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PubMed2006

Skin adnexal neoplasm closely resembling adenomatoid tumor: a unique occurrence.

We describe a primary skin neoplasm located in the left chest wall that closely resembled adenomatoid tumor of male and female genital tract. It occurred in a 52-year-old woman who had undergone a left quadrantectomy with regional lymphadenectomy for invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast 7 years previously. The tumor involved the dermis and subcutaneous tissue and measured 0.7 cm in greatest diameter. Immunohistochemical evaluation showed strong positivity for cytokeratin pool and negativity for CD31, calretinin, WT-180, and for estrogen and progesterone receptors. We are unaware of a previous description of this morphologic pattern in a primary skin tumor, which we have interpreted as of skin adnexal and specifically of eccrine sweat gland origin.

Adenomatoid Tumor↗

PubMed1987

Classification of parasuicide by cluster analysis. Types of suicidal behaviour, therapeutic and prognostic implications.

A classification of suicidal behaviour was derived by cluster analysis from descriptive data on parasuicide patients. The grouping was meaningful in terms of clinical interpretation and had both therapeutic and prognostic implications. The sample was broken down into three groups, identified as repeated, serious and non-serious attempts. The repeated attempters had the worst prognosis at 1-year follow-up. When the sample was classified into five groups according to seriousness of the attempts, the repeater and non-serious groups were retained, while the serious attempts were split into three subtypes, which differed on nosological characteristics, treatment disposal and outcome. An excessively high successful suicide rate was found in a small group of elderly attempters.

Behavior↗

PubMed2002

Analysis of environmental and biologic methyl parathion data to improve future data collection.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry analyzed concurrently collected data on environmental methyl parathion (MP) and urinary p-nitrophenol (PNP) at the request of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA). The purpose of the analysis was to assess whether individuals' age or level of residential MP contamination might predict their urinary PNP level. Unlicensed pesticide applicators had sprayed residences in Mississippi with MP, which is approved as a pesticide only for outdoor agricultural use. Data were received from Mississippi for MP wipe sample levels for 409 homes and urinary PNP levels for 929 residents of the residences sampled. In addition to descriptive and bivariate analyses, ordinal logistic regression was performed after categorizing the data. Interpretation of results was limited by several identified data gaps and pre-existing data-quality issues. On the basis of the lessons learned from identified data gaps, specific recommendations were made to the U.S. EPA for improving future data collection methods for more meaningful exposure assessment in similar environmental contaminations. The recommended changes were successfully incorporated in subsequent data collected by other states that had experienced similar residential MP spraying.

Agriculture↗

PubMed1986

Control groups in routine evaluations of outcomes of alcoholism treatment.

The use of no treatment or waiting list controls for the time span of both treatment and follow-up of one year or longer involves ethical and methodological problems such as sample attrition; however, shorter follow-ups would lead to overestimates of long-term outcomes. Other comparison groups such as nonspecific treatment controls do not provide an estimate of what would happen to the clients without treatment and what their recovery chances would be in other treatment centers. Therefore, as an alternative to traditional design for outcome rate evaluations, the present paper suggests comparisons to pooled data from follow-ups of treated alcoholics. Until methodologically more acceptable pooled data is available, the data on untreated alcoholics pooled and re-analyzed by Emrick and the data on treated alcoholics presented by Gillies, Laverty, Smart, and Aharan could provide a temporary interpretational background. The most serious drawback of the two criterion samples is insufficient description of basic characteristics of the clients (e.g., in respect to age, education, sex, occupation, and to personality measures). More detailed descriptions in most future evaluation studies would make it possible to create better described criterion samples by pooling the data. This would also allow further analyses of the relationship of client characteristics to outcomes and, thus, would allow for special credit to outcomes with difficult clientele.

Alcoholism↗

PubMed2006

Research publications in the field of health: omission of hypotheses and presentation of common-sense conclusions.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Medical literature should consist of knowledge applicable to professional education; nevertheless, the profusion of articles in databases provokes disquiet among students. The authors considered the premise that scientific production in the field of health follows a mechanical description of phenomena without the clarity of motivating questions. The aim was to interpret material from expert reports, applied by medical students to analyze articles from renowned journals. DESIGN AND SETTING: This research project was exploratory, searching for latent meanings regarding methodological problems in a sample of papers. It was performed in a Brazilian medical school. METHODS: The sample was intentionally built, consisting of articles related to original research in the field of health, published over the previous five years. The results came from text content analysis, performed by a professor and his medical students. RESULTS: (1) Failure to state a hypothesis is an equivocal practice: articles did not show clarity of hypothesis to demonstrate that their authors had epistemological knowledge of the methods chosen. (2) There is a certain belief that in normal scientific practice, hypotheses are unnecessary: studies without explicit hypotheses led to suppositions that they merely repeat dominant models. (3) Presentation of common sense as scientific conclusions: research brings together what would have mobilized the researchers initially. CONCLUSIONS: Absence of formal hypotheses leaves scientific production vulnerable when put under epistemological discussion. Conclusions from scientific articles are often confounded with common-sense statements. Quantitative research is suggested, for studying the frequency of occurrence of these dubious methodological points.

Abstracting and Indexing↗

PubMed1999

The descriptive epidemiology of brain tumors.

Brain tumors have been the subject of controversy both with respect to patterns of occurrence and to potential causes. This article provides a description of current data resources on brain tumors and outlines issues affecting the interpretation of population-based data. A template for estimating regional expected values for brain tumors is provided, and current patterns of incidence, survival, and conditional survival are described. The occurrence of second primary tumors and quality of life studies are also reviewed.

Age Distribution↗

PubMed1999

Qualitative methods: what are they and why use them?

OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of reasons why qualitative methods have been used and can be used in health services and health policy research, to describe a range of specific methods, and to give examples of their application. DATA SOURCES: Classic and contemporary descriptions of the underpinnings and applications of qualitative research methods and studies that have used such methods to examine important health services and health policy issues. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Qualitative research methods are valuable in providing rich descriptions of complex phenomena; tracking unique or unexpected events; illuminating the experience and interpretation of events by actors with widely differing stakes and roles; giving voice to those whose views are rarely heard; conducting initial explorations to develop theories and to generate and even test hypotheses; and moving toward explanations. Qualitative and quantitative methods can be complementary, used in sequence or in tandem. The best qualitative research is systematic and rigorous, and it seeks to reduce bias and error and to identify evidence that disconfirms initial or emergent hypotheses. CONCLUSIONS: Qualitative methods have much to contribute to health services and health policy research, especially as such research deals with rapid change and develops a more fully integrated theory base and research agenda. However, the field must build on the best traditions and techniques of qualitative methods and must recognize that special training and experience are essential to the application of these methods.

Focus Groups↗

PubMed1994

[Historical meanings of Santiago Ramón y Cajal's Rétine des vertébrés. Summary of his first scientific].

The retina was one of the main objects of study in the first stage of the scientific work of Ramón y Cajal. As culmination of his previous works Cajal published in 1893 in the journal La Cellule an article titled "La rétine des Vertébrés". This article on the retina is a perfect example of Cajal's ability for the systematic study of the cellular types of the nervous centers, its morphological description and its intercellular contacts, as well as for the formulation of physiological interpretations and hypothesis on the development of the neuronal prolongations. Finally some comments are made on the influence of the evolutionary thinking of Haeckel and Herbert Spencer on the work of Ramón y Cajal.

Biological Evolution↗

PubMed1992

ProSearch: fast searching of protein sequences with regular expression patterns related to protein structure and function.

This report describes the implementation of ProSearch, a computer program that can efficiently search for motifs in protein sequences. ProSearch currently uses motifs that are contained in the PROSITE database, but user-developed patterns can easily be added to any search. ProSearch can generate a report identifying the patterns present in a given protein sequence, their locations and, if desired, a short description of the identified patterns. The program is written in AWK (a small interpreted computer language), which can run on all computer platforms commonly found in laboratories. ProSearch can search a 348-amino acid protein for 690 patterns in less than 5 s on a typical workstation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2005

Trend analysis of the sex ratio at birth in the United States.

OBJECTIVES: This report presents total sex ratios at birth from 1940 to 2002, for race starting in 1970, for Hispanic origin groups starting in 1989, for live birth order starting in 1943, and for age of mother for the full time period. METHODS: Descriptive tabulations of sex ratios using the birth data set are presented and interpreted. Joinpoint regression analysis is used to detect changes in the sex ratio over time. RESULTS: The United States sex ratio at birth had three significant transitions from 1940 to 2002 (1942, 1959, and 1971). White women were the only race group to have any significant changes in the sex ratio between 1970 and 2002 (1972, 1976, and 1988). Between 1940 and 2002 significant transitions in sex ratios occurred to women aged 20-24 (1942, 1966, 1974, and 1987); 25-29 (1961 and 1968); 35-39 (1965 and 1976); and 40-44 years (1967).

Birth Rate↗

PubMed1992

[Ultrasound diagnosis of isolated vagus neurofibroma in Recklinghausen disease].

We report on an isolated cervical vagus nerve neurofibroma in a patient with neurofibromatosis Recklinghausen. B-scanechography showed a well limited tumor without infiltration of adjacent structures and with cranial and caudal dendrites. The inner structure of the neurofibroma was characterized by a homogenous picture of low ultrasound reflection. Although ultrasound allows an exact description of the tumor's topography, it is impossible to give a histological interpretation by the sonomorphology.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[The quantitative characteristics of the metabolism of antitumor compounds].

Methodical approaches to quantitative study of biotransformation of antitumor drugs have been described and classified. Most widely used types of models have been described. Proposed algorithm of interpretation of obtained experimental data may be used for selection of suitable model description of a compound and characterization of its pharmacokinetic properties.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

A career mobility program for skilled nursing facilities.

This article reports the results of a 3-year demonstration project in career mobility for nursing personnel in skilled nursing facilities. The goal of the project was to demonstrate the effectiveness of a career mobility program in addressing service delivery challenges such as recruitment, retention, and satisfaction of nursing personnel in skilled nursing facilities. The project was a joint effort between an educational department of a large university and a major long-term care corporation. The project evaluation addressed the effectiveness of this career mobility program in attracting and retaining nursing personnel, the satisfaction of nursing personnel with their jobs, and whether the additional training affected the quality of care. Five pilot and three comparison sites were designated in Southern California. Survey, self-report, and interview data were collected at yearly intervals and at the completion of the project. Descriptive statistics and analysis of variance formed the basis for data analysis and interpretation. Overall, the findings suggested that the career mobility program has the potential to retain staff who benefit from a career development program. The career mobility program was a valuable strategy, but its success was only as good as the management team's authority to support the program and emphasize its goals.

California↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Problems with owner communications.

This chapter deals with communication problems between the veterinary surgeon and the owners of animals undergoing treatment for intervertebral disc disease, an area that has often been neglected in other works that usually deal exclusively with pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Neurologic disease can be a confusing subject, especially for the untrained owner of an afflicted animal and many areas of potential confusion between the veterinarian and the owner can occur. Potential problems may arise during the discussion of the medical history, interpretation of the neurologic examination, explanation of differential diagnostic and treatment alternatives, and description of the operative and postoperative phases. Each of these areas is discussed relative to the veterinarian's interaction with the owner of the animal patient.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Postembryonic development of Wohlfahrtia magnifica (Schiner, 1862) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae).

A description of the larval development of Wohlfahrtia magnifica (Schiner, 1862) is given. An interpretation of the morphological development correlated with functional and adaptive aspects of myiasis-causing flies is also included. A detailed analysis of morphological changes that occurred in W. magnifica larvae during postembryonic development is carried out. These changes happen in 2 larval interinstars, I-II and II-III, in which several structures such as anterior and posterior peritremes and cephalopharyngeal skeleton play an important role. The possible functions of these structures are considered. We also describe the first instar in W. magnifica to differentiate it from that belonging to Sarcophaga species, paying special attention to disposition of the cephalopharyngeal skeleton, anterior peritremes, and spinulation on the last 3 segments. Several structures, not described previously in Sarcophagidae, were observed: modified spines of the buccal and peritremal cavities, peritremal tubercles, and modified spines on the ventral surface. Changes occurring in these structures during larval development are described. Their probable role in the taxonomy of the genus Wohlfahrtia and their application to Nearctic species belonging to this genus, Wohlfahrtia vigil and Wohlfahrtia opaca, are also discussed.

Animals↗

PubMed1977

[Postoperative pancreatitis as a complication of abdominal interventions].

After the surgical treatments in upper abdomen (supramesocolic region) the laboratory parameters frequently point at postoperative pancreatitis. Typical clinical finding is hidden by the primary postoperative disease. Only the complications menifestly point at the existance of pancreas affection. The authors are considering pathogenesis of postoperative pancreatitis, discrepancy about the interpretation of the obtained laboratory parameters, the clinical finding and give a short description of the complication during postoperative pancreatitis, which actually has forced them for the surgical intervention.

Abdomen↗

PubMed1996

Apert's syndrome: cephalometric evaluation and considerations on pathogenesis.

Apert's syndrome is a malformation characterized by abnormalities in the cranial vault, midfacial malformations, and syndactylia. The present study analyzes the lateral and frontal projections of the teleradiograms from five patients. Data were taken on the skeletal features and an attempt was made to interpret them in terms of functional matrices. We have used cephalometry as a descriptive device although the intent was also to use it to provide a perspective on the pathogenetic data derived from the literature. The hypothesis analyzed is that from the outset of craniofacial pathogenesis there may be a primitive alteration of the cartilaginous template from which are derived endochondral bones. The progressive involvement of the synchondrosis of the cranial base is subsequently transmitted to the membranous structures of the vault and face through the coronal ring and lambdoid suture systems. Although the data gained do not actually confirm this hypothesis, they do provide further support for it.

Acrocephalosyndactylia↗

PubMed1998

Learning algorithms based on linearization.

The aim of this article is to investigate a mechanical description of learning. A framework for local and simple learning algorithms based on interpreting a neural network as a set of configuration constraints is proposed. For any architectural design and learning task, unsupervised and supervised algorithms can be derived, optionally using unconstrained and hidden neurons. Unlike algorithms based on the gradient in weight space, the proposed tangential correlation (TC) algorithms move along the gradient in state space. This results in optimal scaling properties and simple expressions for the weight updates. The number of synapses is much larger than the number of neurons. A constraint for neural states does not impose a unique constraint for synaptic weights. Which weights to assign credit to can be selected from a parametrization of all weight changes equivalently satisfying the state constraints. At the heart of the parametrization are minimal weight changes. Two supervised algorithms (differing by their parametrizations) operating on a three-layer perceptron are compared with standard backpropagation. The successful training of fixed points of recurrent networks is demonstrated. The unsupervised learning of oscillations with variable frequencies is performed on standard and more sophisticated recurrent networks. The results presented here can be useful both for the analysis and for the synthesis of learning algorithms.

Algorithms↗