and its incorporation within a wider framework. The aim of the research is to reduce the incidence and prevalence of sensory and motor disorders or to test techniques of the early detection of symptoms which signalize the risks of various affections, and to create prerequisites for further improvement of the programme of preventive care of the child population.