bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Towards Clinical Bioinformatics: Advancing Genomic Medicine with Informatics Methods and Tools
Authors: Ammenwerth E. , Brandner R. , Brigl B. , Fischer G. , Garde S. , Lang E. , Pilgram R. , Ruderich F. , Singer R. , Wolff A. C. , Haux R. , Kulikowski C. , Knaup P. 
Published: March 2018

Summary

Objectives:
To summarize the challenges facing clinical applications in the light of growing research results in genomic medicine and bioinformatics.

Methods:
Analysis of the contents of the Yearbook of Medical Informatics 2004 of the International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA).

Results:
The Yearbook of Medical Informatics 2004 includes 32 articles selected from 22 peer-reviewed scientific journals. A special section on clinical bio-informatics highlights recent developments in this field. Several guest editors review the promises and limitations of available methods and resources from biomedical informatics that are relevant to clinical medicine. Integrated data and knowledge resources are generally regarded to be central and key issues for clinical bioinformatics. Further review papers deal with public health implications of bioinformatics, knowledge management and trends in health care education. The Yearbook includes for the first time a section on the history of medical informatics, where the significant impact of the Reisensburg protocol 1973 on international health and medical informatics education is examined.

Conclusions:
Close collaboration between bio-informatics and medical informatics researchers can contribute to new insights in genomic medicine and contribute towards the more efficient and effective use of genomic data to advance clinical care.
Knowledge Logistics as an Intelligent Service for Healthcare
Authors: Pashkin M. , Chilov N. , Levashova T. , Krizhanovsky A. , Smirnov A. 
Published: March 2018

Summary

Objectives:
The technology of grid services is developing fast. This paper presents an approach to the implementation of an intelligent grid service that configures a hospital taking advantage of the knowledge logistics idea.

Methods:
The presented approach is based on synergistic integration of knowledge acquired from distributed sources in order to obtain new or complement insufficient knowledge. Presented approach uses ontologies and the formalism of object-oriented constraint networks for knowledge representation and applies ILOG to constraint-based problem solving.

Results:
The application of the approach is illustrated via a decision support system for a fictitious case study of a hospital configuration in the Binni region. The system showed the ability to produce interrelated solutions for subtasks of the hospital configuration task based on the built ontology and input parameters. Besides, such preferences as cost or time minimization are also considered by the implemented fuzzy logic module that finds a feasible solution.

Conclusions:
KL would benefit from the grid, and particularly from the concept of a semantic grid. The scalable architecture of the approach enables its extension with regard to knowledge/information sources number and, thereby, with regard to factors taken into account during complex problem solving. Utilizing ontologies allows integration of the approach into existing processes and facilitates knowledge sharing with similar systems. Application of constraint networks allows rapid problem manipulation and usage of such existing efficient technologies as ILOG.
A Framework Supporting the Development of a Grid Portal for Analysis Based on ROI
Authors: Date S. , Kaishima T. , Shimojo S. , Ichikawa K. 
Published: March 2018

Summary

Objectives:
In our research on brain function analysis, users require two different simultaneous types of processing: interactive processing to a specific part of data and high-performance batch processing to an entire dataset. The difference between these two types of processing is in whether or not the analysis is for data in the region of interest (ROI). In this study, we propose a Grid portal that has a mechanism to freely assign computing resources to the users on a Grid environment according to the users’ two different types of processing requirements.

Methods:
We constructed a Grid portal which integrates interactive processing and batch processing by the following two mechanisms. First, a job steering mechanism controls job execution based on user-tagged priority among organizations with heterogeneous computing resources. Interactive jobs are processed in preference to batch jobs by this mechanism. Second, a priority-based result delivery mechanism that administrates a rank of data significance.

Results:
The portal ensures a turn-around time of interactive processing by the priority-based job controlling mechanism, and provides the users with quality of services (QoS) for interactive processing. The users can access the analysis results of interactive jobs in preference to the analysis results of batch jobs. The Grid portal has also achieved high-performance computation of MEG analysis with batch processing on the Grid environment.

Conclusion:
The priority-based job controlling mechanism has been realized to freely assign computing resources to the users’ requirements. Furthermore the achievement of high-performance computation contributes greatly to the overall progress of brain science. The portal has thus made it possible for the users to flexibly include the large computational power in what they want to analyze.
Development of Interesting Step-climbing Styles
Authors: Weng L. Y. , Peng S. M. , Tsai M. W. , Hsu M. J. , Huang C. C. , Lin S. L. , Liing R. J. , Hsien H. W. , Liao Y. H. , Chen J. J. 
Published: March 2018

Summary

Objectives:
This study was to investigate the influence of stepping styles (forward, side, and cross steppings) and inclinations (25 and 45 degrees) on cardiorespiratory responses (C-R responses).

Methods:
Twenty volunteers were recruited and randomly arranged into two ten-people groups, exercising on step-climbing machines respectively of 25 and 45 degrees of inclination. C-R responses were recorded during each test which lasted for six minutes at 50 steps per minute on a step-climbing machine.

Results:
The group on 25-degree inclination had significantly lower C-R responses than the group on 45-degree inclination. Although only small differences, probably statistically insignificant, were found among the three step-climbing styles, these differences showed interesting trends independent of inclination.

Conclusions:
Climbing stairs with the three interesting step-climbing styles in this study could be considered as an exercise of moderate intensity (60-80% HRmax). Climbing on 25-degree inclination at 50 steps per minute is recommended for less fit individuals because of lower cardiovascular stress as compared with on 45-degree inclination.
Generic versus Disease-specific Instruments in Quality-of-life Assessment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Vondra V. , Malý M. 
Published: March 2018

Summary

Objectives:
Chronic respiratory diseases may alter a patient’s social life and well-being. Measures of health-related quality of life have been proven to bring complementary information to functional assessments. The aim of the study was to describe the questionnaires that are most frequently used to measure this subjective construct in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and to compare the responses obtained via administering one generic (SF-36) and one disease-specific questionnaire (St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire; SGRQ) to patients with COPD.

Methods:
One group of patients (46 individuals) was used to evaluate the questionnaire’s performance in repeated administrations under unchanged conditions (reproducibility) and to study the correlations of corresponding domains of respective questionnaires. Responsiveness of both questionnaires was tested on another group of 129 patients measured before and after the therapeutic stay at the spa. Methods of cor-relational analysis (Spearman, intraclass, and canonical correlation coefficients) as well as the Wilcoxon rank test were used for statistical analysis.

Results:
Both questionnaires seem to be comprehensive outcome measures for patients with COPD, but some particular areas may not be covered with the same intensity (e.g. emotional problems). Reproducibility of both questionnaires was good and only small non-significant shifts were seen, particularly in physical and social functioning domains. In repeated measurement, the SGRQ seemed to be slightly more responsive to change than the SF-36.

Conclusions:
The idea of using generic and disease-specific questionnaires together probably represents the best approach to this topic. It may improve our knowledge and explain better the relationship between disease-specific changes in patient status and both disease-specific treatment and general functional status.
Modeling Interdependencies between Information Processes and Communication Paths in Hospitals
Authors: Strübing A. , Wendt T. , Winter A. , Brigl B. 
Published: March 2018

Summary

Objectives:
For planning hospital information systems it is important to recognize the interrelation between business processes and the communication needs between supporting application systems. We therefore present an approach to model, visualize and analyze those interdependencies.

Methods:
The approach is based on the concepts defined in 3LGM2, a meta-model to describe health information systems (HIS). An information process is defined as a sequence of functions using or updating information; a communication path as a sequence of communication links between interfaces belonging to application systems. The search for communication paths belonging to an information process is interpreted as an all-pairs shortest-paths problem. To solve this problem the Floyd-Warshall algorithm is applied.

Results:
The resulting algorithm has been implemented as function of the 3LGM2 tool, a tool to create 3LGM2 compliant models. With it, it is possible to interactively define information processes at the domain layer and to analyze step by step whether the infrastructure at the logical tool layer is sufficient to communicate necessary data between application systems.

Conclusions:
The presented approach enables the representation and analysis of dependencies between information processes and communication paths.With it, the HIS architecture is directly associated with the business needs. This is an important condition for the systematic planning of hospital information systems.
Where to in the Next Ten Years of Health Informatics Education?
Authors: Moehr J. R. 
Published: March 2018

Summary

Objectives:
To explore whether education in health/ medical informaticsa should continue to evolve along the lines pursued since the early seventies, or whether a change is advisable.

Methods:
Roots and key resulting characteristics for European and US American approaches HI education are identified. In Europe holistic approaches based on a synthesis of medicine and informatics (= computer science) with programs ranging from vocational training through university programs to doctoral and postdoctoral programs were characteristic. The US American approaches emphasized the higher levels of education and a diverse selection of specialized subjects. Changes in health and health informatics are summarized.

Results:
Two types of changes are identified: high-tech applications arising at the interface of imaging, robotics, and the -omics (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics), and invasive applications centering on consumer health informatics and a move from curative to prospective health care.

Conclusions:
It is proposed that curative medicine is adequately served by current educational approaches, but that the move towards prospective health care requires a move towards education and change management for health professionals and health informatics professionals.
Isolation to Interface to Integration
Authors: Eng C. , Roberts J. M. 
Published: March 2018

Summary

Objectives:
Over thirty years both divergence and synergy have been seen in the health informatics (HI) domain; to the point where aspiration is towards a collective environment recognising HI as a mature discipline internationally. The author considers catalysts and inhibitors to this goal over 30 years, and asks the question – is one professional identity achievable and desirable?This review of development of HI aims to promote reflection of the status, value and attributable influence with a view to recognising an internationally entity. Aspects of professionalism, practice, regulation and registration can then be refined to produce a universally understood inclusive community without loss of distinction to sub-specialties within it.

Methods:
The author utilised literature searches, research studies, domain knowledge and cooperative inquiries as context. Evaluation of issues is grounded in learned society investigations of professionalism and commitment to development of professional registration of those in informatics for the care domain.

Results
: Transition from isolated applications through interfaced ‘best of breed’ solutions working together to integrated closely coupled single-vendor solutions is mirrored by professional groups, established through special interests, working together on big initiatives and then formally benefiting from a cohesive group. Phasing of such staged development is different by country or by focus/topic.

Conclusions:
The global HI situation will never again be as diverse as historically it was. Recognition of the lifecycle of the interacting factors explored in this paper will help HI to assume a world-wide brand identity whilst sustaining the subsidiarity of specialist cohorts within it.
Medical Informatics in Medical Research
Authors: Missinou M. A. , Issifou S. , Anane-Sarpong E. , Abubakar I. , Gandi J. N. , Chagomerana M. , Pinder M. , Agbenyega T. , Kremsner P. G. , Newton C. R. J. C. , Wypij D. , Taylor T. E. ,   on Behalf of the SMAC Network, Olola C. H. O. 
Published: March 2018

Summary

Objectives:
Computers are widely used for data management in clinical trials in the developed coutries, unlike in developing countries. Dependable systems are vital for data management, and medical decision making in clinical research. Monitoring and evaluation of data management is critical.In this paper we describe database structures and procedures of systems used to implement, coordinate, and sustain data management in Africa. We outline major lessons, challenges and successes achieved, and recommendations to improve medical informatics application in biomedical research in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods:
A consortium of experienced research units at five sites in Africa in studying children with disease formed a new clinical trials network, Severe Malaria in African Children. In December 2000, the network introduced an observational study involving these hospital-based sites. After prototyping, relational database management systems were implemented for data entry and verification, data submission and quality assurance monitoring.

Results:
Between 2000 and 2005, 25,858 patients were enrolled. Failure to meet data submission deadline and data entry errors correlated positively (correlation coefficient, r = 0.82), with more errors occurring when data was submitted late. Data submission lateness correlated inversely with hospital admissions (r = –0.62).

Conclusions:
Developing and sustaining dependable DBMS, ongoing modifications to optimize data management is crucial for clinical studies. Monitoring and communication systems are vital in multi-center networks for good data management. Data timeliness is associated with data quality and hospital admissions.
“You Have a Message Here”: Enhancing Interpersonal Communication in a Hospital Ward with Location-based Virtual Notes
Authors: Dahl Y. 
Published: March 2018

Summary

Objectives:
This paper aims to explore how computerized interpersonal information can be mediated through the physical environment of hospital wards. Specifically, it focuses on a communication service (location-based virtual notes) that allows hospital workers to leave short digital messages at relevant physical locations (e.g. by a patient bed), so that intended colleagues can pick them up later when entering such a location. In a work setting where personnel move between various locations mainly as a result of work priority, improving timeliness of information and reducing the number of work interruptions is essential. Our objective is to provide a set of user-motivated design guidelines that address important usability aspects of the proposed communication service.

Methods:
To get end user feedback, a prototype was built and tested in simulated scenarios with real hospital workers. The material gathered from the usability testing and following interviews was reviewed to identify critical usability issues.

Results:
We identified a number of relevant usability issues concerning the applied design metaphor, posting of digital messages, role-based contact, and user control. These issues formed the basis for a set of preliminary design principles.

Conclusions:
We view the preliminary usability guidelines as an incentive for more extensive research. Based on feedback from the test participants, we conclude that the location-based virtual notes have promising potential to improve timeliness of ad hoc information exchange between hospital workers.
Use of Statistical Techniques to Synthesize Explicit Criteria Developed by an Expert Panel
Authors: Quintana J. M. , Urkaregi A. , Arostegui I. 
Published: March 2018

Summary

Objectives:
Methodology based on expert panels has been commonly used to evaluate the appropriateness of interventions. An important issue is the adequate synthesis of the generated information in an applicable way to clinical decision making. This paper shows how statistical procedures help synthesize the results of an expert panel.

Methods:
Three statistical techniques were applied to an expert panel that developed explicit criteria to assess the appropriateness of total hip joint replacement: classification tree, regression tree and multiple correspondence analysis combined with automatic classification.

Results:
Results provided by the three models were shown in graphical displays and were compared to the original panel results using crude and weighted probability of misclassification. Results were also applied to real interventions in order to know the implication of the misclassification on real patients.

Conclusions:
The statistical techniques help summarize data from panels of experts and provide useful decision models for clinical practice, especially when the number of indications is big. However, degree of misclassification and its implication should be taken into account.
Triangulation Applied to Jan H. van Bemmel
Authors: Hasman A. , Bergemann D. , McCray A. T. , Talmon J. L. , Zvárová J. 
Published: March 2018

Summary

Objective:
To describe the person of Jan H. van Bemmel from different points of view.

Method:
Triangulation.

Results and Conclusions:
Jan H. van Bemmel successfully contributed to research and education in medical informatics. He inspired a lot of people in The Netherlands and internationally.
Classifying Vertical Facial Deformity using Supervised and Unsupervised Learning
Authors: Hutton T. J. , Nelson-Moon Z. L. , Hunt N. P. , Madgwick A. J. A. , Hammond P. 
Published: March 2018

Summary

Objectives:
To evaluate the potential for machine learning techniques to identify objective criteria for classifying vertical facial deformity.

Methods:
19 parameters were determined from 131 lateral skull radiographs. Classifications were induced from raw data with simple visualisation, C5.0 and Kohonen feature maps; and using a Point Distribution Model (PDM) of shape templates comprising points taken from digitised radiographs.

Results:
The induced decision trees enable a direct comparison of clinicians’ idiosyncrasies in classification. Unsupervised algorithms induce models that are potentially more objective, but their blackbox nature makes them unsuitable for clinical application. The PDM methodology gives dramatic visualisations of two modes separating horizontal and vertical facial growth. Kohonen feature maps favour one clinician and PDM the other. Clinical response suggests that while Clinician 1 places greater weight on 5 of 6 parameters, Clinician 2 relies on more parameters that capture facial shape.

Conclusions:
While machine learning and statistical analyses classify subjects for vertical facial height, they have limited application in their present form. The supervised learning algorithm C5.0 is effective for generating rules for individual clinicians but its inherent bias invalidates its use for objective classification of facial form for research purposes. On the other hand, promising results from unsupervised strategies (especially the PDM) suggest a potential use for objective classification and further identification and analysis of ambiguous cases. At present, such methodologies may be unsuitable for clinical application because of the invisibility of their underlying processes. Further study is required with additional patient data and a wider group of clinicians.
Acceptance of Rules Generated by Machine Learning among Medical Experts
Authors: Mani S. , Shankle W. R. , Pazzani M. J. 
Published: March 2018

Summary

Objectives:
The aim was to evaluate the potential for monotonicity constraints to bias machine learning systems to learn rules that were both accurate and meaningful.

Methods:
Two data sets, taken from problems as diverse as screening for dementia and assessing the risk of mental retardation, were collected and a rule learning system, with and without monotonicity constraints, was run on each. The rules were shown to experts, who were asked how willing they would be to use such rules in practice. The accuracy of the rules was also evaluated.

Results:
Rules learned with monotonicity constraints were at least as accurate as rules learned without such constraints. Experts were, on average, more willing to use the rules learned with the monotonicity constraints.

Conclusions:
The analysis of medical databases has the potential of improving patient outcomes and/or lowering the cost of health care delivery. Various techniques, from statistics, pattern recognition, machine learning, and neural networks, have been proposed to “mine” this data by uncovering patterns that may be used to guide decision making. This study suggests cognitive factors make learned models coherent and, therefore, credible to experts. One factor that influences the acceptance of learned models is consistency with existing medical knowledge.