Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Research Purposes (research + purpose)
Selected AbstractsEine erweiterte Evaluation der Neurolept-Anästhesie für Meerschweinchen mit einer Analyse gemischt-exspiratorischer Gase während Spontanatmung.JOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION, Issue 1-2 2004Wirkung des Fastens auf das kardiorespiratorische System und den Metabolismus Zusammenfassung Das beatmete Meerschweinchen wurde oft für neurophysiologische und respiratorische Studien eingesetzt. Diese Spezies ist auch für eine Evaluation künstlicher Sauerstoffträger, entwickelt aus Hämoglobin, geeignet, weil seine Sauerstoff-Hämoglobin-Bindung der des Menschen sehr ähnlich ist. Andererseits ist eine Narkose dieser Tiere wegen kardio-respiratorischer Depression mit herkömmlichen Verfahren schwierig. Bewährt hat sich die folgende intraperitoneal zu verabreichende Neurolept-Anästhesie: 0,2 mg Fentanyl (Janssen/D), 10 mg Droperidol (Janssen/D) sowie 400 mg Urethan in 10 ml isotonischer Natriumchlorid-Lösung pro kg Körpergewicht. Unser neues Tier-Modell ermöglicht, mit einem speziellen Ventilsystem den Gasaustausch unter Spontanatmung, kardiovaskuläre wie auch Blutgaswerte und damit den Säure-Basen-Status zu messen. Die vitalen Parameter der Tiere, blieben über mehr als 6 Stunden stabil und nahe bei Werten wacher Tiere, insbesondere der mittlere arterielle Blutdruck. Deswegen ist diese etablierte Neurolept-Anästhesie des Meerschweinchens für Forschungszweck zu bevorzugen. Nüchterne Tiere zeigten signifikant erniedrigte Blut-pH- (7,345 bzw. 7,401) sowie Herzfrequenz- (244 bzw. 277 min,1) und Ventilationswerte (167 bzw. 205 ml/min) im Vergleich zu nicht nüchternen Tieren. Summary An Extended Evaluation of a Neuroleptanesthesia for the Guinea Pig with Analysis of Mixed Expiratory Gases during Spontaneous Breathing. Effects of Fasting on the Cardiorespiratory System and Metabolism The artificially ventilated guinea pig was frequently used for neurophysiological and respiratory studies. This species is also preferable for an evaluation of hemoglobin based artificial oxygen carriers, because its oxygen hemoglobin binding is very similar to that of man. But the narcosis of this animal-species is very difficult, because of cardiorespiratory depression induced by conventional procedures. The following intraperitoneal administered neuroleptanesthesia was proved in guinea pigs: 0,2 mg Fentanyl (Janssen/D), 10 mg Droperidol (Janssen/D) and 400 mg Urethan in 10 ml isotonic sodium chloride solution per kg body weight. Our new animal model with a special valve system enables to assess the gas exchange under spontaneous breathing, cardiovascular and the acid-base parameters. The vital parameters of animals were stable over 6 hours and very close to those of awake animals, especially the arterial average blood pressure. For that reason, this established neuroleptanesthesia of guinea pigs is preferable for research purpose. The fasted animals show significantly decreased values of arterial blood pH (7,345 vs. 7,401), of heart frequency (244 vs. 277 min,1), and of ventilation value (167 vs. 205 ml/min) compared to non-fasted animals. [source] Assessment of weight changes during and after pregnancy: practical approachesMATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION, Issue 1 2008Amanda R. Amorim Abstract The usefulness of routine prenatal weight measurements in predicting pregnancy outcomes is still a controversial issue. Comparisons among studies and the interpretation of research findings are complicated due to the variety of indicators applied to express maternal weight changes during and after pregnancy. A review of literature was conducted to clarify the definitions and examine the strengths and limitations of methods for measuring gestational weight gain (WG) and postpartum weight changes. The reasons for weak correlations or non-significant associations between gestational WG and maternal and neonatal outcomes were probably owing to poor quality of obstetrics records and selection of wrong indicators to compute gestational WG. The choice of an indicator depends on clinical and research purpose, availability and reliability of data and cost. Considering the health implication of gestational WG, it is necessary to take into account the measurements used as initial and final weight, accuracy of gestational age estimation and the inclusion of fetal weight as part of maternal WG. Regardless of the indicators used to compute the weight changes after delivery, attention is drawn to the approach for designating prepregnancy weight, the time frame of postpartum weight measurements and the use of overlapping variables, which results in bias (part,whole correlation). It is necessary to address criticisms on the accuracy of prenatal weight measurements and the way of expressing the maternal weight changes during and after pregnancy in order to have reliable results from research. [source] Translational Research: Animal Models of Obliterative Bronchiolitis after Lung TransplantationAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 9 2009M. Sato Obliterative bronchiolitis (OB) or chronic graft dysfunction remains the major limitation to long-term success of lung transplantation. Investigation using animal models is a critical component of research to understand the underlying pathological mechanisms and to develop novel preventive and therapeutic strategies for OB. Multiple animal models of OB exist, including orthotopic lung transplantation in rodents and large animals, orthotopic tracheal transplantation and heterotopic transplantation of a trachea in variable sites such as subcutaneous, intraomental and intrapulmonary sites. The most important issue for researchers is not specifically which model is the best but which is the most appropriate model to test their scientific hypothesis. For example, while orthotopic lung transplantation best mimics the overall surgical procedure, a question regarding fibrotic processes of OB may be better answered using heterotopic tracheal transplant models because of their reliable reproducibility of allograft obliterative airway fibrosis. Animal models should be continuously refined, modified and sometimes combined to fit the particular research purpose. We review the available animal models, their modifications and possible applications to assist researchers in choosing the appropriate model for their intended research. [source] Assessing cytotoxicity of (iron oxide-based) nanoparticles: an overview of different methods exemplified with cationic magnetoliposomesCONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING, Issue 5 2009Stefaan J. H. Soenen Abstract Iron oxide nanoparticles are the most widely used T2/T2* contrast agents and for biomedical research purposes, one of the main applications is the in vitro labeling of stem or therapeutic cells, allowing them to be subsequently tracked in vivo upon transplantation. To allow this, the nanoparticles used should not show any sign of cytotoxicity and not affect cellular physiology as this could impede normal cell functionality in vivo or lead to undesired side-effects. Assessing the biocompatibility of the nanoparticles has proven to be quite a difficult task. In the present work, a small overview of commonly used assays is presented in order to assess several aspects, such as cell viability, induction of reactive oxygen species, nanoparticle uptake, cellular morphology, cellular proliferation, actin cytoskeleton architecture and differentiation of stem cells. The main focus is on comparing the advantages and disadvantages of the different assays, highlighting several common problems and presenting possible solutions to these problems as well as pointing out the high importance of the relationship between intracellular nanoparticle concentration and cytotoxicity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The potential contribution of fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis to the cytopathological diagnosis of Merkel cell carcinomaCYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 1 2008V. Suciu We report the cases of two patients with head and neck Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) who developed local recurrences confirmed by cytopathology. Interphase fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis was performed for research purposes using centromeric probes of chromosomes 6 and 8, on cytological slides. Trisomy of chromosome 6 was found in 85% of tumour cells in the first case of MCC and case 2 exhibited trisomy 8 in 77% of tumour cells. In the absence of specific molecular markers, detection of trisomy 6 and/or trisomy 8 could help in identifying MCC. FISH analysis is easily and quickly performed on interphase nuclei obtained through fine needle aspiration and may be extended to the study of other relevant genetic abnormalities. [source] Psychometric properties of the Trauma Assessment for AdultsDEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 2 2009Matt J. Gray Ph.D. Abstract Background: The Trauma Assessment for Adults (TAA) was developed to facilitate the assessment of exposure to traumatic events that could result in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The TAA inquires about numerous potentially traumatic events that an individual may have experienced. Although the TAA has been used extensively for clinical and research purposes, its psychometric properties have never been formally evaluated. The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate the psychometric properties of this frequently used measure. Methods: The studies reported here describe the performance of the TAA in two samples,college undergraduates (N=142) and community mental health center clients (N=67). Among undergraduates, 1-week temporal stability was evaluated and, in both samples, item- and scale-level convergence of the TAA with an established trauma exposure measure was assessed. Convergence of the TAA with clinically related constructs was also evaluated. Results: The TAA exhibited adequate temporal stability (r=.80) and satisfactory item-level convergence with existing measures of trauma history among college students. In the clinical sample, the TAA again converged well with an established measure of trauma exposure (r=.65). It was not as strongly predictive, in either sample, of trauma-related distress relative to an alternate trauma exposure measure. Conclusion: Although it performs satisfactorily, the TAA does not appear to be superior to other existing measures of trauma exposure. Depression and Anxiety, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Portuguese version of Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale: transcultural adaptation and reliability analysisDEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 7 2007Li Wen Hu Ms.C. Abstract This study explores the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS), an instrument designed to assess the manifestations of dental anxiety. The DAS has been translated into several languages, but no adaptation and reliability analysis of the Portuguese version of the scale has yet been carried out. A total of 747 Brazilian undergraduate students participated in this study. The instrument proved to have good internal consistency and test,retest reliability. Furthermore, we observed that women are more anxious during dental treatment routines compared to men. Our findings suggest that the Portuguese version of DAS is a reliable instrument for assessing adults' dental anxiety traits, and can be used for both clinical and research purposes. Depression Anxiety 24:467,471, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Appraisal of Social Concerns: A cognitive assessment instrument for social phobiaDEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 4 2004Michael J. Telch Ph.D. Abstract The current study describes the validation of a new cognitive assessment measure for social phobia, entitled the Appraisal of Social Concerns (ASC). Item content is relevant to a range of social situations. The ASC can be used to tailor interventions to patients' idiosyncratic concerns. Data are presented from both clinical (n=71) and non-clinical (n=550) samples. Preliminary data indicate that the ASC has good internal consistency and test,retest reliability. The construct validity of the ASC is comparable to that of well-established measures in use with social phobics. A strength of the ASC is its sensitivity to the effect of treatment. An exploratory factor analysis yielded three factors tapping concerns about negative evaluation, observable symptoms, and social helplessness. Subscale scores were strongly correlated. Preliminary findings suggest that the ASC is a psychometrically sound, time efficient instrument that can be used for both clinical and research purposes. Depression and Anxiety 19:217,224, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Administrative registers in psychiatric research: a systematic review of validity studiesACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 6 2005N. Byrne Objective:, To conduct a systematic review of studies investigating the validity of administrative registers for use in psychiatric research. Method:, Studies were identified using MEDLINE (1966,2004) and EMBASE (1980,2004) databases using keywords ,validity' or ,reliability' combined with ,register' or ,database$'. Studies reviewed by two raters blind to each other and quality assessed using a data extraction form devised by the authors. A narrative description of the findings is presented. Results:, Fourteen studies were identified, seven of which concerned Scandinavian registers. Ten studies were solely concerned with diagnostic validity and the most common single diagnosis studied was schizophrenia (five studies). Methods used and study quality varied widely. Conclusion:, Given the importance of the area, relatively little high-quality work exists into systematically measuring the diagnostic data validity of registers for research purposes. [source] Diabetic foot osteomyelitis: a progress report on diagnosis and a systematic review of treatment,DIABETES/METABOLISM: RESEARCH AND REVIEWS, Issue S1 2008A. R. Berendt Abstract The International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot appointed an expert panel to provide evidence-based guidance on the management of osteomyelitis in the diabetic foot. Initially, the panel formulated a consensus scheme for the diagnosis of diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO) for research purposes, and undertook a systematic review of the evidence relating to treatment. The consensus diagnostic scheme was based on expert opinion; the systematic review was based on a search for reports of the effectiveness of treatment for DFO published prior to December 2006. The panel reached consensus on a proposed scheme that assesses the probability of DFO, based on clinical findings and the results of imaging and laboratory investigations. The literature review identified 1168 papers, 19 of which fulfilled criteria for detailed data extraction. No significant differences in outcome were associated with any particular treatment strategy. There was no evidence that surgical debridement of the infected bone is routinely necessary. Culture and sensitivity of isolates from bone biopsy may assist in selecting properly targeted antibiotic regimens, but empirical regimens should include agents active against staphylococci, administered either intravenously or orally (with a highly bioavailable agent). There are no data to support the superiority of any particular route of delivery of systemic antibiotics or to inform the optimal duration of antibiotic therapy. No available evidence supports the use of any adjunctive therapies, such as hyperbaric oxygen, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor or larvae. We have proposed a scheme for diagnosing DFO for research purposes. Data to inform treatment choices in DFO are limited, and further research is urgently needed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A parylene-based dual channel micro-electrophoresis system for rapid mutation detection via heteroduplex analysis,ELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 18 2008Sertan Sukas Abstract A new dual channel micro-electrophoresis system for rapid mutation detection based on heteroduplex analysis was designed and implemented. Mutation detection was successfully achieved in a total separation length of 250,,m in less than 3,min for a 590,bp DNA sample harboring a 3,bp mutation causing an amino acid change. Parylene-C was used as the structural material for fabricating the micro-channels as it provides conformal deposition, transparency, biocompatibility, and low background fluorescence without any surface treatment. A new dual channel architecture was derived from the traditional cross-channel layout by forming two identical channels with independent sample loading and waste reservoirs. The control of injected sample volume was accomplished by a new u-turn injection technique with pull-back method. The use of heteroduplex analysis as a mutation detection method on a cross-linked polyacrylamide medium provided accurate mutation detection in an extremely short length and time. The presence of two channels on the microchip offers the opportunity of comparing the sample to be tested with a desired control sample rapidly, which is very critical for the accuracy and reliability of the mutation analyses, especially for clinical and research purposes. [source] Are there empirically supported and clinically useful subtypes of alcohol dependence?ADDICTION, Issue 2006Victor M. Hesselbrock ABSTRACT Aims This paper provides an overview of several multidimensional empirically derived typologies of alcohol use disorders that have been derived primarily for research purposes in relation to their clinical utility. Methods Studies using multivariate statistical methods for identifying homogeneous groups of subjects were selected for inclusion. Theoretically based typologies were not included in this review. Results While formal diagnostic criteria typically identify separate categories of alcohol abuse and dependence, several studies using different statistical methods consistently suggest as many as four homogeneous types of alcoholism: a chronic/severe type, a depressed/anxious type, a mildly affected type and an antisocial type. Conclusions Even though the longitudinal outcomes of few empirically derived subtypes have been examined, alcoholism typologies remain a viable and potentially valuable tool for investigating etiological pathways, the effectiveness of treatments and the long-term course of alcohol use disorders. [source] Validation of techniques to detect illicit heroin use in patients prescribed pharmaceutical heroin for the management of opioid dependenceADDICTION, Issue 12 2005S. Paterson ABSTRACT Background The clinical implementation and evaluation of heroin substitution programmes have been confounded by the lack of objective and validated biomarkers for illicit heroin use in patients prescribed pharmaceutical heroin. This study examined the capacity to detect illicit heroin use by gas chromatography,mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of urine samples for the presence of opium impurities common to illicit, but not pharmaceutical heroin. Aims To characterize the diagnostic properties of the metabolites of noscapine and papaverine in comparison to morphine as a gold-standard marker of illicit heroin use; and to examine the relationships between the self-reported time since most recent heroin use and the detection of these opioids in urine. Design A cross-sectional study of 52 opioid-dependent patients in treatment (not prescribed heroin), who self-reported illicit heroin use within the preceding 2 weeks. Self-report data regarding recent drug use and a urine sample were collected. GC-MS analyses of urines were conducted and reported by laboratory staff blinded to self-report data. Findings The metabolites of papaverine (hydroxypapaverine and dihydroxypapeverine) were found to have high sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive values as markers for illicit heroin use compared to the ,gold-standard' morphine. Other opioids, including 6-mono-acetylmorphine (6-MAM), codeine and noscapine metabolites (e.g. meconine) were less adequate in detecting heroin use. Conclusions GC-MS detection of papaverine metabolites in urine appears to be suitable method of identifying illicit heroin use for clinical and research purposes. [source] Quality assurance of specialised treatment of eating disorders using large-scale internet-based collection systems: Methods, results and lessons learned from designing the Stepwise databaseEUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW, Issue 4 2010Andreas Birgegård Abstract Computer-based quality assurance of specialist eating disorder (ED) care is a possible way of meeting demands for evaluating the real-life effectiveness of treatment, in a large-scale, cost-effective and highly structured way. The Internet-based Stepwise system combines clinical utility for patients and practitioners, and provides research-quality naturalistic data. Stepwise was designed to capture relevant variables concerning EDs and general psychiatric status, and the database can be used for both clinical and research purposes. The system comprises semi-structured diagnostic interviews, clinical ratings and self-ratings, automated follow-up schedules, as well as administrative functions to facilitate registration compliance. As of June 2009, the system is in use at 20 treatment units and comprises 2776 patients. Diagnostic distribution (including subcategories of eating disorder not otherwise specified) and clinical characteristics are presented, as well as data on registration compliance. Obstacles and keys to successful implementation of the Stepwise system are discussed, including possible gains and on-going challenges inherent in large-scale, Internet-based quality assurance. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. [source] Recent developments in drug-testing arrestees for research purposes: an English perspective on an international phenomenonADDICTION, Issue 6 2001Trevor Bennett First page of article [source] The European computer driving licence and the use of computers by dental studentsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DENTAL EDUCATION, Issue 1 2009G. S. Antonarakis Abstract The use of computers within the dental curriculum for students is vital for many aspects of their studies. The aim of this study was to assess how dental students who had obtained the European computer driving licence (ECDL) qualification (an internationally-recognised standard of competence) through taught courses, felt about the qualification, and how it changed their habits vis-à-vis computers, and information and communication technology. This study was carried out as a descriptive, one-off, cross-sectional survey. A questionnaire was distributed to 100 students who had successfully completed the course, with questions pertaining to the use of email, word processing and Internet for course-works, Medline for research, computer based learning, online lecture notes, and online communication with members of staff, both before and after ECDL qualification. Scaled responses were given. The attitudes of students towards the course were also assessed. The frequencies and percentage distributions of the responses to each question were analysed. It was found that dental students who follow ECDL teaching and successfully complete its requirements, seem to increase the frequency with which they use email, word processing and Internet for course works, Medline for research purposes, computer based learning, online lecture notes, and online communication with staff. Opinions about the ECDL course varied, many dental students finding the course easy, enjoying it only a little, but admitting that it improved their computer skills. [source] The usefulness of self-reported psychopathy-like traits in the study of antisocial behaviour among non-referred adolescentsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY, Issue 5 2002Henrik Andershed The present study addresses the question of whether it is possible to use a self-report measure of psychopathic traits on non-referred youth samples to identify a subgroup of problematic youths who are particularly problematic and different from other problem youths. A large sample of eighth-grade, non-referred adolescents, and their parents were assessed. Results showed that the adolescents exhibiting a low-socialized psychopathy-like personality constellation had a more frequent, violent, and versatile conduct-problem profile than other low-socialized and well socialized adolescents. The psychopathy-like adolescents also differed from other poorly socialized adolescents in ways that suggested that their etiological background was different from adolescents with non-psychopathy-like conduct problems. We conclude that self-report measures can indeed be useful for research purposes in subtyping youths with conduct problems. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Yardsticks for industrial tomographyGEOPHYSICAL PROSPECTING, Issue 4 2008A. Vesnaver ABSTRACT Seismic tomography has been developed and applied for decades in seismological applications and for basic research purposes. During the last decade, large-scale applications in the oil and gas industry became standard as tomostatics and velocity modelling for pre-stack depth migration. In this paper, I take a snapshot of some current industrial applications, quantifying practical aspects by yardsticks such as data and model size and I try to draw a road map for the current decade. [source] The lifespan and life-cycle of self-help groups: a retrospective study of groups in Nottingham, UKHEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY, Issue 4 2010Sarah Chaudhary LLB (Hons) MA Abstract This article is based on an analysis of a practice database held by Self Help Nottingham, an organisation that supports local self-help groups. The database contains details of 936 groups that closed between 1982 and 2007. The aim of the study is to provide qualitative and descriptive quantitative information about the life-cycles of self-help groups, the problems that they face throughout their existence and the likelihood of different problems leading to their closure. The database was not collated for research purposes and so we restrict our discussion of the findings to identification of broad patterns regarding the birth and closure rates of different types of group and questions for future research. Comparisons were made between groups that addressed different types of problem, groups with different memberships and groups that had reached different stages in their existence. There was reasonable consistency in the survival rates of different types of group with physical health groups being the most likely to reach maturity followed by mental health and lastly social issue groups. Survival rates for groups that serve different membership populations were reasonably constant although there were some anomalies. There were high levels of consistency regarding the reasons for closure for groups closing at different stages of maturity. The most commonly cited reasons among all groups were the withdrawal of a ,key' member and a decline in membership. The article suggests that some of the assumptions and prescriptions within the existing literature need to be considered in light of more detailed empirical evidence, and it raises questions about the theoretical understanding of self-help groups. [source] Is Helicobacter pylori a True Microaerophile?HELICOBACTER, Issue 4 2006Stephanie Bury-Moné Abstract Background:, There is no general consensus about the specific oxygen and carbon dioxide requirements of the human pathogen Helicobacter pylori. This bacterium is considered a microaerophile and consequently, it is grown under atmospheres at oxygen tensions 5,19% and carbon dioxide tensions 5,10%, both for clinical and basic and applied research purposes. The current study compared the growth of H. pylori in vitro, under various gas atmospheres, and determined some specific changes in the physiology of bacteria grown under different oxygen partial pressures. Methods:, Measurements of bacterial growth under various conditions were carried out employing classical solid and liquid culture techniques. Enzymatic activities were measured using spectrophotometric assays. Results:,H. pylori and all the other Helicobacter spp. tested had an absolute requirement for elevated carbon dioxide concentrations in the growth atmosphere. In contrast with other Helicobacter spp., H. pylori can tolerate elevated oxygen tensions when grown at high bacterial concentrations. Under 5% CO2, the bacterium showed similar growth in liquid cultures under oxygen tensions from microaerobic (< 5%) to fully aerobic (21%) at cell densities higher than 5 × 105 cfu/ml for media supplemented with horse serum and 5 × 107 cfu/ml for media supplemented with ,-cyclodextrin. Evidence that changes occurred in the physiology of H. pylori was obtained by comparing the activities of ferredoxin:NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) oxidoreductases of bacteria grown under microaerobic and aerobic atmospheres. Conclusions:,H. pylori is a capnophile able to grow equally well in vitro under microaerobic or aerobic conditions at high bacterial concentrations, and behaved like oxygen-sensitive microaerophiles at low cell densities. Some characteristics of H. pylori cells grown in vitro under microaerobic conditions appeared to mimic better the physiology of organisms grown in their natural niche in the human stomach. [source] Group-level variations in motor representation areas of thenar and anterior tibial muscles: Navigated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation StudyHUMAN BRAIN MAPPING, Issue 8 2010Eini Niskanen Abstract Navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can be used to stimulate functional cortical areas at precise anatomical location to induce measurable responses. The stimulation has commonly been focused on anatomically predefined motor areas: TMS of that area elicits a measurable muscle response, the motor evoked potential. In clinical pathologies, however, the well-known homunculus somatotopy theory may not be straightforward, and the representation area of the muscle is not fixed. Traditionally, the anatomical locations of TMS stimulations have not been reported at the group level in standard space. This study describes a methodology for group-level analysis by investigating the normal representation areas of thenar and anterior tibial muscle in the primary motor cortex. The optimal representation area for these muscles was mapped in 59 healthy right-handed subjects using navigated TMS. The coordinates of the optimal stimulation sites were then normalized into standard space to determine the representation areas of these muscles at the group-level in healthy subjects. Furthermore, 95% confidence interval ellipsoids were fitted into the optimal stimulation site clusters to define the variation between subjects in optimal stimulation sites. The variation was found to be highest in the anteroposterior direction along the superior margin of the precentral gyrus. These results provide important normative information for clinical studies assessing changes in the functional cortical areas because of plasticity of the brain. Furthermore, it is proposed that the presented methodology to study TMS locations at the group level on standard space will be a suitable tool for research purposes in population studies. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Novel tools for extraction and validation of disease-related mutations applied to fabry disease,HUMAN MUTATION, Issue 9 2010Remko Kuipers Abstract Genetic disorders are often caused by nonsynonymous nucleotide changes in one or more genes associated with the disease. Specific amino acid changes, however, can lead to large variability of phenotypic expression. For many genetic disorders this results in an increasing amount of publications describing phenotype-associated mutations in disorder-related genes. Keeping up with this stream of publications is essential for molecular diagnostics and translational research purposes but often impossible due to time constraints: there are simply too many articles to read. To help solve this problem, we have created Mutator, an automated method to extract mutations from full-text articles. Extracted mutations are crossreferenced to sequence data and a scoring method is applied to distinguish false-positives. To analyze stored and new mutation data for their (potential) effect we have developed Validator, a Web-based tool specifically designed for DNA diagnostics. Fabry disease, a monogenetic gene disorder of the GLA gene, was used as a test case. A structure-based sequence alignment of the alpha-amylase superfamily was used to validate results. We have compared our data with existing Fabry mutation data sets obtained from the HGMD and Swiss-Prot databases. Compared to these data sets, Mutator extracted 30% additional mutations from the literature. Hum Mutat 31:1026,1032, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] GSEVM v.2: MCMC software to analyze genetically structured environmental variance modelsJOURNAL OF ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS, Issue 3 2010N. Ibáñez-Escriche Summary This note provides a description of software that allows to fit Bayesian genetically structured variance models using Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC). The gsevm v.2 program was written in Fortran 90. The DOS and Unix executable programs, the user's guide, and some example files are freely available for research purposes at http://www.bdporc.irta.es/estudis.jsp. The main feature of the program is to compute Monte Carlo estimates of marginal posterior distributions of parameters of interest. The program is quite flexible, allowing the user to fit a variety of linear models at the level of the mean and the logvariance. [source] Insights into creation and use of prescribing documentation in the hospital medical recordJOURNAL OF EVALUATION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 5 2005Mary P. Tully PhD MRPharmS Abstract Rationale, aims and objectives, Extraction of prescribing data from medical records is a common, albeit flawed, research method. Yet little is known about the processes that result in those data. This study explores the creation and use of prescribing documentation in the medical record, from the perspective of the hospital doctors who both create and use it. Methods, Thirty-six hospital doctors were purposively selected for qualitative interviews, giving a maximum variability sample of grades of doctors across the range of major medical specialty areas and medical teams at a large teaching hospital in England. Results, The findings suggest a number of reasons why hospital doctors fail to record prescribing decisions in the medical record. There was no set standard, record keeping was not formally taught and the hurried environment of the ward gave little time for documentation. The doctors also acknowledged that there was no need for completeness, as colleagues would be able to ,fill in the gaps' via an inferential process. ,Assumptions ,were ,made ,and ,although ,this ,was ,not ,seen ,as ,ideal, it was recognized as necessary if work was to be done efficiently. Conclusion, These results reinforce the suggestion that, despite the large number of potential users, the medical record is created for those with the right privileged knowledge. This has profound implications for those without that insider knowledge who are using medical records for research purposes. Funding, This work was funded by a North West Regional National Health Service Postdoctoral Fellowship. [source] Brief scale measuring patient preparedness for hospital discharge to home: Psychometric properties,JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL MEDICINE, Issue 6 2008James F. Graumlich MD Abstract BACKGROUND: Adverse events occur when patients transition from the hospital to outpatient care. For quality improvement and research purposes, clinicians need appropriate, reliable, and valid survey instruments to measure and improve the discharge processes. OBJECTIVE: The object was to describe psychometric properties of the Brief PREPARED (B-PREPARED) instrument to measure preparedness for hospital discharge from the patient's perspective. METHODS: The study was a prospective cohort of 460 patient or proxy telephone interviews following hospital discharge home. We administered the Satisfaction with Information about Medicines Scale and the PREPARED instrument 1 week after discharge. PREPARED measured patients' perceptions of quality and outcome of the discharge-planning processes. Four weeks after discharge, interviewers elicited emergency department visits. The main outcome was the B-PREPARED scale value: the sum of scores from 11 items. Internal consistency, construct, and predictive validity were assessed. RESULTS: The mean B-PREPARED scale value was 17.3 ± 4.2 (SD) with a range of 3 to 22. High scores reflected high preparedness. Principal component analysis identified 3 domains: self-care information, equipment/services, and confidence. The B-PREPARED had acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.76) and construct validity. The B-PREPARED correlated with medication information satisfaction (P < 0.001). Higher median B-PREPARED scores appropriately discriminated patients with no worry about managing at home from worriers (P < 0.001) and predicted patients without emergency department visits after discharge from those who had visits (P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: The B-PREPARED scale measured patients' perceptions of their preparedness for hospital discharge home with acceptable internal consistency and construct and predictive validity. Brevity may potentiate use by patients and proxies. Clinicians and researchers may use B-PREPARED to evaluate discharge interventions. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2008;3(6):446,454. © 2008 Society of Hospital Medicine. [source] A Review of Psychometric Properties of Feeding Assessment Tools Used in NeonatesJOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC, GYNECOLOGIC & NEONATAL NURSING, Issue 3 2008Tsu-Hsin Howe ABSTRACT Objective:, To appraise the psychometric properties of clinical feeding assessment tools used in a neonatal population. Data sources:, PubMed, OvidMedline, CINHAL, and PsycINFO databases from 1980 to 2007. Reference lists of all identified articles were also reviewed. Study selection:, Research reports written in English that utilized or validated clinical feeding assessment tools. Data extraction:, In total, 941 articles were reviewed. Seven neonatal clinical feeding assessment tools were identified and categorized into three groups: tools used for assessing either bottle-feeding or breastfeeding behaviors, tools used only for assessing bottle-feeding behaviors, and tools used only for assessing breastfeeding behaviors. Results:, The psychometric properties of none of the seven assessment tools identified were satisfactory, and the limited representativeness of the samples of the psychometric research was noted in all assessment tools identified. The Neonatal Oral-Motor Assessment Scale appeared to have been examined more thoroughly and showed more consistent results in psychometric properties than the others, despite its own limitations. Conclusions:, A psychometrically sound neonate feeding assessment tool has not yet been empirically validated. Clinicians who use these tools for clinical and research purposes should take into account this lack of evidence of psychometric soundness and interpret results of assessment with precautions. Well-designed research is needed to study the scientific integrity of these instruments for program evaluations in neonatal care. [source] Building a reusable test collection for question answeringJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR INFORMATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 7 2006Jimmy Lin In contrast to traditional information retrieval systems, which return ranked lists of documents that users must manually browse through, a question answering system attempts to directly answer natural language questions posed by the user. Although such systems possess language-processing capabilities, they still rely on traditional document retrieval techniques to generate an initial candidate set of documents. In this article, the authors argue that document retrieval for question answering represents a task different from retrieving documents in response to more general retrospective information needs. Thus, to guide future system development, specialized question answering test collections must be constructed. They show that the current evaluation resources have major shortcomings; to remedy the situation, they have manually created a small, reusable question answering test collection for research purposes. In this article they describe their methodology for building this test collection and discuss issues they encountered regarding the notion of "answer correctness." [source] Family history and inherited thrombophiliaJOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 10 2006G. L. VAN SLUIS Summary.,Background: It is a common belief that patients with venous thrombosis and a positive family history for venous thromboembolism (VTE) have an increased likelihood of having an inherited thrombophilic defect. Methods: We analyzed the relation between family history, qualified with three different methods, and thrombophilic status in 314 patients with proven VTE. A positive family history (one or more first-degree relatives with VTE) and a strongly positive family history (two or more first-degree relatives with VTE). In 118 of the patients a third, more precise method was analyzed: the family history score, which compares the observed and the expected number of first-degree family members with VTE. Results: Patients with a positive or strongly positive family history had a slightly increased chance of having inherited thrombophilia compared to those without a positive family history. For positive family history this was 42% vs. negative 32%, likelihood ratio 1.3 (95% confidence interval; CI 0.9,2.1) and for strongly positive family history this was 46% vs. negative 34%, likelihood ratio 1.6 (95% CI 0.7,3.3). The family history score correlated with the chance of having inherited thrombophilia [OR 1.23 per score point (95% CI 1.01,1.48)]. However, even with this method the chance of having inherited thrombophilia is lower than 50% in 97% of the cases. Conclusions: Family history of VTE is not a precise tool in clinical practice to identify patients with inherited thrombophilia among patients with VTE. The family history score is more precise, but probably only useful for research purposes and not for daily practice. [source] Using commercial telephone directories to obtain a population-based sample for mail survey of women of reproductive agePAEDIATRIC & PERINATAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, Issue 3 2003Danelle T. Lobdell Summary In the United States, sampling women of reproductive age from the general population for research purposes is a challenge. Even more difficult is conducting a population-based study of couples attempting pregnancy to assess fecundity and fertility or related impairments. To address the problem of obtaining representative samples from the population in order to study such health-related issues, a commercially and readily available CD-ROM telephone directory was used and tested as a sampling framework for studies aimed at enrolling gravid women aged 18,44 years. A self-administered questionnaire (SAQ) was mailed to a stratified random sample of 10 005 (3%) households in Erie County, NY, USA. Overall, 17% of the questionnaires were undeliverable despite updating all addresses with residential software before mailing. Thirteen per cent (n = 1089) of the households returned completed questionnaires, of which 35% (n = 377) were completed by women aged 18,44 years. Using 1990 census information for zip code, respondents were more likely to be white and to have higher median household incomes than non-respondents. Of the 377 women who completed the questionnaire, 79% had been pregnant at least once, 5% reported being unable to become pregnant, and 16% reporting never trying to become pregnant. Despite the overall low response to the SAQ, the sampling framework captured a diverse group of women of reproductive age who reported various fecundity and fertility outcomes. The use of low-cost commercially available software linked to census data for selecting samples of women or couples for reproductive and perinatal research may be possible; however, oversampling of households, use of incentives and follow-up of non-respondents is needed to ensure adequate sample sizes. [source] Organizational context and taxonomy of health care databasesPHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 5 2001Deborah Shatin PhD Abstract An understanding of the organizational context and taxonomy of health care databases is essential to appropriately use these data sources for research purposes. Characteristics of the organizational structure of the specific health care setting, including the model type, financial arrangement, and provider access, have implications for accessing and using this data effectively. Additionally, the benefit coverage environment may affect the utility of health care databases to address specific research questions. Coverage considerations that affect pharmacoepidemiologic research include eligibility, the nature of the pharmacy benefit, and regulatory aspects of the treatment under consideration. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||