Consistent Definition (consistent + definition)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


On phenomenology and classification of hoarding: a review

ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 5 2004
T. Maier
Objective:, Hoarding is a behavioural abnormity characterized by the excessive collection of poorly useable objects. It is described mainly in association with obsessive,compulsive disorders (OCDs) and in geriatric populations. Yet the literature on the phenomenon is heterogeneous and the notion obviously lacks a consistent definition. This review attempts to describe the psychopathological and clinical spectrum of hoarding and may contribute to clarify its classification. Method:, Systematic review and discussion of the literature on hoarding. Results:, Hoarding is a complex behavioural phenomenon associated with different mental disorders. The psychopathological structure is variously composed of elements of OCDs, impulse-control disorders, and ritualistic behaviour. Severe self-neglect is a possible consequence of hoarding. Conclusion:, Without further specifications the term hoarding is of limited heuristic value and cannot guide therapeutic interventions satisfactorily. The condition needs to be evaluated carefully in every particular case in relation to the aforementioned psychopathological concepts. [source]


How persistent are phonological difficulties?

DYSLEXIA, Issue 1 2006
A longitudinal study of reading retarded children
Abstract The present study examined the persistency of phonological deficiencies over time. The participants were 40 pupils in grade 2 with documented reading and writing difficulties and a comparison group of 30 pupils. The participants were followed over a 10-year period by word- and non-word-reading tests and tests of cognitive ability. The persistence of phonological deficits was indicated by a high correlation between non-word-reading tests in grades 3 and 12 in the reading-disabled group. A dyslexia cut-off definition based on phonological ability was the most consistent definition over time compared to a word-decoding definition or multiple cut-off definition based on IQ. Phonological decoding abilities were remarkably stable over time, and non-word-reading was found to be a valid instrument in diagnosing and discerning dyslexia both in children and adults. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Outcomes research: what is it and why does it matter?

INTERNAL MEDICINE JOURNAL, Issue 3 2003
M. Jefford
Abstract Outcomes research is a broad umbrella term without a consistent definition. However it tends to describe research that is concerned with the effectiveness of public-health interventions and health services; that is, the outcomes of these services. Attention is frequently focused on the affected individual , with measures such as quality of life and preferences , but outcomes research may also refer to effectiveness of health-care delivery, with measures such as cost-effectiveness, health status and disease burden. The present review details the historical background of outcomes research to reveal the origins of its diversity. The value and relevance of outcomes research, commonly employed research techniques and examples of recent publications in the area are also discussed. (Intern Med J 2003; 33: 110,118) [source]


Antiplatelet drug response variability and the role of platelet function testing: A practical guide for interventional cardiologists,

CATHETERIZATION AND CARDIOVASCULAR INTERVENTIONS, Issue 1 2009
Dominick J. Angiolillo MD
Abstract Antiplatelet therapy is the cornerstone of treatment for patients with acute coronary syndrome and is also of particular importance in those who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention with stent implantation. Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel is associated with improvement in long-term clinical outcomes in such patients and is presently the antiplatelet therapy of choice for secondary prevention of thrombotic events. However, a significant number of patients experience recurrent events despite antiplatelet therapy. Although poor patient compliance can account for some of these events, particularly in those patients who receive a drug-eluting stent, increasing evidence indicates that there is variability in response to antiplatelet therapy and patients who have higher levels of platelet reactivity are at increased risk for recurrent ischemic events. However, the lack of a consistent definition of inadequate platelet response, as well as the lack of a standardized measurement technique, has made it difficult to define how to treat these patients. To translate findings associated with variability in platelet response into improved patient care, it is necessary to gain a better understanding of what variable platelet response is, how it is measured, who it should be measured in, and what its clinical relevance is. The objective of this review is to evaluate the data regarding interindividual response variability to antiplatelet therapy with the aim of providing practical considerations and where possible, recommendations, regarding this topic for interventional cardiologists. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Review article: Intravenous vs intramuscular ketamine for pediatric procedural sedation by emergency medicine specialists: a review

PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 9 2010
CONOR DEASY MB, FCEM, MRCS A & E ED
Summary Ketamine is a general anesthetic agent widely used for pediatric procedural sedation outside the operating theater by nonanesthesiologists. In a setting where efficacy and safety of the agent are paramount, there are conflicting recommendations in terms of optimal mode of parenteral administration, as well as optimal dosage and need for the coadministration of adjunctive agents to decrease side effects. We investigated existing evidence to determine whether ketamine should be best administered intravenously or intramuscularly. This analysis was made difficult by limited direct comparisons of both modes of parenteral administration and a lack of consistent definitions for key outcomes such as ,effectiveness,',adverse events,',hypoxia,',ease of completion of the procedure,' and ,satisfaction' across studies that have evaluated ketamine. Based on large data sets, the safety and efficacy of both modes of administration are broadly similar. Although data on head to head comparisons of intravenous and intramuscular ketamine is limited, based on our analysis, we conclude that the trends indicate ketamine is ideally administered intravenously. [source]