bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A New Proposal for Setting Parameter Values in Restricted Randomization Methods
Authors: Kundt G. 
Published: July 2007

Summary

Objectives:
Complete randomization could result in an undesirable imbalance in the number of patients assigned to each treatment, especially in small trials. Therefore, a variety of restricted randomization procedures has been developed. By varying parameters it is possible to appropriately modify the balancing characteristics of these designs. However, there is little information on what are sensible choices for the parameters. Therefore, we suggest a new method for suitable determination of parameter values of restricted randomization rules.

Methods:
For restriction to be effective, it need not yield exact equality. As the reliability of a test is not very sensitive to slight deviations from equal sample sizes we define that a given maximum tolerable imbalance d can be achieved or exceeded with a given probability p*. By using this condition, parameter values of restricted procedures are determinable.

Results:
For permuted-block, biased-coin, urn, and big-stick randomization we investigated the impact of parameters on balancing properties. For different extents of restriction and by using the submitted condition, the values of parameters to be chosen are determined.

Conclusions:
Up to now choice of parameter values has often occurred at random. Now it is possible to determine values of parameters by specifying the tolerable degree of imbalance and the risk to be worse. As a consequence restriction will, as much as possible, not be imposed and not imposed more than necessary in order to preserve the intrinsic quality of randomization.
Split Bundle Detection in Polarimetric Images of the Human Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer
Authors: Reus N. J. , Vos F. M. , Lemij H. G. , Vossepoel A. M. , Vermeer K. A. 
Published: July 2007

Summary

Objectives:
One method for assessing pathological retinal nerve fiber layer (NFL) appearance is by comparing the NFL to normative values, derived from healthy subjects. These normative values will be more specific when normal physiological differences are taken into account. One common variation is a split bundle. This paper describes a method to automatically detect these split bundles.

Methods:
The thickness profile along the NFL bundle is described by a non-split and a split bundle model. Based on these two fits, statistics are derived and used as features for two non-parametric classifiers (Parzen density based and k nearest neighbor). Features were selected by forward feature selection. Three hundred and nine superior and 324 inferior bundles were used to train and test this method.

Results:
The prevalence of split superior bundles was 68% and the split inferior bundles’ prevalence was 13%. The resulting estimated error of the Parzen density-based classifier was 12.5% for the superior bundle and 10.2% for the inferior bundle. The k nearest neighbor classifier errors were 11.7% and 9.2%.

Conclusions:
The classification error of automated detection of split inferior bundles is not much smaller than its prevalence, thereby limiting the usefulness of separate cut-offvalues for split and non-split inferior bundles. For superior bundles, however, the classification error was low compared to the prevalence. Application of specific cut-offvalues, selected by the proposed classification system, may therefore increase the specificity and sensitivity of pathological NFL detection.
Nursing Information Systems
Authors: Yu P. , Qiu Y. 
Published: July 2007

Summary

Objective:
In order to ensure the successful implementation of a nursing information system (NIS), nurses and nursing students must be adequately trained. In order to do this effectively, it is essential to understand their training needs. This study focuses on the training needs of nursing students in particular through the identification of the usage problems they encounter. Usability testing, which involves observing users’ interaction with an NIS, overcomes the deficiencies of traditional approaches of training needs analysis such as interviewand survey. The study applied usability test to assess training needs of nursing students to learn to use a specific NIS, the “Care Planning Assessment Tool” (CPAT).

Methods:
An experiment in which novice CPAT users were expected to learn to use the software through task-based exploration was conducted. Eight nursing undergraduate students who had never used the software were recruited. Participants’ interactionswith the system were captured by screen capture software. Meanwhile, participants’ “think aloud” verbal expression of their usage problems was audio-taped.

Results:
A coding schemewas used in analysing the captured audio and video data. Ten common usage problems were identified. From these problems, three areas of knowledge gap that this cohort of novice users experienced were identified.

Conclusion:
The training needs of nursing students learning to use an NIS was conceptualised in a model consisting of three types of knowledge, i.e. computer skills, knowledge about the NIS and knowledge about procedure of nursing documentation. The knowledge gap must be filled in order to ensure effective training.
An Informatics Benchmarking Statement
Authors: Pigott K. , Rapley A. , Robinson J. , Pritchard-Copley A. , Lusignan S. de 
Published: July 2007

Summary

Objectives:
Benchmarking statements provide a mechanism for making academic standards explicit within a subject area. They allow comparisons between courses to be based on learning outcomes rather than by defining a curriculum. No such statement has been produced for informatics. In the absence of any established benchmarking statements for informatics a new biomedical informatics course at St. George’s has developed a first benchmarking statement — which defines the skills knowledge and understanding a biomedical informatics student should acquire by the time they completethe course.

Methods:
Review of national biomedical science and computing subject benchmarking statements and academic educational objectives and national occupational competencies in informatics.

Results:
We have developed a twenty-item benchmarking statement and this is available on-line at: http://www.gpinformatics.org/benchmark2006/. This benchmarking statement includes a definition and justification for all twenty statements. We found international educational objectives and national informatics competencies useful and these are mapped to each one. National subject benchmarks for computing and biomedical science were less useful and have not been systematically mapped.

Conclusions:
Benchmarking the skills, knowledge and understanding that a student should acquire during their course of study may be more useful than setting a standard curriculum. This benchmarking statement is a first step towards defining the learning outcomes and competencies a student of this discipline should acquire. The international informatics community should consider moving from a standard curriculum to an agreed subject benchmarking statement for medical, health and biomedical informatics.
Local, Regional and National Interoperability in Hospital-level Systems Architecture
Authors: Korpela M. , Ripatti S. , Rannanheimo J. , Sorri J. , Mykkänen J. 
Published: July 2007

Summary

Objectives:
Interoperability of applications in health care is faced with various needs by patients, health professionals, organizations and policy makers. A combination of existing and new applications is a necessity. Hospitals are in a position to drive many integration solutions, but need approaches which combine local, regional and national requirements and initiatives with open standards to support flexible processes and applications on a local hospital level.

Methods:
We discuss systems architecture of hospitals in relation to various processes and applications, and highlight current challenges and prospects using a service-oriented architecture approach. We also illustrate these aspects with examples from Finnish hospitals.

Results:
A set of main services and elements of service-oriented architectures for health care facilities are identified, with medium-term focus which acknowledges existing systems as a core part of service-oriented solutions. The services and elements are grouped according to functional and interoperability cohesion.

Conclusions:
Atransition towards service-oriented architecture in health care must acknowledge existing health information systems and promote the specification of central processes and software services locally and across organizations. Software industry best practices such as SOA must be combined with health care knowledge to respond to central challenges such as continuous change in health care. A service-oriented approach cannot entirely rely on common standards and frameworks but it must be locally adapted and complemented.
Using Web Services for Linking Genomic Data to Medical Information Systems
Authors: Crespo J. , Calle G. de la , Barreiro J. , Garcia-Remesal M. , Maojo V. 
Published: July 2007

Summary

Objectives:
To develop a new perspective for biomedical information systems, regarding the introduction of ideas, methods and tools related to the new scenario of genomic medicine.

Methods:
Technological aspects related to the analysis and integration of heterogeneous clinical and genomic data include mapping clinical and genetic concepts, potential future standards or the development of integrated biomedical ontologies. In this clinicomics scenario, we describe the use of Web services technologies to improve access to and integrate different information sources. We give a concrete example of the use of Web services technologies: the Onto Fusion project.

Results:
Web services provide new biomedical informatics (BMI) approaches related to genomic medicine. Customized workflowswill aid research tasks by linking heterogeneous Web services. Two significant examples of these European Commission-funded efforts are the INFOBIOMED Network of Excellence and the Advancing Clinico-Genomic Trials on Cancer (ACGT) integrated project.

Conclusions:
Supplying medical researchers and practitioners with omicsdata and biologists with clinical datasets can help to develop genomic medicine. BMI is contributing by providing the informatics methods and technological infrastructure needed for these collaborative efforts.
The Camden Schizophrenia Surveys III: Five-Year Outcome of a Sample of Individuals From a Prevalence Survey and the Importance of Social Relationships
Authors: Harvey Carol A. , Jeffreys Siobhan E. , McNaught Alan S. , Blizard Robert A. , King Michael B. 
Published: July 2007

Background: Most studies of outcome in schizophrenia have focused on incidence cohorts or samples identified through specialist mental health services; population-based samples provide a more complete picture of the effectiveness of community services. Aims: To examine whether outcome predictors, derived from studies of selected patients with prolonged schizophrenia, would emerge in a largely community-dwelling population sample. Methods: A follow-up sample of 114 adults with schizophrenia was identified via two censuses of key informants conducted for two prevalence surveys in North London, five years apart. Symptomatic, clinical and functional outcomes were assessed after five years. A composite score was derived for each individual. Multiple Linear Regression analyses were conducted in two phases to derive a best subset of predictors for global outcome. Results: After five years, 33% were worse and 62% were better overall. The four best predictors (social isolation, living apart from relatives, longer illness and being an inpatient at first census) accounted for 32% of the variance in outcome of those with schizophrenia and related diagnoses. Conclusions: Social relationships during the course of illness are an important predictor of overall outcome and relationships with friends and family each seem to make a positive contribution. Policy and service developments should focus on improving participation in community life for people with schizophrenia, particularly their social connectedness.
Burnout and Job Satisfaction in New Zealand Psychiatrists: a National Study
Authors: Kumar Shailesh , Fischer Jesse , Robinson Elizabeth , Hatcher Simon , Bhagat R.N. 
Published: July 2007

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of burnout and the level of job satisfaction among New Zealand psychiatrists, and to ascertain relationships between socio-demographic variables, job satisfaction and burnout in the target population. Method: In phase one of the study a postal survey was mailed out to every practising psychiatrist on record as well as all doctors working in psychiatry without specialist qualifications (MOSS). Three questionnaires were used: a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and a Job Diagnostic Survey (JSS). Regression analysis was performed on returned data sets using socio-demographic characteristics as explanatory variables and score components of the MBI and JDS as the outcome measures. Results: The results showed that the prevalence of burnout in New Zealand psychiatrists is cause for concern. Two-thirds of all psychiatrists described moderate to severely high levels of emotional exhaustion, with a similar proportion describing low levels of personal accomplishment. Depersonalisation did not appear to be a major problem in the population. Job satisfaction remained relatively high despite the high prevalence of burnout, although there was a relationship between burnout and job satisfaction scores. Conclusions: This study has demonstrated a high prevalence of burnout and factors associated with it among New Zealand psychiatrists. Further research is needed to ascertain why job satisfaction remains high in the presence of burnout, and factors predisposing to, or protective of, burnout.
The Needs of Parents with a Mental Illness Who Have Young Children: an Australian Perspective On Service Delivery Options
Authors: Alakus Carmel , Conwell Rebecca , Gilbert Monica , Buist Anne , Castle David 
Published: July 2007

Background and aims: This article discusses a collaborative approach to assisting parents with a mental illness who have children aged 5 years and under and explores themes found in the literature, focus groups with consumers and workshops with clinicians working with parents who have a mental illness. Method: Focus groups and workshops were held for consumers and clinicians. The workshops included information about a proposed group intervention and discussions about themes found in the literature review and previous focus groups. Results: Using thematic analysis, the gaps identified in the focus groups and workshops were classified into five main categories — namely, interagency collaboration, a need for accessible support groups, a need for information and resources about mental illness, and parenting issues related to mental illness and independence. This information informed the development of a treatment package. Conclusion: The content of the proposed treatment package has been informed by the findings of the literature review, focus groups and workshops. The sessions focus on topics about parenting and managing mental health and consumers are actively involved at the outset in their own care and the care of their child. The intervention will be trailed in clinical settings to establish efficacy and effectiveness.
Femoroacetabular Impingement in Professional Ice Hockey Players
Authors: Bizzini Mario , Notzli Hubert P. , Maffiuletti Nicola A. 
Published: July 2007

Background Femoroacetabular impingement of the hip joint has been identified as a major cause for hip pain in athletes. Surgical open decompression of the hip has historically been proposed as the first treatment of choice. Functional outcomes in athletes after this procedure are unknown. Purpose To describe the functional and sport-related outcome 2 years after open surgical hip decompression in a group of young professional ice hockey players suffering from cam femoroacetabular impingement. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Five young professional ice hockey players (mean age, 21.4 y at follow-up) who suffered from cam femoroacetabular impingement were treated with open surgical decompression of the hip. The operation was performed by the same surgeon, and all athletes followed the same rehabilitation guidelines. Mean follow-up time was 2.7 years. Outcome measures were recorded as time to regain symmetrical hip rotation, regain preoperative core/hip muscle strength, return to team practice, and play at competitive level. Results Hip rotation range of motion was regained by a mean 10.3 weeks. Core and hip strength values reached preoperative levels by a mean 7.8 months. Return to unrestricted team practice with the ice hockey team was achieved by a mean 6.7 months, and athletes were able to play their first competitive game after a mean 9.6 months. Three athletes were able to perform again at the highest level and in international competitions. Two athletes had to return to minor league ice hockey. Conclusion Return to high-level ice hockey after open surgical decompression of the hip was possible in this series of 5 consecutive cases.
Reliability, Precision, Accuracy, and Validity of Posterior Shoulder Tightness Assessment in Overhead Athletes
Authors: Myers Joseph B. , Oyama Sakiko , Wassinger Craig A. , Ricci Robert D. , Abt John P. , Conley Kevin M. , Lephart Scott M. 
Published: July 2007

Background Posterior shoulder tightness with subsequent loss of humeral internal rotation range of motion has been linked to upper extremity lesions in overhead athletes. A valid clinical assessment is necessary to accurately identify posterior shoulder tightness as a contributor to injury. Purpose To describe a modified supine assessment of posterior shoulder tightness by establishing the reliability, precision, clinical accuracy, and validity of the assessment. Study Design Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods Intrasession, intersession, and intertester reliability and precision were established by comparing the commonly used side-lying assessment of posterior shoulder tightness and the described modified supine assessment. Clinical accuracy of both methods was obtained using an electromagnetic tracking device to track humeral and scapular motion. Construct validity was established by identifying posterior shoulder tightness in a group of overhead athletes (baseball pitchers and tennis players) reported in the literature to have limited humeral internal rotation and posterior shoulder tightness. Results The side-lying intrasession intraclass correlation coeffecient (standard error of measurement), intersession intraclass correlation coeffecient (standard error of measurement), and intertester intraclass correlation coeffecient (standard error of measurement) were 0.83 cm (0.9), 0.42 cm (1.7), and 0.69 cm (1.4), respectively. The supine intrasession intraclass correlation coeffecient (standard error of measurement), intersession intraclass correlation coeffecient (standard error of measurement), and intertester intraclass correlation coeffecient (standard error of measurement) were 0.91° (1.1°), 0.75° (1.8°), and 0.94° (1.8°), respectively. In side-lying, the clinical accuracy expected was 0.9 ± 0.6 cm of error while, when measured supine, it was 3.5° ± 2.8° of error. Both assessments resulted in minimal scapular protraction (~3.5°). Between groups, baseball pitchers and tennis players had significantly less internal rotation range of motion (P < .0001) and greater posterior shoulder tightness (P = .004) when measured in supine, but not in side-lying (P = .312). Conclusion Both methods resulted in good clinician accuracy and precision, suggesting that both can be performed accurately. The supine method can be assessed more reliably than side-lying between both sessions and testers. Clinical Relevance Clinicians may want to consider use of the supine method given the higher reliability, validity, and similar precision and clinical accuracy.
Phenotypic alterations in type II alveolar epithelial cells in CD4+ T cell mediated lung inflammation
Authors: Gereke Marcus , Gröbe Lothar , Prettin Silvia , Kasper Michael , Deppenmeier Stefanie , Gruber Achim D , Enelow Richard I , Buer Jan , Bruder Dunja 
Published: July 2007

Abstract

Background
Although the contribution of alveolar type II epithelial cell (AEC II) activities in various aspects of respiratory immune regulation has become increasingly appreciated, our understanding of the contribution of AEC II transcriptosome in immunopathologic lung injury remains poorly understood. We have previously established a mouse model for chronic T cell-mediated pulmonary inflammation in which influenza hemagglutinin (HA) is expressed as a transgene in AEC II, in mice expressing a transgenic T cell receptor specific for a class II-restricted epitope of HA. Pulmonary inflammation in these mice occurs as a result of CD4+ T cell recognition of alveolar antigen. This model was utilized to assess the profile of inflammatory mediators expressed by alveolar epithelial target cells triggered by antigen-specific recognition in CD4+ T cell-mediated lung inflammation.

Methods
We established a method that allows the flow cytometric negative selection and isolation of primary AEC II of high viability and purity. Genome wide transcriptional profiling was performed on mRNA isolated from AEC II isolated from healthy mice and from mice with acute and chronic CD4+ T cell-mediated pulmonary inflammation.

Results
T cell-mediated inflammation was associated with expression of a broad array of cytokine and chemokine genes by AEC II cell, indicating a potential contribution of epithelial-derived chemoattractants to the inflammatory cell parenchymal infiltration. Morphologically, there was an increase in the size of activated epithelial cells, and on the molecular level, comparative transcriptome analyses of AEC II from inflamed versus normal lungs provide a detailed characterization of the specific inflammatory genes expressed in AEC II induced in the context of CD4+ T cell-mediated pneumonitis.

Conclusion
An important contribution of AEC II gene expression to the orchestration and regulation of interstitial pneumonitis is suggested by the panoply of inflammatory genes expressed by this cell population, and this may provide insight into the molecular pathogenesis of pulmonary inflammatory states. CD4+ T cell recognition of antigen presented by AEC II cells appears to be a potent trigger for activation of the alveolar cell inflammatory transcriptosome.