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PubMed1990

Continuity and change: the interpretation of illness in an Anishinaabe (Ojibway) community.

Rich descriptions of Anishinaabe medical knowledge and the cultural meanings associated with illness are available in the anthropological literature, especially in the writings of A.I. Hallowell. Most of this work is based on fieldwork carried out prior to 1940 and was often motivated by a desire to reconstruct the pre-contact situation. Since that time, there have been numerous changes affecting health status and health care. This paper examines lay medical knowledge in a contemporary Canadian Anishinaabeg community, with particular attention to change and continuity in the way people explain and respond to the occurrence of illness.

Attitude to Health↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Family members' and care providers' interpretations of picking behavior.

The meaning of so-called "behavior disturbances" among people with dementia is often difficult to interpret. In this exploratory study, the aim was to explore family members' and care providers' descriptions of picking behavior in people with severe dementia and their interpretations of the behavior's meaning. Three threads of meaning were identified in these interpretations: striving for an ordinary, everyday life, striving for control, and striving to be in touch with others. The possibilities of uniting the past and the present by means of collaboration among family members and care providers are discussed.

Aged↗

PubMed1993

Pairwise comparison technique: a simple solution for depth reconstruction.

A new technique dramatically simplifies the analysis of matching and depth reconstruction by extracting three-dimensional rigid depth interpretation from pairwise comparisons of weak perspective projections. This method provides a simple linear criterion for testing the correctness of correspondence for a pair of images; the method also provides a description of a one-parameter family of interpretations for each pair of images that satisfies this criterion. We show that if at least three projections of a volumetric object are known, then a three-dimensional (3D) rigid interpretation can be inferred from pairwise comparisons between any one of these images and other images in the set. The 3D interpretation is derived from the intersection of corresponding one-parameter families. The method provides a common computational basis for different processes of depth perception, for example, depth-from-stereo and depth-from-motion. Thus, a single mechanism for these processes in the human visual system would be sufficient. The proposed method does not require information about relative positions of eye(s) or camera(s) for different projections, but this information can be easily incorporated. The method can be applied for pairwise comparison within a single image. If any nontrivial correspondence is found, then several views of the same object are present in the same image. This happens, for example, in views of volumetrically symmetric objects. Symmetry facilitates depth reconstruction; if an object possesses two or more symmetries, its depth can be reconstructed from a single image.

Algorithms↗

PubMed1981

Critical effects from lipid-protein interaction in membranes. II. Interpretation of experimental results.

The effects arising from lipid-protein and lipid-cholesterol interaction are discussed within the framework of a general theoretical description presented in the preceding paper. Available experimental results are interpreted, and new experiments are proposed. In the fluid lipid phase proteins and cholesterol increase the lipid orientational order in their neighborhood, in the ordered phase they decrease it. This leads to a decrease of the latent heat at the ordered-fluid transition, which vanishes at a critical concentration of protein or cholesterol. Theoretical predictions for the critical concentrations agree with results from calorimetry. The approach to the critical point is accompanied by an increase of thermal fluctuations of the lipid order and an increase of the lipid response on small perturbations. Thus proteins and cholesterol increase the lipid specific heat, lateral compressibility, permeability, and lateral diffusion on both sides of the phase transition. Notions such as decrease of cooperativity or fluidity due to protein or cholesterol are reviewed in this context.

Cholesterol↗

PubMed1994

Theory, development, and interpretation of the CPI socialization scale.

The socialization (So) scale of the California Psychological Inventory is based partly on a role-taking or perspective-taking theory of social deviance and partly on the pragmatics of differentiating between more socialized and less socialized individuals. The theory, history, and current applications of the scale are reviewed, relationships to other scales and measures are examined, and the validity of the scale in arraying 69 male and 40 female samples along a putative continuum of socialization is evaluated. Finally, from these findings and from analyses of observers' adjectival and Q-sort descriptions significantly related to the scale, an interpretive psychology of the measure is propounded.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1989

Providing effective therapeutic drug monitoring services.

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) can be an effective way to improve care, but only if accurate medication and clinical information necessary to interpret results is available. A multidisciplinary team consisting of medical technologists, clinical pharmacists, and physician pharmacologists is described in detail. This service analyzes and interprets more than 20,000 concentrations per year, most of which are interpreted by specially trained medical technologists. A description of the interactions between members of the team is presented, including qualifications, selection, and training of medical technologists. The outcome of the TDM service from reporting of drug concentrations to daily quality assurance activities is described, as are the benefits of this model relative to other published, mostly pharmacy-based services. A case is made for the routine involvement of specially trained medical technologists in the collection of data and interpretation of drug concentrations.

Allied Health Personnel↗

PubMed1999

A mathematical model for the analysis of cross-sectional brain glucose metabolism data in children.

1. The authors present here a 5-parameter developmental function designed to describe quantitatively the time-course of changes in glucose metabolism with age. This function consists of a plateau phase which is described by the rate of increase with age and the height of the plateau, followed by a decline phase characterized by the rate of decrease to adult levels. These two phases are separated by a distinct point in time, at which the transition between the two phases occurs. 2. The model is designed to fit published data showing that glucose metabolic rate in frontal cortex at birth is about 60% of adult values (mean adult value is 24 mumol/100 g/min) and increases to slightly less than triple adult value by age 3. The metabolic rate remains at this level until the age of approximately 8 years when it starts the decline to adult values. 3. A procedure is presented which allows the approximate computation of the 98% confidence contours in data space for the developmental function. The computation is based on the joint probability function obtained from the model covariance matrix. 4. The newly designed 5-parameter developmental function is well suited to describe maturational changes of glucose metabolism. Due to its excellent model identifiability and the interpretability of individual parameters, this function is better suited for description of maturational changes than the gamma-function. Furthermore, this function may provide a useful framework for interpretation of other data sets during development.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

How far do we go beyond the information given? The impact of knowledge activation on interpretation and inference.

In a series of 4 studies, the inferential scope of assimilative knowledge accessibility effects was investigated. Evidence was found for the hypothesis that both the breadth and evaluative extremity of activated knowledge affect the range of evaluative inferences made during the interpretation of ambiguous targets. The scope of knowledge accessibility effects was larger when broad and extreme traits were primed than when narrow and moderate traits were primed. The contribution of the extremity component to this effect was stronger than the impact of the breadth component. Furthermore, the authors demonstrated that descriptive overlap between priming and target stimuli is not a necessary precondition for such interpretation effects to occur. Descriptive inapplicability may be compensated for when priming stimuli are sufficiently broad or extreme.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

An interpretation method for objective assessment of nasal congestion with acoustic rhinometry.

OBJECTIVES: Acoustic rhinometry is a relatively new modality for evaluating the status of the nose. It assesses the geometry of the nasal cavity by analyzing reflected sound waves. Despite its expanding use, there is no established interpretation method. Our aims in the present descriptive study were to develop and test a protocol as a possible method to read these graphs for clinical use. STUDY DESIGN: We formulated a reading protocol to grade the congestion state of the nasal cavity. The percentile difference of cross-sectional area and volume values between the baseline and decongested states were classified into five categories based on normative values. METHODS: Fifty-six patients with allergic rhinitis were used. All the acoustic rhinometry readings were performed in blinded fashion according to the protocol; later, the clinical information was paired with the interpretation of the graph. RESULTS: The mean percentile differences of baseline and decongestion values in patients with allergic rhinitis were in the mild to moderate range difference according to our reading system. The range of nasal congestion in patients with allergic rhinitis patients was increased with additional pathological conditions such as sleep apnea. CONCLUSION: The percentile difference between the baseline values and values for maximally decongested state reflect mucosal congestion as a "congestion factor," which can be graded as mild, moderate, severe, or markedly severe, for objective evaluation of nasal congestion.

Acoustics↗

PubMed2006

The effect of gender in diagnosing early schizophrenia--an experimental case simulation study.

BACKGROUND: Studies of diagnostic practice confirm that there is a diagnostic delay in diagnosing women with schizophrenia compared to diagnosing men. The aim of the present study was to investigate the diagnostic practice of Norwegian and Russian psychiatrists when it comes to early psychosis, emphasising gender differences. We wanted to study the association between patient gender as such and diagnostic decision-making among psychiatrists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Psychiatrists in Norway and the Archangels region in Russia were invited to participate in a study of diagnostic practice, and received a written case description of a patient with early psychosis symptoms that could be interpreted as schizophrenia. They were, however, not informed that 50% of them received a female case description and 50% a male case description. Apart from the patient being described as "he" or "she" the stories were identical. Effects of patient gender, clinician gender, age and main area of interest were estimated using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 467 psychiatrists answered the questionnaire. We found that schizophrenia diagnosis was given significantly more often to the male case than to the female case. Our finding remained significant after adjustment for country, clinician gender, age and main area of interest, and is unlikely to be explained by known biases. CONCLUSION: Patient gender in itself affects clinicians' diagnostic practice regarding schizophrenia, as schizophrenia diagnosis is given significantly more often to a male case description than to a female one, the descriptions being otherwise identical.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Introduction to principles and procedures in behavioral testing.

This article serves as an introduction to the following two articles which describe the effects of drugs that interact with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors on a number of behavioral baselines. The discussion in the subsequent articles focuses on detailed examination of performance on complex learning tasks, although effects of drugs affecting NMDA receptors on simple learned and unlearned behaviors are also mentioned. This article will provide a framework for interpretation of the results reported. To that end, a short primer on the principles of behavior is provided, followed by a description of a number of behavioral tests and discussion of issues important for the interpretation of results from such tests. The behavioral baselines discussed are, for the most part, the specific tasks from which data are presented in the following reports. A few additional descriptions have been included to illustrate specific points regarding data interpretation. The examples discussed are not necessarily representative of behavioral endpoints used routinely in the assessment of the behavioral effects of drugs. A number of reviews are available to the interested reader (Cabe & Eckerman 1982; Heise 1984; Rice 1990; Thompson & Shuster 1968; World Health Organization 1986).

Animals↗

PubMed1998

FISH-based analysis of radiation-induced chromosomal aberrations using different nomenclature systems.

PURPOSE: Comparison of three nomenclature systems for the description of chromosomal aberrations involving painted chromosomes (PAINT, S&S and a conventional method) by parallel application to one data set. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiation-induced (3 Gy 220 kV X-rays) chromosome aberrations in human lymphocytes were analysed by FISH-painting of seven single chromosomes (1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 14) simultaneously with a pancentromeric probe. RESULTS: Each system is based on different prerequisites and uses different criteria for the classification and quantification of structural chromosome aberrations. Due to the frequent occurrence of complex exchanges (resulting from > or = 3 breaks on > or = 2 chromosomes), standard cytogenetic scoring criteria used for solid-stained preparations are inadequate for a precise and reproducible classification of aberrant painting patterns. S&S is particularly suitable if a mechanistic interpretation of aberration origins is required. The descriptive terminology of PAINT enables a rapid, reproducible description, even of most extensively rearranged chromosomes by classifying each abnormal painting pattern individually. CONCLUSION: A modification of PAINT criteria, allowing also for mechanistic aspects, would be most advantageous for practical application.

Chromosome Aberrations↗

PubMed2002

Dynamics of shape fluctuations of quasi-spherical vesicles revisited.

In this paper, the dynamics of spontaneous shape fluctuations of a single, giant quasi-spherical vesicle formed from a single lipid species is revisited theoretically. A coherent physical theory for the dynamics is developed based on a number of fundamental principles and considerations, and a systematic formulation of the theory is also established. From the systematic theoretical formulation, an analytical description of the dynamics of shape fluctuations of quasi-spherical vesicles is derived. In particular, in developing the theory we have made a new interpretation of some of the phenomenological constants in a canonical continuum description of fluid lipid-bilayer membranes and shown the consequences of this new interpretation in terms of the characteristics of the dynamics of vesicle shape fluctuations. Moreover, we have used the systematic formulation of our theory as a framework against which we have discussed the previously existing theories and their discrepancies. Finally, we have made a systematic prediction about the system-dependent characteristics of the relaxation dynamics of shape fluctuations of quasi-spherical vesicles with a view of experimental studies of the phenomenon and also discussed, based on our theory, a recently published experimental work on the topic.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1999

A blinded retrospective analysis of renal allograft pathology using the Banff schema: implications for clinical management.

BACKGROUND: We sought to determine whether diagnoses established through the Banff schema for evaluation of renal allograft pathology have implications for clinical management, compared with diagnoses established using descriptive terminology. METHODS: All patients included in this study had mild to severe allograft rejection diagnosed, and, as part of a therapeutic protocol, they received OKT3 as primary anti-rejection therapy. We conducted a retrospective review of their renal allograft biopsy specimens and reclassified them, using the Banff schema, without knowledge of clinical information, laboratory data, or previous biopsy interpretation. Although there is no strict correspondence between descriptive diagnostic terminology and the criteria used in the Banff schema, for the purpose of comparisons, the following approximation was used: mild and mild to moderate rejection=Banff borderline and Banff grade 1, moderate and moderate to severe rejection=Banff grades 2A and 2B, and severe rejection=Banff grade 3. The diagnosis was considered concordant when the diagnosis by descriptive terminology and Banff grading were within the adopted approximation. RESULTS: Of 96 biopsies specimens with mild to severe allograft rejection, 10 were insufficient for diagnosis, and three had changes of chronic allograft rejection. Of the remaining 83 biopsy specimens, 34 (41%) were concordant in interpretation of rejection grades, whereas 49 (59%) were discrepant. The greatest degree of concordance was in grades 2A (66.7%, 18 of 27) and 2B (64.7% 11 of 17), and the lowest was in the borderline category (11.8%, 2 of 17). The greatest degree of discrepancy was in normal and grade 3 (100%, 3 of 3 and 2 of 2, respectively), and the lowest was in grade 2A (33.3%, 9 of 27). Although primary anti-rejection therapy with OKT3 resulted in a high reversal rate of rejection (98%), there were 5 deaths, 12 graft loses, six episodes of serious infections, and three malignancies in this group of patients during a mean follow-up period of approximately 38 months. CONCLUSIONS: Because patients with borderline changes and grades 1 and 2A rejection may be treated differently from patients with higher grades (2B and 3), the use of the Banff schema may allow for better adjustment of immunosuppressive therapy in response to specific grades of acute allograft rejection and may result in decreased complications of immunosuppressive therapy.

Graft Rejection↗

PubMed1982

The diagnostic accuracy and utility of MMPI and MCMI computer interpretive reports.

Comparisons were made among the two most frequently used automated reports associated with the MMPI and that of the recently developed MCMI. Twenty-three clinicians rated computer-generated interpretive narratives for 100 of their patients in terms of the adequacy of the information they supplied, their descriptive accuracy, and the utility of the report format. Differences among interpretive reports were statistically evaluated, utilizing eta. The NCS Mayo MMPI system was appraised as less satisfactory than the other systems on almost all substantive and stylistic comparisons. Despite possible Barnum effects, both the Roche MMPI and the MCMI programs were rated as valid and useful. MCMI narratives were judged more accurate in assessing interpersonal relationships (eta = .52), personality traits (eta = .50) and coping styles (eta = .53).

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed2001

Knowledge-based interpretation of toxoplasmosis serology test results including fuzzy temporal concepts--the ToxoNet system.

Transplacental transmission of Toxoplasma gondii from an infected, pregnant woman to the unborn that occurs with a probability of about 60 percent [1] results in fetal damage to a degree depending on the gestational age. The computer system ToxoNet processes the results of serological antibody tests having been performed during pregnancy by means of a knowledge base containing medical knowledge on the interpretation of Toxoplasmosis serology tests. By applying this knowledge ToxoNet generates interpretive reports consisting of a diagnostic interpretation and recommendations for therapy and further testing. For that purpose it matches the results of all serological investigations of maternal blood with the content of the knowledge base returning complete textual interpretations for all given findings. The interpretation algorithm derives the stage of maternal infection from these that is used to infer the degree of fetal threat. To consider varying immune responses of particular patients, certain time intervals have to be kept between two subsequent tests in order to guarantee a correct interpretation of the test results. These time intervals are modelled as fuzzy sets, since they allow the formal description of the temporal uncertainties. ToxoNet comprises the knowledge base, an interpretation system, and a program for the creation and modification of the knowledge base. It is available from the World Wide Web by starting a standard browser like the Internet Explorer or the Netscape Navigator. Thus ToxoNet supports the physician in Toxoplasmosis diagnostics and in addition allows to adopt the way of making decisions to the characteristics of the particular laboratory by modifying the underlying knowledge base.

Algorithms↗

PubMed1991

Susceptibility testing of anaerobic bacteria: myth, magic, or method?

The demand for susceptibility testing of anaerobes has increased, yet consensus as to procedure and interpretation in this area has not been achieved. While routine testing of anaerobic isolates is not needed, certain isolates in specific clinical settings should be tested. Also, laboratories may monitor their local antibiograms by doing periodic surveillance batch testing. The National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards has published a protocol of methods approved for susceptibility testing of anaerobic bacteria. Both agar and broth microdilution are included; however, the broth disk elution method is no longer approved by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards because of method-related interpretive errors. A number of newer methods are undergoing evaluation and seem promising. Clinicians and microbiologists reviewing susceptibility reports should be aware of sources of variability in the test results. Variables in susceptibility testing of anaerobes include the media and methods used, organisms chosen for testing, breakpoints chosen for interpretation, antibiotic, and determination of endpoint. Clustering of MICs around the breakpoint may lead to significant variability in test results. Adherence of testing laboratories to approved methods and careful descriptions of the method and the breakpoints used for interpretation would facilitate interlaboratory comparisons and allow problems of emerging resistance to be noted. A variety of resistance mechanisms occurs in anaerobic bacteria, including the production of beta-lactamase and other drug-inactivating enzymes, alteration of target proteins, and inability of the drug to penetrate the bacterial wall. Antimicrobial resistance patterns in the United States and abroad are described.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Description and representation of segmented renal arteries from angiograms.

This paper presents the first prototype of a system that uses syntactic techniques to describe normal and abnormal aspects of segmented renal arteries from angiographic images. The system is one part of a full understanding system devoted to the interpretation of angiograms. Its purpose is to provide symbolic descriptions of lesions that can further contribute to an accurate diagnosis from the image. The prototype consists of a modular system that takes artery outlines as input and provides a structural description of the artery as output in the framework of a precise quantification scheme. Each module yields heuristic parameters that influence the resulting description. The system is intended to be a tool to study independently the role of these different parameters in the inter and intra observer variability.

Humans↗