The effect of case-based discussion of topics with experts on learners' opinions: implications for spinal education and training.

Purpose: This investigation aimed to examine the extent to which case-based discussion with experts could influence the audience's opinions on the treatment of patients during a continuing medical education event for spine surgeons.

Methods: We conducted a prospective controlled crossover study of 90 surgeons. During a continuing medical education activity using case-based discussion, quiz questions were used which asked participants (attendants and faculty group) their opinions on the best choices about diagnosis and treatment in a number of cases.

The effect of case-based discussion of topics with experts on learners' opinions: implications for spinal education and training.

Purpose: This investigation aimed to examine the extent to which case-based discussion with experts could influence the audience's opinions on the treatment of patients during a continuing medical education event for spine surgeons.

Methods: We conducted a prospective controlled crossover study of 90 surgeons. During a continuing medical education activity using case-based discussion, quiz questions were used which asked participants (attendants and faculty group) their opinions on the best choices about diagnosis and treatment in a number of cases.

A brain-actuated wheelchair: asynchronous and non-invasive Brain-computer interfaces for continuous control of robots.

Objective: To assess the feasibility and robustness of an asynchronous and non-invasive EEG-based Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) for continuous mental control of a wheelchair.

Methods: In experiment 1 two subjects were asked to mentally drive both a real and a simulated wheelchair from a starting point to a goal along a pre-specified path. Here we only report experiments with the simulated wheelchair for which we have extensive data in a complex environment that allows a sound analysis.

Context-based filtering for assisted brain-actuated wheelchair driving.

Controlling a robotic device by using human brain signals is an interesting and challenging task. The device may be complicated to control and the nonstationary nature of the brain signals provides for a rather unstable input. With the use of intelligent processing algorithms adapted to the task at hand, however, the performance can be increased.

Vibrotactile feedback for brain-computer interface operation.

To be correctly mastered, brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) need an uninterrupted flow of feedback to the user. This feedback is usually delivered through the visual channel. Our aim was to explore the benefits of vibrotactile feedback during users' training and control of EEG-based BCI applications.

Preliminary experimentation on vibrotactile feedback in the context of mu-rhythm based BCI.

Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) need an uninterrupted flow of feedback to the user, which is usually delivered through the visual channel. Our aim is to explore the benefits of vibrotactile feedback during users' training and control of EEG-based BCI applications. An experimental setup for delivery of vibrotactile feedback, including specific hardware and software arrangements, was specified.

Maintenance of graft compression in the adult cervical spine.

It is generally advised that the graft inserted in adult cervical spine should be pre-loaded with a compressive force or that the screws are inserted in a divergent orientation, in order to maximise compression and the chance of graft incorporation (Truumees et al. in Spine 28:1097-1102, 2003). However, there is little evidence that a compressive force is maintained once the force applicator has been removed, or that the divergent screws enhance compression.

A preliminary study of reliability of impedance measurement to detect iatrogenic initial pedicle perforation (in the porcine model).

Accidental perforation of the vertebral pedicle wall is a well-known complication associated with standard approach of pedicle screw insertion. Depending on detection criteria, more than 20% of screws are reported misplaced. Serious clinical consequences, from dysesthesia to paraplegia, although not common, may result from these misplaced screws.

The thyroid-system function in preterm infants of postmenstrual ages of 31 weeks or less: evidence for a "transient lazy thyroid system".

A prospective study was conducted in order to evaluate thyroid function in 20 healthy and 18 sick preterm infants with postmenstrual ages of 31 weeks or less. The clinical condition of both groups was compared using a "Neonatal Special Care Evolution Score". The effect of thyroid hormone treatment, given from D10 on to the sick infants, was also studied.