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PubMed1995

Psychometric measures of trauma among psychiatric patients reporting ritual abuse.

Increasing reports by psychiatric patients of ritual abuse have provoked a debate about the appropriate interpretation of such allegations. Some authors contend that these claims represents fantasy material, dissimulation, or delusions. Others maintain that patients' descriptions of ritualized trauma may constitute a newly identified psychiatric syndrome. The present investigation compared psychometric measures of trauma, the MMPI-2 PK and PS scales, in a group of patients reporting ritual abuse and another group with no such accounts of ritual abuse. Comparisons were statistically significant with mean PK and PS scores of 86.3 and 85.8, respectively, for the 34 reporting ritual abuse and 58.3 and 58.7 for the 31 not reporting ritual abuse. Further, 91% of the patients alleging ritual abuse had scores on at least one of the two scales within the clinical range, i.e., T score > or = 65. It was concluded that patients reporting histories of ritual abuse also showed significantly elevated scores on these scales and their scores were higher than those obtained for a sample of patients not reporting ritual abuse.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

[Notes on the history of Duchenne's disease].

The author shows by citations from Paul Broca, Duchenne (de Boulogne) and other authors that the first description of myopathias has been given in 1847 by P. Broca at the Société anatomique and that he had correctly interpreted their muscular (and not nervous) origin.

France↗
PubMed1975

[Pharmacokinetics--questions of terminology and problems].

Pharmacokinetics have become one indispensable tool in drug evaluation, clinical pharmacology and diagnostics. Therefore the basic principles of pharmacokinetics are outlined and pertinent definitions are given. Some scientific terms in this field are explained in order to facilitate interdisciplinary communication. The theoretical background of some practicable algorithms for obtaining pharmacokinetical parameters is described with the attempt of relying solely on the understanding usually induced by basic courses in biology, medicine and chemistry. It is demonstrated that the evaluation of pharmacokinetical analyses may only be interpreted in a context of any or all of these disciplines. Without this context pharmacokinetical results may remain mere mathematical descriptions of unknown mechanisms.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Inner strength in older Hispanic women with chronic illness.

The phenomenon of inner strength has been studied in women with various chronic illnesses (Dingley, 1997; Dingley, Bush, & Roux, 2001; Koob, Roux, & Bush, 2002; Roux, Bush, & Dingley, 2001), demonstrating commonalities in the experiences that bridge the boundaries created by disease taxonomy or individual circumstance. Despite the richness of previous qualitative studies, the current state of the science reflects the interpreted reality of inner strength from the perspective of primarily middle class Caucasian women. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore the experience of inner strength in older Hispanic women living with chronic illness. The primary research question was: How do older Hispanic women experience inner strength as they live with chronic illness? The purposive sample consisted of women who met the criteria for the term "Hispanic", were 60 years of age or older, and had been diagnosed with a chronic illness. Data generation methods included observation and semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was based on qualitative methodology informed by grounded theory and the constant comparative method. Findings from the current study suggested the experience of inner strength in older Hispanic women involved the following interrelated dimensions: (a) Drawing Strength from the Past, (b) Focusing on Possibilities, (c) Being supported by Others, (d) Knowing One's Purpose, and (e) Nurturing the Spirit. The current study contributes to a cumulative program of research on the phenomenon of inner strength, furthering theory generation, cultural awareness, and future intervention studies.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2005

Limitations of ASM1 and ASM3: a comparison based on batch oxygen uptake rate profiles from different full-scale wastewater treatment plants.

The two most popular models for the description of the biological COD removal are ASM1 and ASM3. However, some numerical inconsistencies arise when using these models to interpret the data obtained in short-term respirometric batch experiments. In this study, both models are fitted to four different respirometric batch profiles obtained with biomass from different WWTP. The parameter estimation results and the practical (local) identifiability are analysed, and the limitations of both models are discussed. The growth yield obtained by fitting ASM1 to the short-term respirometric batch profiles is higher than the default one, as well as the storage yield obtained by fitting ASM3 is lower than the default one. Based on these values, possible improvements to the modelling of the biological COD removal, such as the inclusion of simultaneous growth and storage on external substrate, are proposed.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Epidemiology the root of prevention of disease and pointer to better provision of health services.

Epidemiology goes hand in hand with prevention of diseases. Unlike clinical medicine it deals with the health of groups of people instead of individuals in the community. Epidemiology identifies the root of the health problem in the community and seeks to find who is affected, when and where, through surveys and research. It goes on to set up control measures to prevent future occurrences. This may involve changing health and social policies to make sure that identified health problems are properly taken care of. Epidemiology, if properly applied, leads to better budgeting and allocation of resources in areas of need especially in this era when resources are very scarce. It is only when a problem is tackled from its root, that control, preventive measures and elimination of the problem is more effective. It is time we focussed our attention on "upstream" endeavour, long-term and lasting solutions to our health problems.

Data Collection↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The health status and biochemical parameters of 98 long-surviving persons].

During 8 years authors examined 98 persons of the age ranging from 90 to 99 years. The results of the longevity phenomenon analysis suggest its relationship to hereditary factor, female sex, occupation in agriculture and absence of the life shortening diseases in anamnesis. Clinical diagnoses of all the longaged have been analyzed to confirm the multimorbidity and the so called senile polypathy which is frequent in this age. All the longaged were divided into 3 groups according to their vitality degree. Erythrocyte sedimentation, basic biochemical and haematological tests were carried out and the values obtained were analyzed following the 3 vitality degrees mentioned. The authors' aim is to point out some problems especially the difficulty of interpretation of some laboratory tests results in this longaged patient category and thus contribute to a certain extent to the description of the longevity phenomenon from the modern clinical gerontology viewpoint.

Aged↗
PubMed1989

[Epidemiologic criteria for the evaluation of positive and negative effects of the administration of high doses of vitamins].

Epidemiological methods can provide evidence, not proof, of cause effect relationships. They can confirm and quantify the existence of statistical relationships. Causality in epidemiological terms means that such relationships are strong and stable enough to enable the change of the suspected effect by changing the suspected cause. Criteria for epidemiological evidence of effects of elevated dosages of vitamins are basically the same as those for the evidence of effects of other exposures. Given the unambiguous classifications of both exposure and cases, they comprise strength, significance, specificity and consistency of the statistical association, plausible time relationships as well as dose effect relationship and consistency with other evidence. Epidemiological evidence for beneficial or detrimental effect of elevated vitamin doses may be derived from experimental or observational studies. It may confirm effects extrapolated from much higher exposure or from animal models. Today the term epidemiological evidence usually refers to field experience often to "observational", i.e. non-experimental evidence. Here comparison groups may not come from the same source populations and many confounding variables can only be controlled by sophisticated statistical procedures. A typical example for this are the so-called "ecological studies". They are frequently criticized because of their potential for exaggerated interpretations but they can be very helpful in constructing and supporting hypotheses. For very rare, and long term effects the description and evaluation of individual cases are often combined with attempts of quantification by relating them to the estimated exposure of the source population. This is subject to numerous sources of errors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Dose-Response Relationship, Drug↗
PubMed1986

Coordination of Ca2+ regulating and Ca2+ regulated processes in the study of muscle function.

The self-organization of biological systems is, in part, described by dynamical order and cooperativity of system elements. Consideration of this, therefore, should form the infrastructure of future Exercise/Sport Biochemistry Research in Canada since a solely elemental focus, in its' interpretation, may not be meaningful if the synergy among system elements is not appreciated. This approach is illustrated through a description of the central role of Ca2+ metabolism in coordinating subcellular events associated with muscle contraction. The decline in force generating capabilities associated with extreme muscle use (e.g. endurance type exercise) is, in our view, due to an uncoupling of excitation-contraction coupling leading a Ca2+ imbalance. The observed dissolution of the myofibril ultrastructure and altered SR function reflect a loss of normal order and synergy amongst Ca2+ regulated and Ca2+ regulating processes which will lead to an upcoupling of oxidative phosphorylation. These apparently catastrophic events may, paradoxically, establish a new order in which energy utilizing systems attempt to keep pace with the abbreviated energy production system.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

[The function of the reticuloendothelial system studied with the use of radioactive colloids].

A new method for the interpretation of data obtained during radionuclide investigation of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) was proposed. It was based on a detailed description of the mechanism of reticuloendothelial extraction of a colloid injected intravenously. A model developed for this purpose included the main stages of radioactive colloid transport. The paper also represented a comparative analysis of the results of clinical examination of the controls and patients with liver cirrhosis. A 4-fold decrease of the blood flow in portal liver cirrhosis was noted as compared with normal mean indices in a 2-fold decrease in the specific blood supply of cells of the RES and in a 2-fold decrease in its volume. An increase in phagocytosis rate in patients with liver cirrhosis needs further verification.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2003

Determination of regional flow by use of intravascular PET tracers: microvascular theory and experimental validation for pig livers.

UNLABELLED: Today, the standard approach for the kinetic analysis of dynamic PET studies is compartment models, in which the tracer and its metabolites are confined to a few well-mixed compartments. We examine whether the standard model is suitable for modern PET data or whether theories including more physiologic realism can advance the interpretation of dynamic PET data. A more detailed microvascular theory is developed for intravascular tracers in single-capillary and multiple-capillary systems. The microvascular models, which account for concentration gradients in capillaries, are validated and compared with the standard model in a pig liver study. METHODS: Eight pigs underwent a 5-min dynamic PET study after (15)O-carbon monoxide inhalation. Throughout each experiment, hepatic arterial blood and portal venous blood were sampled, and flow was measured with transit-time flow meters. The hepatic dual-inlet concentration was calculated as the flow-weighted inlet concentration. Dynamic PET data were analyzed with a traditional single-compartment model and 2 microvascular models. RESULTS: Microvascular models provided a better fit of the tissue activity of an intravascular tracer than did the compartment model. In particular, the early dynamic phase after a tracer bolus injection was much improved. The regional hepatic blood flow estimates provided by the microvascular models (1.3 +/- 0.3 mL min(-1) mL(-1) for the single-capillary model and 1.14 +/- 0.14 min(-1) mL(-1) for the multiple-capillary model) (mean +/- SEM mL of blood min(-1) mL of liver tissue(-1)) were in agreement with the total blood flow measured by flow meters and normalized to liver weight (1.03 +/- 0.12 mL min(-1) mL(-1)). CONCLUSION: Compared with the standard compartment model, the 2 microvascular models provide a superior description of tissue activity after an intravascular tracer bolus injection. The microvascular models include only parameters with a clear-cut physiologic interpretation and are applicable to capillary beds in any organ. In this study, the microvascular models were validated for the liver and provided quantitative regional flow estimates in agreement with flow measurements.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Resolving the discrepancies among nucleic acid conformational analyses.

Growing interest in understanding the relationship between the global folding of nucleic acids and the sequence-dependent structure of individual base-pair steps has stimulated the development of new mathematical methods to define the geometry of the constituent base-pairs. Several approaches, designed to meet guidelines set by the nucleic acid community, permit rigorous comparative analyses of different three-dimensional structures, as well as allow for reconstruction of chain molecules at the base-pair level. The different computer programs, however, yield inconsistent descriptions of chain conformation. Here we report our own implementation of seven algorithms used to determine base-pair and dimer step parameters. Aside from reproducing the results of individual programs, we uncover the reasons why the different algorithms come to conflicting structural interpretations. The choice of mathematics has only a limited effect on the computed parameters, even in highly deformed duplexes. The results are much more sensitive to the choice of reference frame. The disparate schemes yield very similar conformational descriptions if the calculations are based on a common reference frame. The current positioning of reference frames at the inner and outer edges of complementary bases exaggerates the rise at distorted dimer steps, and points to the need for a carefully defined conformational standard.

Algorithms↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Standards for carrying out and interpreting visual evoked potentials in children].

INTRODUCTION: An essential step, prior to the introduction into paediatric practice of visual evoked potentials (VEP) caused by stimulation with light emitting diodes (LED) is their description at different stages of maturity of the nervous system. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We obtained VEP to LED in a group of 60 children aged between 1 and 5 years, who were functionally healthy and equally distributed with regard to age and sex. In each case we recorded the responses to monocular stimulation (right and left), binocular stimulation and without stimulation (replicas of each condition). The recordings were made under sedation with secobarbital at a dose of 3 mg/kg body weight. RESULTS: Our results showed a significant reduction in the latency of all components (except P3) and the amplitude of N1 and P1, as a function of the age of the child. The response to LED is reproducible (especially intra individual) with up to three types of morphology observed. Sedation did not affect detection of the response. The only significant effect was a reduction in the amplitude of P1. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed the changes due to maturity, reflected in a significant reduction of the latency of most components with increasing age. By between 4 and 6 years old the figures obtained were similar to those in adults. The results obtained give us the opportunity chance of publishing this standard data so that better use and interpretation of VEP to LED at an early age may be possible.

Central Nervous System↗
PubMed2005

Validation of a parent outcome questionnaire from pediatric cochlear implantation.

This paper analyzes the reliability and validity of a questionnaire designed by Archbold, Lutman, Gregory, O'Neil, and Nikolpoulos (2002) for the assessment of pediatric cochlear implantation. Parents of 61 youngsters (age range 5 to 16 years), who had the implant for at least 3 years, responded to the questionnaire and to an interview. The alpha reliability of the 11 questionnaire scales varied between .41 and .74. Content validity was assessed by comparison with parents' responses to an interview. In general, there was agreement between parents' concerns and views expressed in the interview and as assessed by the questionnaire. However, extra issues were identified in the interview, which suggest the need for increasing the breadth of the questionnaire. Criterion validity was assessed by identifying contrasting cases, with very low or very high scores in each scale, and analyzing the descriptions obtained in the interviews. For nine scales this analysis provided support for the validity of the questionnaire; two scales did not produce positive results. Correlations with interview scores were calculated for only four scales: two were positive and significant whereas two were not significant. A factor analysis of the questionnaire scales identified four components, interpreted as the child's functioning in social situations, attitudes to the process of implantation, support required in the long term, and effective use of the implant. Suggestions for further research and descriptive comments provided by parents are included.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Interreader variability and predictive value of US descriptions of solid breast masses: pilot study.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the specificity of ultrasound (US) characteristics of solid breast lesions and the interreader variability in their interpretation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 61 patients, 70 sonographically visible solid masses, scheduled for biopsy because of findings from conventional imaging, were prospectively and sequentially accrued for evaluation. Three readers interpreted the sonograms and described the solid masses in terms of established US characteristics. The specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) for each characteristic were calculated by comparing US findings with biopsy findings, and interreader variability was evaluated. Five assessment categories were developed to guide recommendations for patient care. The relative performance of each reader was assessed by measuring the PPV for each assessment category and by measuring the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: The specificity and PPV were calculated for all characteristics and for each reader. The average specificities of the three readers for the most frequently used six characteristics were as follows: spiculation, 97%+/-5 (standard deviation); taller than wide, 91%+/-4; central shadowing, 77%+/-1; markedly hypoechoic, 86%+/-5; duct extension, 95%+/-5; and microlobulation, 84%+/-3 (overall average specificity, 88.5%). The average PPVs for categories II-V were 5%, 10%, 63%, and 94%, respectively. The readers' interpretations were similar and correlated well. CONCLUSION: The proposed US recommendation system is an accurate predictor of histologic findings. A sonographic classification lexicon should prove valuable.

Breast↗
PubMed2005

Postpartum maternal morbidity requiring hospital admission in Lusaka, Zambia - a descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: Information on the extent of postpartum maternal morbidity in developing countries is extremely limited. In many settings, data from hospital-based studies is hard to interpret because of the small proportion of women that have access to medical care. However, in those areas with good uptake of health care, the measurement of the type and incidence of complications severe enough to require hospitalisation may provide useful baseline information on the acute and severe morbidity that women experience in the early weeks following childbirth. An analysis of health services data from Lusaka, Zambia, is presented. METHODS: Six-month retrospective review of hospital registers and 4-week cross-sectional study with prospective identification of postpartum admissions. RESULTS: Both parts of the study identified puerperal sepsis and malaria as, respectively, the leading direct and indirect causes of postpartum morbidity requiring hospital admission. Puerperal sepsis accounted for 34.8% of 365 postpartum admissions in the 6-month period. Malaria and pneumonia together accounted for one-fifth of all postpartum admissions (14.5% & 6% respectively). At least 1.7% of the postpartum population in Lusaka will require hospital-level care for a maternal morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: In developing country urban settings with high public health care usage, meticulous review of hospital registers can provide baseline information on the burden of moderate-to-severe postpartum morbidity.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Wine descriptive language supports cognitive specificity of chemical senses.

In order to understand wine perception we analyzed tasting notes of four expert wine tasters. The analysis is based on co-occurrence calculations of words within the tasting notes using ALCESTE software. The results of such an analysis of one subject's notes give us word classes reflecting main text ideas and organization of the text. In the present paper we interpret these "results" as follows: (1) Class number and organization are different among experts so that each expert has his own discourse strategy. (2) Wine language is based on prototypes and not on detailed analytical description. (3) Prototypes include not only sensory but also idealistic and hedonistic information. These results are in agreement with recent neurophysiological data.

Brain↗