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Biomedical subjects

J H Juhl

Publications and source records attributed to J H Juhl.

11 recordsLinked to original sources

Fibromyalgia and the serotonin pathway.

Fibromyalgia syndrome is a musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder manifested by diffuse myalgia, localized areas of tenderness, fatigue, lowered pain thresholds, and nonrestorative sleep. Evidence from multiple sources support the concept of decreased flux through the serotonin pathway in fibromyalgia patients. Serotonin substrate supplementation, via L-tryptophan or 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), has been shown to improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia and somatic pains in a variety of patient cohorts. Identification of low serum tryptophan and serotonin levels may be a simple way to identify persons who will respond well to this approach.

5-Hydroxytryptophan↗

ROC and contrast detail image evaluation tests compared.

Using both contrast detail and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) evaluation tests, we evaluated different quality images, produced with different film-screen combinations. ROC curves were obtained for six observers who were attempting to detect lung nodules and pulmonary infiltrates. The contrast detail curves were obtained from images of regular circular test patterns of differing contrast, which had been presented to the observers. Our results indicate that contrast detail tests can be used for relative ranking of image systems prior to detailed ROC testing.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗

Anticrossover emulsions evaluated by observer performance tests.

Observer performance in the detection of pulmonary nodules and infiltrates was measured using film coated with anticrossover emulsion, a recent innovation in radiographic film that is expected to produce sharper images because of improved resolution. Test radiographs of an anthropomorphic phantom were shown to six experienced observers. Radiographs containing pseudonodule and pseudoinfiltrate images were obtained with the anticrossover film and the same type of film without the anticrossover coating. Test images contained single nodules, single infiltrates, or both; approximately 45% of the test radiographs were normal. Individual receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were formed, and sensitivity and specificity values were calculated. The results demonstrated an improvement in observer performance with the anticrossover film as measured by sensitivity and the area under the average ROC curves.

Humans↗