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Accurate Interpretation (accurate + interpretation)
Selected AbstractsScarring alopecia and the dermatopathologistJOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 7 2001Leonard C. Sperling Background: The evaluation of patients with cicatricial alopecia is particularly challenging, and dermatopathologists receive little training in the interpretation of scalp biopsy specimens. Accurate interpretation of specimens from patients with hair disease requires both qualitative (morphology of follicles, inflammation, fibrosis, etc.) and quantitative (size, number, follicular phase) information. Much of this data can only be obtained from transverse sections. In most cases, good clinical/pathologic correlation is required, and so clinicians should be expected to provide demographic information as well as a brief description of the pattern of hair loss and a clinical differential diagnosis. Results: The criteria used to classify the various forms of cicatricial alopecia are relatively imprecise, and so classification is controversial and in a state of evolution. There are five fairly distinctive forms of cicatricial alopecia: 1) chronic, cutaneous lupus erythematosus (discoid LE); 2) lichen planopilaris; 3) dissecting cellulitis (perifolliculitis abscedens et suffodiens); 4) acne keloidalis; and 5) central, centrifugal scarring alopecia (follicular degeneration syndrome, folliculitis decalvans, pseudopelade). Not all patients with cicatricial alopecia can be confidently assigned to one of these five entities, and "cicatricial alopecia, unclassified" would be an appropriate label for such cases. Conclusion: The histologic features of five forms of cicatricial alopecia are reviewed. Dermatopathologists can utilize a "checklist" to catalog the diagnostic features of scalp biopsy specimens. In many, but not all, cases the information thus acquired will "match" the clinical and histologic characteristics of a form of cicatricial alopecia. However, because of histologic and clinical overlap between the forms of cicatricial alopecia, a definitive diagnosis cannot always be rendered. [source] Maximum likelihood constrained deconvolution.CONCEPTS IN MAGNETIC RESONANCE, Issue 6 2002I: Algorithm, qualitative, quantitative enhancement in synthetic two-dimensional NMR spectra Abstract The maximum likelihood method is a constrained iterative spectral deconvolution technique in which a spectral fitting model is determined by minimizing the variance of fit in the time domain in a nonlinear iterative manner. Application of this method to synthetic 2-dimensional (2-D) NMR spectra, which have heavily overlapped multiplets associated with low signal to noise ratios, yields contrast-enhanced spectra with simultaneous noise suppression and resolution improvement. This protocol greatly facilitates peak recognition and often partitions overlapping multiplets into individual components, leading to a more accurate interpretation of resonance frequencies, coupling constants, and multiplets than does the conventional apodization or Fourier transform method. These advantages are useful for constructing reliable 3-D molecular structures for complex molecular systems. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson 14: 402,415, 2002 [source] Insulin treatment and cardiovascular disease; friend or foe?DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 2 2005A point of view Abstract Background Several observational studies have shown that higher insulin levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. If higher endogenous insulin levels are causally related to cardiovascular disease, one might expect an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in patients treated with insulin, as this results in high circulating insulin levels. Such risk elevation might counteract the benefits of tight glucose control. Our objective was to explore the relationship between insulin therapy and cardiovascular disease in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus using information from available literature. Summary of comment Several experimental studies in animals and humans support the presence of a harmful effect of insulin on the vascular endothelium. In prospective follow-up studies increased insulin dosage was associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, although confounding by indication could not be excluded. Randomized controlled trials in diabetic patients, comparing conventional with intensive glucose-lowering treatment, although showing a reduction in microvascular disease, showed no significant difference in the incidence of cardiovascular disease. The results with respect to exposure to insulin are, however, difficult to interpret due to insufficient information on exposure to insulin levels as well as confounding by glycaemic control and body mass index. In addition, these studies were not designed to address the question whether higher insulin use relates to increased cardiovascular risk. Conclusion Published research provides conflicting evidence as to whether exposure to high levels of exogenous insulin in diabetes mellitus affects the risk of cardiovascular disease. The currently available studies have a number of serious methodological restraints that limit accurate interpretation and conclusions in this area. [source] Evaluation of effluent toxicity as an indicator of aquatic life condition in effluent-dominated streams: A pilot studyINTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT, Issue 4 2008Jerry Diamond Abstract The types and quality of data needed to determine relationships between chronic whole effluent toxicity (WET) test results and in-stream biological condition were evaluated using information collected over a 1.5-y period from 6 different sites across the United States. A data-quality-objectives approach was used that included several proposed measurement quality objectives (MQOs) that specified desired precision, bias, and sensitivity of methods used. The 6 facilities used in this study (4 eastern and 2 western United States) all had design effluent concentrations >60% of the stream flow. In addition to at least quarterly chronic Ceriodaphnia dubia, Pimephales promelas (fathead minnow), and Selenastrum capricornutum (green algae) WET tests, other tests were conducted to address MQOs, including splits, duplicates, and blind positive and negative controls. Macroinvertebrate, fish, and periphyton bioassessments were conducted at multiple locations upstream and downstream of each facility. The test acceptance criteria of the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) were met for most WET tests; however, this study demonstrated the need to incorporate other MQOs (minimum and maximum percent significant difference and performance on blind samples) to ensure accurate interpretation of effluent toxicity. More false positives, higher toxicity, and more "failed" (noncompliant) tests were observed using no-observed-effect concentration (NOEC) as compared to the IC25 endpoint (concentration causing ,25% decrease in organism response compared to controls). Algae tests often indicated the most effluent toxicity in this study; however, this test was most susceptible to false positives and high interlaboratory variability. Overall, WET test results exhibited few relationships with bioassessment results even when accounting for actual effluent dilution. In general, neither frequency of WET noncompliance nor magnitude of toxicity in tests were significantly related to differences in biological condition upstream and downstream of a discharge. Periphyton assessments were most able to discriminate small changes downstream of the effluent, followed by macroinvertebrates and fish. Although sampling methods were robust, more replicate samples collected upstream and downstream of each facility were needed to increase detection power. In general, macroinvertebrate and periphyton assessments together appeared to be sufficient to address project objectives. [source] The psychosocial spiritual experience of elderly individuals recovering from stroke: a systematic reviewINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EVIDENCE BASED HEALTHCARE, Issue 2 2008Marianne Lamb RN Abstract Objectives, The objective of this review was to appraise and synthesise best available evidence on the psychosocial spiritual experience of elderly individuals recovering from stroke. Inclusion criteria, This review considered qualitative studies whose participants were adults, mean age of 65 years and older, and who had experienced a minimum of one stroke. Studies were included that described the participant's own experience of recovering from stroke. Search strategy, The search strategy sought to find both published and unpublished studies and papers, not limited to the English language. An initial limited search of MEDLINE and CINAHL was undertaken followed by an analysis of text words contained in the title and abstract, and of index terms used to describe the article. A second extensive search was then undertaken using all identified key words and index terms. Methodological quality, Each paper was assessed by two independent reviewers for methodological quality prior to inclusion in the review using the Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (QARI) developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Disagreements were resolved through consultation with a third reviewer. Data collection, Information was extracted from each paper independently by two reviewers using the data extraction tool from QARI developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Disagreements were resolved through consultation with a third reviewer. Data synthesis, Data synthesis aimed to portray an accurate interpretation and synthesis of concepts arising from the selected population's experience during their recovery from stroke. Results, A total of 35 studies were identified and of those 27 studies were included in the review. These qualitative studies examined the perceptions of elderly individuals who had experienced a stroke. Findings were analysed using JBI-QARI. The process of meta-synthesis using this program involved categorising findings and developing synthesised topics from the categories. Four syntheses were developed related to the perceptions and experiences of stroke survivors: sudden unexpected event, connectedness, reconstruction of life and life-altering event. Conclusion, The onset and early period following a stroke is a confusing and terrifying experience. The period of recovery involves considerable psychological and physical work for elderly individuals to reconstruct their lives. For those with a spiritual tradition, connectedness to others and spiritual connection is important during recovery. The experience of stroke is a life-altering one for most elderly individuals, involving profound changes in functioning and sense of self. [source] Histologic mimickers of mycosis fungoides: a reviewJOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 7 2007Kavitha Reddy Because MF develops slowly over several years and may have a variety of clinical presentations, including itchy patches, plaques or tumors that may be confused with common benign conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, the disease presents a diagnostic challenge. The average time to diagnosis varies but is frequently as long as 3 to 6 years. Skin biopsies frequently reveal non-specific features of several dermatoses; thus, histologic evaluation of the disease is also challenging. Importantly, various significant and/or benign conditions may mimic MF histologically and result in a misdiagnosis of MF. Here we review the reported histologic mimickers of MF and discuss both similar and differentiating features of each, in order to aid in more accurate interpretation of diagnostically challenging skin biopsies. Clinicopathologic correlation is ultimately essential to make accurate diagnosis of MF and its histologic mimickers. [source] Frequent Hemorrhagic Lesions in Cerebral Toxoplasmosis in AIDS PatientsJOURNAL OF NEUROIMAGING, Issue 2 2009Satyakam Bhagavati MD ABSTRACT Cerebral toxoplasmosis is a frequent complication in immunosuppressed patients such as AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Frequently, lesions are located deep in the brain which are inaccessible for biopsy making rapid diagnosis dependent on accurate interpretation of neuroimaging findings. The commonest cranial CT findings reported in toxoplasmosis are ring enhancing hypodense lesions in basal ganglia or cortical gray matter. Hemorrhage has only rarely been described and is usually seen following antitoxoplasma treatment. We reviewed the records of 11 AIDS patients with cerebral toxoplasmosis and found multiple hemorrhagic cerebral, cerebellar, or brain stem lesions in 7 of 11 patients. Six patients had hemorrhage at the time of initial clinical presentation and one developed hemorrhage following 2 weeks of antitoxoplasma treatment. We conclude that hemorrhagic lesions are frequently found on cranial MRI scans in cerebral toxoplasmosis. AIDS patients presenting with hemorrhagic cerebral lesions should be considered for a trial of presumptive antitoxoplasma treatment. [source] Factors Affecting How Second Language Spanish Students Derive Meaning from ContextMODERN LANGUAGE JOURNAL, Issue 2 2003Diana Frantzen Although first language (L1) and second language (L2) research has indicated that the meanings of unknown words can be derived from the contexts in which they occur, research has also found limitations to the value of context. Using data gathered in a classroom experiment on L2 vocabulary acquisition (Frantzen, 1998), the present study sought to determine some of the reasons why the context in which a word appears does not always lead a language learner to an accurate interpretation of its meaning. It expands the existing research by using a natural, intact, unmanipulated text as the context (an aspect underrepresented in current L2 word inferencing literature). Analysis of the students' answers, their self,reported guessing strategies, the contexts in which the words appeared, and the text's glossing revealed that the "blame" for the incorrect answers may be placed on: (a) the context itself, (b) the students' behavior, and in a minor way (c) the story's glossing. Numerous patterns are presented and discussed in light of other L1 and L2 research and new patterns are reported. [source] Derivational Morphological Analysis as a Strategy for Vocabulary Acquisition in SpanishMODERN LANGUAGE JOURNAL, Issue 2 2003Regina Morin Although first language (L1) and second language (L2) research has indicated that the meanings of unknown words can be derived from the contexts in which they occur, research has also found limitations to the value of context. Using data gathered in a classroom experiment on L2 vocabulary acquisition (Frantzen, 1998), the present study sought to determine some of the reasons why the context in which a word appears does not always lead a language learner to an accurate interpretation of its meaning. It expands the existing research by using a natural, intact, unmanipulated text as the context (an aspect underrepresented in current L2 word inferencing literature). Analysis of the students' answers, their self,reported guessing strategies, the contexts in which the words appeared, and the text's glossing revealed that the "blame" for the incorrect answers may be placed on: (a) the context itself, (b) the students' behavior, and in a minor way (c) the story's glossing. Numerous patterns are presented and discussed in light of other L1 and L2 research and new patterns are reported. [source] Finding our way in the darkTHE JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 1 2005John Beebe Abstract:, Accepting the common lay definition of nightmare as any form of upsetting, dreamlike cognition occurring in the midst of sleep, the author argues for a classification of nightmares that would be based, not on physiological findings, but on what the upsetting nocturnal occurrence turns out to mean to the dreamer. Three types of nightmare identified on this basis are illustrated through dream sequences from classic Hollywood movies and amplified by clinical examples: (1) the dream that symbolizes the next stage of life as unusually daunting, (2) the dream that exposes the shadow of another person in a shocking way, and (3) the ,empathy dream', in which the dreamer experiences directly the anxieties of another subject. It is suggested that the accurate interpretation of a particular upsetting dream depends upon which type of nightmare the dream turns out to be. [source] Microsatellite allele sequencing in population analyses of the South American cactophilic species Drosophila antonietae (Diptera: Drosophilidae)BIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY, Issue 3 2010LUCIANA P. B. MACHADO Drosophila antonietae belongs to the Drosophila buzzatii cluster, a cactophilic group of species naturally endemic to South America. Morphological and genetic analyses indicate that its populations are the most homogenous in the cluster and that the diversity observed is mainly a result of variation within populations. Seven polymorphic microsatellite loci were described for this species and used in the present study to investigate the genetic diversity of natural populations of D. antonietae by both length and sequence variation. The study aimed to understand how homoplasy and null alleles affect inferences about the population history of this species and to obtain an accurate interpretation of population inferences where these loci could be applied. The results provide useful information on the interpretation of genetic data derived from the microsatellite loci described for D. antonietae and on evolutionary aspects of cactophilic Drosophila. Importantly, the results indicate that size homoplasy and null alleles do not represent significant problems for the population genetics analyses because the large amount of variability at microsatellite loci compensate the low frequency of these problems in the populations. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 100, 573,584. [source] A brief study of applications of the generalized reciprocal method and of some limitations of the methodGEOPHYSICAL PROSPECTING, Issue 5 2000Bengt Sjögren An analysis of the generalized reciprocal method (GRM), developed by Palmer for the interpretation of seismic refraction investigations, has been carried out. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the usefulness of the method for geotechnical investigations in connection with engineering projects. Practical application of the GRM is the main object of this study rather than the theoretical/mathematical aspects of the method. The studies are partly based on the models and field examples presented by Palmer. For comparison, some other refraction interpretation methods and techniques have been employed, namely the ABC method, the ABEM correction method, the mean-minus-T method and Hales' method. The comparisons showed that the results, i.e. the depths and velocities determined by Palmer, are partly incorrect due to some errors and misinterpretations when analysing the data from field examples. Due to the limitations of the GRM, some of which are mentioned here, stated by Palmer in his various publications, and other shortcomings of the method (e.g. the erasing of valuable information), the GRM must be regarded as being of limited use for detailed and accurate interpretations of refraction seismics for engineering purposes. [source] | ||||||||||