SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “experience sampling methodology”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,207 records · Page 67Linked to original sources

PubMed1976

The financing and the economic efficiency of rural health services in the People's Republic of China.

This paper studies the resource allocation in the provision of health care services at the local level in the People's Republic of China. The subject of health financing and the effectiveness and cost of this medical cooperative service in the country's rural areas are evaluated. The conclusion drawn is that, with China's agricultural economic framework, the adoption of barefoot doctor services and the promotion of herbal medicine are cost-minimizing approaches that enable local political units to be financially self-supporting with regard to medical services. Based on a few samples at brigade or commune level, the results indicate that the barefoot doctor services are economically valuable. Furthermore, the sense of security and a point of entry into the health care system that the barefoot doctors can provide for lower-income peasants are by no means a minor noneconomic benefit. Some of their experiences may be useful to other developing countries.

China↗

PubMed1998

Labor concerns of women two months after delivery.

BACKGROUND: Women strive to incorporate their labor and delivery experiences into their self-system as they form an identity as a mother. As part of a larger study examining the development of maternal identity, women were asked to respond to a single open-ended question-"Is there anything about your labor and delivery that is still bothering you?"-to determine if women experienced any discrepancies between the expectations and realities of their births. METHODS: A descriptive, qualitative design was applied to examine responses to an open-ended question from a convenience sample of 77 women from three geographically diverse Midwest hospitals who were nine weeks postpartum. Responses were subjected to content analysis to identify major categories of concerns related to labor and delivery. RESULTS: Women expressed positive responses, which related to who helped them in labor and to the context of the experience, and frustrations, which related to pain, negative reactions to health caregivers, lack of control, and lack of knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: These findings offer direction to health care professionals for making labor and childbirth a positive experience, thus easing the transition to motherhood.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1992

Developmental biology on unmanned space craft.

Even the short period (6-7 min) of real microgravity during Sounding Rocket (SR) flights has provided important basic new information about the influence of the lack of gravity on particular developmental processes. However some of the reports also clearly revealed the need of an increased number of larger samples per experiment. The SR provides a very appropriate way for testing of specific flight hardware designed for experiments on long-duration missions. It was stated that the number of flight opportunities should be extended, in order to keep scientists interested in the performance of Space experiments. To this end ESA and USSR have started to collaborate in the BIOKOSMOS-9 Mission with the aim of continuing that collaboration in the future, to provide additional unmanned flight opportunities with a duration of 10-14 days. The reports on experiments performed on Biokosmos-9 showed that such missions can be a very useful extension of flight opportunities, although several of the experimental conditions should be improved. In comparison with the 1988 COSPAR meeting, the material presented at the 1990 COSPAR Session on Developmental Biology showed considerable progress in methodology: the more descriptive phase is over, the period of the actual microgravity-experiments has started, and cell- and molecular biological approaches are increasingly applied. It also became clear that in experiments with relatively small cells (plant cells, human A431 epidermoid carcinoma cells and lymphocytes) the experimental results from flight experiments were often identical to those obtained in simulated microgravity. When applicable to the biological systems involved, users should more often consider the application of such Earth-based methods, that is not only in preparation of a real Space experiment. Finally, it was emphasized that some of the results from earlier experiments, which were assumed to demonstrate real microgravity effects, might have only seemingly been due to the microgravity conditions. Instead, they could have been caused secondarily by factors such as the lack of convection in surrounding media. It is important to test this possibility in future experiments.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Covariance of personality, neurocognition, and schizophrenia spectrum traits in the community.

Clinical researchers have observed in relatives of schizophrenic individuals abnormal personality traits resembling the psychopathology of schizophrenia. Further similarities have been observed in correlations between measures of brain function, including attention and executive abilities, and these personality psychopathologies. However, two methodologic factors might account for the covariation of these 'schizophrenia spectrum' personality traits and measures of brain function. Clinical selection bias (Berkson's bias) might result in subjects with overlapping conditions being more likely to be studied, and normal personality attributes could affect performance on neurobehavioral tasks. This study investigated relationships between neurobehavioral correlates of schizophrenia, clinical schizophrenia spectrum personality traits, and normal personality dimensions in the five-factor model of personality. To avoid Berkson's bias, subjects expected to have a high probability of spectrum traits were recruited from the Baltimore Epidemiologic Catchment Area Survey community sample. About 40% of the sample were found to have DSM-IIIR Schizotypal, Schizoid, or Paranoid Personality Traits or Disorders. Schizophrenia Spectrum traits showed significant associations with personality dimensions of the five factor model, particularly Openness to Experience and Neuroticism. In ordinary linear regression models, after adjustment for a number of normal personality characteristics, Schizotypal Personality Traits were still strongly associated with perseverative responses on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). In logistic regression models, subjects with Schizotypal, Schizoid, or Paranoid Traits differed in terms of normal personality profiles and WCST performance.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Organotin speciation in environmental matrices by automated on-line hydride generation-programmed temperature vaporization-capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry detection.

In the present contribution, a new automated on-line hydride generation methodology was developed for dibutyltin and tributyltin speciation at the trace level, using a programmable temperature-vaporizing inlet followed by capillary gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry in the selected ion-monitoring mode acquisition (PTV-GC/MS(SIM)). The methodology involves a sequence defined by two running methods, the first one configured for hydride generation with sodium tetrahydroborate as derivatising agent and the second configured for speciation purposes, using a conventional autosampler and data acquisition controlled by the instrument's software. From the method-development experiments, it had been established that injector configuration has a great effect on the speciation of the actual methodology, particularly, the initial inlet temperature (-20 degrees C; He: 150 ml/min), injection volume (2 microl) and solvent characteristics using the solvent venting mode. Under optimized conditions, a remarkable instrumental performance including very good precision (RSD < 4%), excellent linear dynamic range (up to 50 microg/ml) and limits of detection of 0.12 microg/ml and 9 ng/ml, were obtained for dibutyltin and tributyltin, respectively. The feasibility of the present methodology was validated through assays upon in-house spiked water (2 ng/ml) and a certified reference sediment matrix (Community Bureau of Reference, CRM 462, Nr. 330 dibutyltin: 68+/-12 ng/g; tributyltin: 54+/-15 ng/g on dry mass basis), using liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and solid-phase extraction (SPE) sample enrichment and multiple injections (2 x 5 microl) for sensitivity enhancement. The methodology evidenced high reproducibility, is easy to work-up, sensitive and showed to be a suitable alternative to replace the currently dedicated analytical systems for organotin speciation in environmental matrices at the trace level.

Automation↗

PubMed2000

Molecular assays for the diagnosis of minimal residual head-and-neck cancer: methods, reliability, pitfalls, and solutions.

The prognosis of cancer patients is determined by the radicalness of treatment: residual tumor cells will grow out and develop in manifest local recurrences, regional recurrences, and distant metastases. Classical diagnostic methods such as radiology and histopathology have limited sensitivities, and only by molecular techniques can minimal residual disease be detected. In tissue samples containing the normal tissue counterpart of a tumor, only tumor-specific markers can be exploited, whereas in other samples, tissue-specific markers can be used. At present, there are two main methodologies in use, one based on antigen-antibody interaction and the other based on amplified nucleic acids. The most commonly used nucleic acid markers are mutations or alterations in tumor DNA (tumor-specific markers) or differentially expressed mRNA (tissue-specific markers). Many reports and reviews have been published on the assessment of minimal residual disease by molecular markers, showing either positive or negative clinical correlations. One of the main reasons for these contradictory findings is the technical difficulty in finding the small numbers of tumor cells in the large number of normal cells, which necessitates sensitivities of the assays up to 1 tumor cell in 2 x 10(7) normal cells. These assays often are complex, demand considerable experience, and usually are laborious. In this review, we will address a number of the technical issues related to molecular assays for tumor cell detection that make use of nucleic acids as markers. Many difficulties in data interpretation are at least in part because of technical details that might have been solved by the incorporation of one or more appropriate controls. We hope that this review clarifies a number of these issues and help clinicians and investigators interested in this field to understand and weigh the contradictory findings in the published studies. This will help move the field forward and facilitate clinical implementation.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

PubMed2003

Seeking the attitudes and perceptions of the Greek primary-care professionals on voluntary work in caring for people with HIV/AIDS.

BACKGROUND: During the last two decades Greece has moved towards a national health system. However, in a country with limited economic resources the necessity for reducing the increasing costs of the health care services by an effective use of available human resources, such as community volunteers, becomes inevitable. This paper reports the findings of a pilot study on attitudes and perceptions of primary-care staff towards voluntary work for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. METHODS: Of the 300 primary-care professionals who are serving the health centres of the largest area of Athens, a sample of 153 was selected. The population surveyed was predominately female (n = 104, 69.3%) and most of them (n = 77, 50.7%) were between 31 and 40 years of age. A 28-item questionnaire was used, especially designed to investigate attitudes and perceptions of primary health care (PHC) professionals regarding the contribution of volunteers to HIV/AIDS-related programmes. RESULTS: Most of the respondents (n = 131, 85.6%) reported little or no experience of caring for HIV/AIDS patients and only 14 (9%) reported participation in any voluntary programmes. Eighty-eight per cent of patients (n = 135) consider the participation of volunteers in AIDS programmes as very useful and the vast majority of the participants pointed out the usefulness of the participation of health professionals and other influencing persons in voluntary programmes. Participants also suggested that sharing time with HIV patients and families, offering emotional support and practical help and distributing information leaflets for the general population should be the volunteers' contribution in AIDS-related programmes. The PHC professionals' role in voluntary programmes is considered by the 91 respondents (59.5%) as 'planning and organizing', for 66 (43.1%), 'coordinating' and for 37 (24.2%), 'supporting'. Although the majority of the participants (n = 90, 58.8%) said they would participate as a volunteer in an AIDS-related programme, only one-third of the total sample (n = 48, 31.4%) agree with the statement that they have a professional duty to support such a type of programme. CONCLUSIONS: Primary-care workers present little experience in caring for HIV/AIDS patients or participating in volunteer programmes and mainly positive attitudes and perceptions to voluntary work. Continuing educational programmes together with awareness activities may increase the involvement of primary-care professionals in the effective management of AIDS in Greece.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Out of sync: a generation of first-time mothers over 30.

Increasing numbers of women have delayed childbearing until after they reach their thirties. The researchers who studied early maternal role attainment in women over 30 failed to reflect on the challenges of raising a child to adulthood. The use of grounded theory helped us understand the extended mothering experience from the perspective of women over 30. Fifty-three women from Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, California, Connecticut, and Florida composed the total sample. Ages of the women ranged from 30 to 91; ages of the children ranged from 6 weeks to late sixties. We called the dominant category out of sync, with properties that included mortality, vitality, and social structural considerations. The pervasive quality of the central variable makes this account of interest to an international audience.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed2006

Collection and storage of CO2 for 13C analysis: An application to separate soil CO2 efflux into root- and soil-derived components.

Soil surface CO2 efflux is comprised of CO2 from (i) root respiration and rhizosphere microbes and (ii) heterotrophic respiration from the breakdown of soil organic matter (SOM). This efflux may be partitioned between these sources using delta13C measurements. To achieve this, continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry can be used and, in conjunction with 10 mL septum-capped vials, large numbers of samples may be analysed using a Finnigan MAT Delta(plus)XP interfaced to a Gas Bench II. Here we describe a number of advances to facilitate such work, including: (i) a technique for monitoring mass spectrometer performance, (ii) improvements to sample storage, and (iii) a gas-handling system for incubating and sampling the CO2 derived from roots and soils. Mass spectrometer performance was monitored using an automated refillable vial. Compressed air analysed with this system had mean delta13C of -9.61 +/- 0.16 per thousand (+/- 1sigma, n = 28) collected over four runs. Heating the butyl rubber septa used to seal the vials at 105 degrees C for 12 h improved the sample storage. After air transportation over 12 days, the isotope composition of the CO2 at ambient concentrations was unchanged (before: -35.2 +/- 0.10 per thousand, n = 4; after: -35.3 +/- 0.10 per thousand, n = 15); without heat treatment of the septa the CO2 became slightly enriched (-35.0 +/- 0.14 per thousand, n = 15). The linearity of the Gas Bench II was found to decline above 8000 micromol CO2 mol(-1). To stay within a linear range and to allow the incubation of soil and root material we describe a gas-handling system based around a peristaltic pump. Finally, we demonstrate these methods by growing a C-4 grass (Guinea grass, Panicum maximum Jacq.) in a C-3 soil. Root respiration was found to contribute between 5 and 22% to the soil surface CO2 efflux. These methodologies will facilitate experiments aimed at measuring the isotopic composition of soil-derived CO2 across a range of ecological applications.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2005

The role of the hippocampus in object recognition in rats: examination of the influence of task parameters and lesion size.

Studies examining the effects of hippocampal lesions on object recognition memory in rats have produced conflicting results. The present study investigated how methodological differences and lesion size may have contributed to these discrepancies. In Experiment 1 we compared rats with complete, partial (septal) and sham hippocampal lesions on a spontaneous object recognition task, using a protocol previously reported to result in deficits following large hippocampal lesions . Rats with complete and partial hippocampal lesions were unimpaired, suggesting the hippocampus is not required for object recognition memory. However, rats with partial lesions showed relatively poor performance raising the possibility that floor effects masked a deficit on this group. In Experiment 2, we used a second spontaneous object recognition protocol similar to that used by the two other studies that have reported deficits following hippocampal lesions . Rats with complete hippocampal lesions were significantly impaired, whereas rats with partial lesions were unimpaired. However, the complete lesion group showed less object exploration during the sample phase. Thus, the apparent recognition memory deficit in Experiment 2 may be attributable to differential encoding. Together, these findings suggest that the hippocampus is not required for intact spontaneous object recognition memory. These findings suggest that levels of object exploration during the sample phase may be a critical issue, and raise the possibility that previous reports of object recognition deficits may be due to differences in object exploration rather than deficits in object recognition per se.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed2004

Memories of intensive care and experiences of survivors of a critical illness: an interview study.

Recovery from a critical illness can be a complex and protracted process. It is known that for some, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) does not return to pre-illness levels for many months, and in some disease processes this may be longer. This study was undertaken as part of a larger project examining the pain and health status of survivors of a critical illness. The aims of the qualitative aspect of the study were to examine the participants' memories of intensive care and hospitalisation at 6 months post-discharge, and to explore the impact of the critical illness experience on their recovery. Purposive sampling was used to enable rich descriptions of the experience of recovery from those patients best able to articulate their experiences. Three common themes were found with our six participants: recollections, responses, and comfort/discomfort. Recovery from their critical illness continued to affect the participants and carers, some profoundly so. Better integration of services and continued support is required for survivors of a critical illness up to and beyond 6 months.

Aftercare↗

PubMed1997

The experience of fatigue and strategies of self-care among persons with multiple sclerosis.

Fatigue is one of the most common and least understood symptoms of many chronic and disabling conditions. This qualitative study used a convenience sample (N = 13) of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). A semistructured interview guide was used to elicit a description of the experience of fatigue. Its perceived antecedents, and the self-care strategies used to manage it. Data were gathered during two 90 minute interviews. Five themes were identified that describe the experience of fatigue for persons with MS. Categories of self-care strategies included energy conservation, recharge efforts, enhancing resistance to fatigue, and temperature control. Further research is needed to explore the effects of specific interventions in the management of fatigue.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed2004

Single sperm cryopreservation on cryoloops: an alternative to hamster zona for freezing individual spermatozoa.

Methodology enabling cryopreservation of individual spermatozoa in extreme cases of oligozoospermia would tremendously benefit patients. This study explores the use of a nylon loop for cryopreservation of small quantities of spermatozoa, and also describes a novel technique for freezing individual spermatozoa with this cryoloop. Experiments were conducted to compare sperm recovery and viability after cryopreservation in conventional vials versus on the cryoloops. Discarded human sperm specimens with varying parameters were utilized. The study also examines two different glycerolbased cryoprotectants, with and without test yolk buffer. For single sperm cryopreservation, 5-10 spermatozoa were selected and loaded onto cryoloops with the aid of a microscope and micromanipulation equipment. Sperm function testing was performed on both human and bovine spermatozoa frozen on cryoloops. Microquantities of spermatozoa frozen on cryoloops exhibited overall motility and viability parameters similar to control samples frozen in cryovials. Individually selected spermatozoa cryopreserved on loops were easily recovered and post-thaw motility was generally good. Sperm function testing demonstrated that both human and bovine spermatozoa cryopreserved on loops were able to undergo sperm head decondensation when injected into oocytes. Cryoloops may be an excellent alternative to hamster zonae for cryopreserving small numbers of human spermatozoa.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Methodological issues in randomized controlled trials.

There is increasing emphasis on the need to practise evidence-based medicine and the strongest evidence comes from well designed and well-conducted randomized controlled trials. Every component is important for the success of a clinical trial; if the design or sample size is inappropriate, then the results of the study will be unreliable, however well the study is conducted. Conversely a well-designed study may founder because of poor outcome measurement or unacceptably high subject loss. The advantages of a well-designed trial apply equally to studies with short term outcomes and to those requiring long-term follow up. This paper therefore focuses on general methodological issues with a discussion, where appropriate, of the special considerations associated with long-term follow-up. This emphasis is motivated by the belief that a trial with methodological weaknesses is both a waste of resources and unethical. Anyone planning to undertake a randomized controlled trial should consult a more comprehensive text [1-4]. Here, some selected issues are highlighted with the choice of topics reflecting the experience and interests of the authors.

Humans↗

PubMed2005

[Personality-based career attitudes of nursing students].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the structure and characteristics of nursing college students' personality-based career attitudes. METHOD: A Q-methodology was used to identify factors in nursing students' personality-based career attitudes. A Q sample was collected from in-depth and objective interviews and literature reviews. A P sample consisted of 27 nursing students. RESULT: Results revealed three factors: Deliberateness-oriented, Positive-oriented, and Negative-oriented. The 'Deliberateness-oriented' factor was characterized by preference of logical and objective ways in evaluation and trying to seek deep relationships with only a small number of people. The 'Positive-oriented' factor showed creative, autonomous and sociable traits and put value on extensive interpersonal relations. The 'Negative-oriented' factor focused on possibility and enjoyed artistic actions. All 3 factors were negative in NGO or political activities. CONCLUSION: Based on this result, curriculum development for nursing students should give students a variety of experiences. These findings will be the basic data for finding appropriate positions within the work place for nursing students and help them select appropriate careers for their own personality types.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

A non-isotopic nested polymerase chain reaction method to quantitate minimal residual disease in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a highly sensitive technique for the detection of lymphoma cells presenting specific rearrangements or translocations, like the t(14;18). However, few methods are available for the quantitative evaluation of clinical samples, especially using nested PCR. In this study, we describe a method for the semiquantitative estimation of low numbers of lymphoma cells using the nested PCR methodology. Samples evaluated consisted of RL cells, a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cell line harbouring a bcl-2 translocation, mixed with normal mononuclear cells (MC) obtained from bone marrow or peripheral blood. DNA was extracted from samples with RL:MC ratios ranging from 5 x 10(-2) to 5 x 10(-7), and amplified for detection of this translocation. The product of this first amplification reaction was serially diluted 10-fold from 10(0) to 10(-7). Then each fraction was PCR-amplified with nested oligonucleotide primers. Aliquots of the second amplification were electrophoresed on a 2% agarose gel and stained with ethidium bromide. Within the range tested, there was a log-linear relationship between the number of PCR positive bands and the number of translocated cells in each sample. This procedure was highly reproducible in experiments evaluating the interrun and intrarun variability. In addition, there was no interaction with normal cells obtained from peripheral blood or bone marrow, or from different individuals. Furthermore, results were identical with two different cell lines and consistent with patient lymphoma cells obtained from a lymph node biopsy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Base Sequence↗

PubMed2003

Quantitative-genetic analysis of wing form and bilateral asymmetry in isochromosomal lines of Drosophila subobscura using Procrustes methods.

Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) is often used as a measure of underlying developmental instability (DI), motivated by the idea that morphological variance is maladaptive. Whether or not DI has evolutionary potential is a highly disputed topic, marred by methodological problems and fuzzy prejudices. We report here some results from an ongoing study of the effects of karyotype, homozygosity and temperature on wing form and bilateral asymmetry using isochromosomal lines of Drosophila subobscura. Our approach uses the recently developed methodologies in geometric morphometrics to analyse shape configurations of landmarks within the standard statistical framework employed in studies of bilateral asymmetries, and we have extended these methods to partition the individual variation and the variation in asymmetries into genetic and environmental causal components. The analyses revealed temperature-dependent expression of genetic variation for wing size and wing shape, directional asymmetry (DA) of wing size, increased asymmetries at suboptimal temperature, and a transition from FA to DA in males as a result of increase in the rearing temperature. No genetic variation was generally detected for FA in our samples, but these are preliminary results because no crosses between lines were carried out and, therefore, the contribution of dominance was not taken into account. In addition, only a subset of the standing genetic variation was represented in the experiments.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Simulation of correlated continuous and categorical variables using a single multivariate distribution.

Clinical trial simulations make use of input/output models with covariate effects; the virtual patient population generated for the simulation should therefore display physiologically reasonable covariate distributions. Covariate distribution modeling is one method used to create sets of covariate values (vectors) that characterize individual virtual patients, which should be representative of real subjects participating in clinical trials. Covariates can be continuous (e.g., body weight, age) or categorical (e.g., sex, race). A modeling method commonly used for incorporating both continuous and categorical covariates, the Discrete method, requires the patient population to be divided into subgroups for each unique combination of categorical covariates, with separate multivariate functions for the continuous covariates in each subset. However, when there are multiple categorical covariates this approach can result in subgroups with very few representative patients, and thus, insufficient data to build a model that characterizes these patient groups. To resolve this limitation, an application of a statistical methodology (Continuous method) was conceived to enable sampling of complete covariate vectors, including both continuous and categorical covariates, from a single multivariate function. The Discrete and Continuous methods were compared using both simulated and real data with respect to their ability to generate virtual patient distributions that match a target population. The simulated data sets consisted of one categorical and two correlated continuous covariates. The proportion of patients in each subgroup, correlation between the continuous covariates, and ratio of the means of the continuous covariates in the subgroups were varied. During evaluation, both methods accurately generated the summary statistics and proper proportions of the target population. In general, the Continuous method performed as well as the Discrete method, except when the subgroups, defined by categorical value, had markedly different continuous covariate means, for which, in the authors' experience, there are few clinically relevant examples. The Continuous method allows analysis of the full population instead of multiple subgroups, reducing the number of analyses that must be performed, and thereby increasing efficiency. More importantly, analyzing a larger pool of data increases the precision of the covariance estimates of the covariates, thus improving the accuracy of the description of the covariate distribution in the simulated population.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗