SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Explainability”

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 1,423 records · Page 79Linked to original sources

PubMed1992

[Acoustic distorsion products. A systematic analysis of technical parameters. How to explain the results?].

The aim of this study was to define the most interesting parameters useful for a clinical application of acoustic distortion products (mainly, F1 and F2 primaries frequencies and levels). The most interesting F1 and F2 primaries level in order to separate subjects with a normally-hearing function and patients with a sensorineural hearing loss is 50 dBHL. This result can be explained by some physiological properties of cochlear mechanisms.

Acoustic Stimulation↗

PubMed1992

Excess androgenicity only partially explains the relationship between obesity and bone density in premenopausal women.

Obese subjects have increased bone density relative to non-obese subjects yet this relationship is not fully understood. We examined whether alterations in sex hormones or binding proteins might explain the effect of obesity on osteoporosis in 83 premenopausal women from the San Antonio Heart Study, a population-based study of diabetes. We measured total testosterone, oestradiol, oestrone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-SO4). Bone density was assessed by a Hologic dual photon absorptometer. Lumbar spine and femoral neck density were positively correlated with body mass index (BMI). In addition, femoral neck density was positively correlated with DHEA-SO4. BMI was negatively correlated with SHBG. After adjustment for sex hormones by multiple linear regression a positive association between bone density and obesity still exists suggesting that the association between obesity and bone density is at least partially independent of sex steroids in premenopausal women.

Adult↗

PubMed1975

[The problem complex of the disabled and the marginal group theory - socio-scientific approaches designed to explain the social discrimination of the disabled (author's transl)].

The position of disabled people in societies such as the Federal Republic of Germany, is characterised by the status of marginal groups in the sense of social discrimination. As can be demonstrated by the discrimination shown towards the disabled in employment, there are two different paradigms of the socio-scientific marginal group theory suitable for explaining this fact. According to the socio-psychological approach, vocational discrimination is understood as a sort of social punishment for the violation of norms and values. The socio-economic approach, on the contrary, considers the unfavourable job situation of the disabled a by-product of a general development towards underemployment and the de-manning programme in capitalistic systems. In some respect, the theoretical approach seems to be more resonable, but to comprehend adequately the marginal group status of the disabled, it is necessary to integrate both the socio-economic and socio-psychological theory components.

Persons with Disabilities↗

PubMed1992

General practice in Gloucestershire, Avon and Somerset: explaining variations in standards.

Variations in standards are found in all health services. The method and amount of funding are thought to be important reasons for these variations. A cross sectional survey of all general practices in three counties in south west England was undertaken in order to explain variations in the level of development. A development score for each practice was calculated. There was wide variation in standards as described by the level of development. Multiple regression analysis showed that being a training practice, having a practice manager, the partners having a younger mean age, a larger total number of patients registered with the practice and a lower Jarman underprivileged area score were all independently related to a higher level of practice development. In addition, the responsible family health services authority was also related to the level of development. A combination of professional factors such as the decision to become a training practice, environmental factors such as the family health services authority or the underprivileged area score and economic factors reflected in the total list size determine the level of practice development. The most easily corrected factor is the employment of a practice manager. It is suggested that differences in standards in general practice may be increased rather than decreased by the fundholding scheme.

Cross-Sectional Studies↗

PubMed2003

[Value of endovaginal ultrasound to explain voiding disorders after TVT (Tension-free Vaginal Tape)].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of endovaginal ultrasound to explain voiding disorders observed after TVT (Tension-free Vaginal Tape). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty one patients were investigated by an endovaginal ultrasound 3 months after TVT to measure the length of the tape and its distance from the bladder neck. In parallel, cure (group 1), the presence of voiding disorders such as dysuria (group 2) and the presence of urge incontinence (group 3) were evaluated by self-administered questionnaire and clinical examination. Statistical analysis was based on analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: Analysis of measurements of the TVT-bladder neck distance showed a significant difference between groups 1 and 2: 13.2 vs 7.6 mm, and between groups 1 and 3: 13.2 vs 18.5 mm. Similarly, a significant difference was observed for the TVT length between groups 1 and 2: 8.8 vs 6.6 mm, but not between groups 1 and 3. Analysis of TVT-bladder neck distance in groups 2 and 3 revealed a significant difference: 7.6 vs 18.5 mm, but the length of the TVT was not significantly different between these 2 groups. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate a correlation between the various voiding disorders observed after TVT and endovaginal ultrasound measurement of the distance between the TVT and the bladder neck.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Update for nurse anesthetists. The Starling resistor: a model for explaining and treating obstructive sleep apnea.

Recent epidemiological research places the incidence of obstructive sleep apnea as high as 16% in the general population. Serious postoperative respiratory complications and death have been reported in this population. Anesthetic drugs contribute to these complications secondary to acute and residual influences on the complex orchestration of airway muscles and reflexes involved in airway patency. The Starling resistor model is a theoretical model that has application in explaining upper airway dynamics and the treatment and management of obstructive sleep apnea. The model postulates the oropharynx as a collapsible tube. The oropharynx remains open or partially or completely closed as a result of pressure upstream at the nose and mouth, pressure downstream at the trachea and below, or tissue pressure surrounding the oropharynx. This AANA Journal course provides an overview of the Starling resistor model, its application to obstructive sleep apnea, and preoperative and postoperative anesthetic considerations.

Airway Resistance↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Inflammation and coronary calcification in renal patients--factors that may explain increased cardiovascular risk, and poorer results of coronary interventions?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the major causes of mortality in patients with renal diseases, with increased odds ratio of mortality with risk factors as diverse as cholesterol, vascular stiffness, chronic inflammation and hyperhomocysteinemia. Several factors have been incriminated to explain the increase in coronary vascular calcification (CVC) in this particular population. Increased duration of dialysis, dyslipidemia, altered calcium-phosphorus metabolism, and chronic inflammation have all been associated with increased CVC. We present here four case reports illustrating the differences in the pathophysiology, therapy and prognosis of calcific coronary heart disease seen in uremic patients.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Model calculation to explain the BSE-incidence in Germany].

The future development of BSE-incidence in Germany is investigated using a simple epidemiological model calculation. Starting point is the development of the incidence of confirmed suspect BSE-cases in Great Britain since 1988, the hitherto known mechanisms of transmission and the measures taken to decrease the risk of transmission as well as the development of the BSE-incidence in Germany obtained from active post mortem laboratory testing of all cattle older then 24 months. The risk of transmission is characterized by the reproduction ratio of the disease. There is a shift in time between the risk of BSE transmission and the BSE incidence caused by the incubation time of more than 4 years. The observed decrease of the incidence in Germany from 2001 to 2003 is not a consequence of the measures taken at the end of 2000 to contain the disease. It can rather be explained by an import of BSE contaminated products from countries with a high BSE incidence in the years 1995/96 being used in calf feeding in Germany. From the future course of the BSE-incidence in Germany after 2003 a quantification of the recycling rate of BSE-infected material within Germany before the end of 2000 will be possible by use of the proposed model if the active surveillance is continued.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

[Nursing care needs of nursing home patients in large cities do not explain the greater work stress on the staff].

A comparative study has been carried out to determine the influence of the care needs of patients on work pressure of nursing staff in the nursing homes of Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague. Data of nursing home patients, resident at specific dates in nursing homes in the three largest cities have been compared with data from the rest of the Netherlands, altogether more than 40,000 patients at the time. The data came from the Dutch Nursing Home Information System (SIVIS). The differences have been determined in care needs and the changes in care needs in recent years. Nursing home patients in the three largest cities appear to have lower care needs than patients in the rest of the country. The care needs of the patients in the large cities hardly changed from 1986 to 1989. In the rest of the Netherlands a clear increase has occurred in the care needs of somatic and of psychogeriatric patients in the same period. The care needs of the patients in the three largest cities therefore cannot explain a higher work pressure of nursing staff as compared to the situation in nursing homes elsewhere in the Netherlands.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1979

[The explained and the unexplained in dermatological immunology].

By means of classical allergologic and modern immunologic test methods, as well as recent knowledge about antigens and antibody reactions, some dermatoses can be classified with good probability into the allergy types of Coombs and Gell. In other dermatoses much remains unclear. The problems are discussed with regard to several dermatoses and attempts are made to explain some skin alterations by the mentioned immunologic types of reaction.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

[New approach in the explaining of the Morgan Law in genetics teaching].

Using the model of broad and narrow way, the paper introduces a new approach in the explaining of a few basic concepts in the Morgan Law. The paper introduces a thorough inquiry into the applying condition of the three-factor crosses, and finds the source of the difference between the crossover frequency (F(C)) and recombination frequency (F(R)) of the non-adjacent factors in the three-factor crosses in Neurospora crassa.

Alleles↗

PubMed2004

[The sensitization model: a method to explain chronic pain to a patient].

Chronic pain is pain without a clear somatic substrate. As a result, patients with chronic pain often do not receive a clear diagnosis following a medical examination. In many patients, having pain without a proper explanation or diagnosis induces stress and the urge to search elsewhere for explanations and treatments. There is growing evidence that many chronic-pain syndromes, such as chronic low-back pain, whiplash and fibromyalgia, share the same pathogenesis: sensitisation of pain-modulating systems in the central nervous system at both spinal and supraspinal level. This central sensitisation is facilitated by numerous factors that contribute to the maintenance of pain in a way that differs from individual to individual. How sensitisation may develop and persist as a result of medical, psychological and social factors calls for research from the perspective of a bio-psycho-social model. If sensitisation is used to explain chronic pain to a patient and the patient understands the relation beween pain and the factors that play a role in the maintenance of the pain, this can lead to acceptation of a treatment learning to cope with these factors.

Chronic Disease↗

PubMed2004

[Inguinal lymphogranuloma venereum in a man having sex with men: perhaps an example of the missing link to explain the transmission of the recently identified anorectal epidemic].

A 38-year-old man who had sex with men, presented at the outpatient department for Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Amsterdam with a painful, red, fluctuating swelling in the left groin and general discomfort. He had been sexually active in the population of men who have sex with men, in which an anorectal lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) epidemic has recently been discovered. Unlike other cases where there was anorectal involvement, this patient was the first case of LGV with the classical inguinal presentation although he had not visited the tropics where the inguinal form of LGV occurs as an STD. Routine investigation using PCR on material from urethra and rectum and from the urine, repeatedly failed to detect LGV. However, PCR on pus aspirated from the enlarged lymph node demonstrated Chlamydia trachomatis serovar type L2. Treatment with doxycycline 100 mg twice daily was started. This case illustrates that routine analysis from urethra and rectum and of urine may fail to detect LGV. Furthermore, this case of a patient who probably had LGV initially in the urethra may be the missing link in explaining the route of transmission of the anorectal LGV epidemic.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Explaining the 2001-02 infant mortality increase: data from the linked birth/infant death data set.

The U.S. infant mortality rate increased from 6.8 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 2001 to 7.0 in 2002, the first increase in more than 40 years. From 2001 to 2002 infant mortality rates increased for very low birthweight infants as well as for preterm and very preterm infants. Although infant mortality rates for very low birthweight infants increased, most of the increase in the infant mortality rate from 2001 to 2002 was due to a change in the distribution of births by birthweight and, more specifically, to an increase in infants born weighing less than 750 grams (1 lb 10 1/2 oz). The majority of infants born weighing less than 750 grams die within the first year of life; thus, these births contribute disproportionately to the overall infant mortality rate. Increases in births at less than 750 grams occurred for non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, and Hispanic women. Most of the increase occurred among mothers 20-34 years of age. Although multiple births contributed disproportionately, most of the increase in births at less than 750 grams occurred among singletons. Three hypotheses were evaluated to assess their possible impact on the increase in less than 750-gram births: first, possible changes in the reporting of births or fetal deaths; second, possible changes in the risk profile of births; and third, possible changes in medical management of pregnancy. Although each of these factors may have contributed to the increase, the relative effects of these and other factors remain unclear. More-detailed studies are needed to further explain the 2001-02 infant mortality increase.

Birth Weight↗

PubMed2004

Explaining the relationship between race/ethnicity and pharmacy purchased syringes among injection drug users in New York City.

OBJECTIVE: Pharmacy syringe sales without a prescription became legal in New York State on January 1, 2001 through the Expanded Syringe Access Demonstration Program (ESAP). At the same time, Pharmacy use among Black and Hispanic injection drug users was found to be significantly lower when compared to Whites. The purpose of this study was to assess the factors that could explain the relationship between race/ethnicity and pharmacy use. DESIGN: Data were combined from 2 on-going injection drug user (IDU) studies in 2 New York City neighborhoods. Social and behavioral factors independently associated with ever purchasing a nonprescription syringe in the past 6 months and examined using cross-sectional logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 337 IDUs, the majority were male (79%), Hispanic (73%) and had a mean age of 35 years. In bivariate analysis, IDUs who reported pharmacy use were less likely to be Black or Hispanic, older, and to have reported recent syringe exchange program (SEP) attendance compared to non-pharmacy users. Additionally, pharmacy users were more likely to have knowledge of ESAP, and report discrimination by police in the past year compared to non-users. After adjustment for recent SEP attendance (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=0.27; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.14-0.55), ESAP knowledge (AOR=13.11; 95% CI=6.54-26.31), discrimination by police (AOR=3.56; 95% CI=1.73-7.35), and discrimination due to race (AOR=0.25, 95% CI=0.11-0.58), race/ethnicity was not a significant predictor of pharmacy use. CONCLUSIONS: Race/ethnicity may not be an important determinant of ESAP when more salient social circumstances, such as past discrimination, are considered. Educational efforts should be enhanced to reach those who continue to perceive barriers to ESAP.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Excess osmolal gap in diabetic ketoacidosis explained.

Even in the absence of detectable ethanol or visible lipemia, a large plasma osmolal gap is the usual finding in cases of diabetic ketoacidosis. This gap decreases to an insignificant value within 20 h of treatment. Detailed biochemical analysis of six cases showed that, on average, the gap could be almost wholly accounted for by an increase in acetone, a decrease in the plasma water fraction, and smaller increments in amino acids and glycerol. Calculated plasma osmolality can seriously underestimate the true value in diabetic ketoacidosis, and so some previously observed anomalies may be explained.

Acetone↗

PubMed2005

Does ethanol explain the acidosis commonly seen in ethanol-intoxicated patients?

OBJECTIVE: Emergency physicians frequently treat ethanol-intoxicated trauma patients. In patients with apparently minor injuries, the presence of metabolic acidosis is often attributed to serum ethanol. We tested whether there is justification for the bias that ethanol reliably explains the acidosis commonly seen in alcohol-intoxicated patients. METHODS: Prospective, observational. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Ethanol-intoxicated patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) following significant trauma mechanisms, in whom diagnostic evaluation revealed only minor injury. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Major trauma (blood transfusions, drop in Hct > 10 points over 24 h, or Injury Severity Score [ISS] >5) or positive urine toxicology screen. DEFINITIONS: Ethanol Intoxication: (Blood Alcohol Level (BAL) > or =80 mg/dl), Acidosis: BD < or = -3.0 mMol/L; Lactic Acidosis (LAC >2.2 mMol/L). Data were reported as mean+/-SD. Data were compared by t-tests or Fishers exact test as appropriate (alpha= 0.05, 2 tails) and correlations by Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: 192 patients were studied (84% male) with a mean age of 31.7+/-15.6 years. Acidosis was observed in 19.3% (CI 95%, 14.5% to 25.0%) of all study patients. We observed significant (p<0.001) difference in prevalence of acidosis in ethanol intoxicated (42%) compared to nonintoxicated (1%) patients. Comparing the two study groups, patients with ethanol intoxication had lower BD (-2.24+/-2.74 vs. -0.05+/-2.35, p<0.001) and higher LAC (2.69+/-1.48 vs. 2.00+/-1.78, p=0.02). However, ethanol levels did not correlate significantly with BD (p=0.50) or LAC (p=0.14). CONCLUSION: Ethanol intoxication is associated with acidosis, which does not correlate with BD or LAC. The complexity of pathogenesis of acidosis in ethanol intoxication justifies further diagnostic evaluation of these patients in order to rule out other causes of acidosis.

Acidosis, Lactic↗

PubMed2005

Regional differences in cardiovascular risk factor profile cannot fully explain differences in cardiovascular morbidity in the Netherlands: a comparison of two urban areas.

BACKGROUND: Our objective was to investigate whether a region in the south of the Netherlands (Heerlen/Kerkrade) had a high burden of cardiovascular disease in comparison with a nearby region (Maastricht) and the average Dutch population, respectively. We also wanted to determine if there are interregional differences in cardiovascular risk factor profile. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Data from a nationwide registry (CBS) were used to analyse cardiovascular mortality in the two regions and the average in the Netherlands. Data from a primary care morbidity registration network (RNH) were used to compare cardiovascular morbidity and cardiovascular risk factors in both regions. A standardisation procedure was carried out for age and sex. Data were analysed using logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: The overall cardiovascular mortality rate was higher in the Heerlen/Kerkrade region (7.8 per thousand) compared with Maastricht (6.1 per thousand, OR=1.3, 95% CI 1.2-1.5) and the average in the Netherlands (5.7 per thousand). Similarly, most cardiovascular morbidity rates for Heerlen/Kerkrade were more elevated compared with the RNH overall and with Maastricht. Prevalence rates of risk factors such as diabetes mellitus (7.2%, OR=1.5, 95% CI 1.3-1.7) and overweight (10.8%, OR= 2.0, 95% CI 1.8-2.2) were significantly higher in the Heerlen/Kerkrade region compared with Maastricht. There were no differences with regard to hypertension (15.2%, OR=1.0, 95% CI 0.9-1.1). CONCLUSION: Heerlen/Kerkrade is indeed a region with a high burden of cardiovascular disease. Differences in morbidity between Heerlen/Kerkrade and Maastricht cannot be fully explained by differences in cardiovascular risk factor profile.

Adult↗