Real-time and secure wireless health monitoring.

We present a framework for a wireless health monitoring system using wireless networks such as ZigBee. Vital signals are collected and processed using a 3-tiered architecture. The first stage is the mobile device carried on the body that runs a number of wired and wireless probes. This device is also designed to perform some basic processing such as the heart rate and fatal failure detection. At the second stage, further processing is performed by a local server using the raw data transmitted by the mobile device continuously. The raw data is also stored at this server. The processed data as well as the analysis results are then transmitted to the service provider center for diagnostic reviews as well as storage. The main advantages of the proposed framework are (1) the ability to detect signals wirelessly within a body sensor network (BSN), (2) low-power and reliable data transmission through ZigBee network nodes, (3) secure transmission of medical data over BSN, (4) efficient channel allocation for medical data transmission over wireless networks, and (5) optimized analysis of data using an adaptive architecture that maximizes the utility of processing and computational capacity at each platform.

Second trimester choroid plexus cysts and trisomy 18.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, the aims were to reveal the incidence of isolated choroid plexus cyst in our population, and to discuss the accuracy of distinguishing either an isolated or non-isolated choroid plexus cyst. METHODS: The study population was consisted of 10594 pregnant women. The patients with choroid plexus cysts were classified into two groups: isolated and non-isolated. Detailed ultrasonographic examination and genetic counseling were performed and triple screening test was ordered. The incidence, sensitivity, specificity, false-positive rate and likelihood ratio of cases with isolated choroid plexus cyst for trisomy 18 were determined. RESULTS: Choroid plexus cysts were identified in 109 patients (109/10594; 1.02%). In 102 patients isolated choroid plexus cysts, and in seven patients additional fetal anomalies supporting trisomy 18 were detected. Trisomy 18 was detected in four patients, and one of them had isolated choroid plexus cyst. The likelihood ratio in cases of isolated choroid plexus cysts for trisomy 18 was 9.51 (95% confidence interval, 0.2-41). CONCLUSIONS: According to the study the individual risk for trisomy 18 in isolated choroid plexus cyst should be calculated by using the likelihood ratio. These data allows the physician to express the individual risk of trisomy 18 and permits more accurate genetic counseling.

Evaluation of urethrovesical junction mobility by perineal ultrasonography in stress urinary incontinence.

Perineal ultrasonographic measurements of the cephalocaudal and the ventrodorsal components of urethro-vesical junction (UVJ) movement at rest and stress was performed in 35 patients of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and 20 continent controls. The cephalocaudal distance of UVJ from the pubis at rest position was almost similar in both continent and incontinent groups, but there was significant difference during stress. The cephalocaudal mobility and the ventrodorsal distance from the pubis was markedly different between the two groups, both at rest and during stress. However, the ventrodorsal mobility was similar in both groups. It is concluded that the UVJ mobility of SUI cases was higher on the cephalocaudal axis than the vetrodorsal axis. The distance between UVJ and the pubis was more on the ventrodorsal axis as compared to the control group and UVJ passed down the pubic symphysis in 63% of SUI cases during stress.