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Biomedical subjects

B Arroll

Publications and source records attributed to B Arroll.

60 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

The assessment of diagnostic tests: a comparison of medical literature in 1982 and 1985.

To determine whether improvements have occurred since a survey of the 1982 literature assessing diagnostic tests, the authors evaluated all English-language articles that assessed clinical diagnostic tests in abridged Index Medicus journals in 1985, and that had the terms sensitivity and specificity in the title, abstract, or key words. The 89 articles were assessed against seven methodologic criteria, including use of a well-defined "gold standard," clearly defined test interpretation, blinding, clear data presentation, correct use of sensitivity and specificity, calculation of predictive values, and consideration of prevalence. In comparisons of 1985 vs. 1982 articles, there were significant improvements in five of the seven criteria. For example, the proportion of articles using a well-defined "gold standard" rose from 68% to 88%. Overall, the frequency of papers demonstrating five or more of the seven criteria increased from 26% to 47%. However, predictive values were discussed in only 54% of the articles without, necessarily, consideration of the influence of prevalence as well. This study raises the concern that while the concepts of sensitivity and specificity are now accepted, predictive values remain less well understood. Although there has been an improvement in the assessment of diagnostic tests in published research, attention to accepted methodologic standards is still needed on the part of researchers, reviewers, and editors.

Clinical Laboratory Techniques↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Measurement of 42K concentration in the mucosal portion of the intestine without tissue samples: an approach to the measurement of mucosal blood flow in the dog.

1. The concentration of 42K within the jejunal mucosa was measured by intraluminal miniatrue Geiger-Müller tubes shieleded with platinum foil. 2. Isotope concentration measured by tissue assay of jejunal mucosa gave similar results to that obtained by the Geiger-Müller tubes. 3. Isotope measurement by shielded Geiger-Müller tubes obviates the need for tissue samples and permits repeat measurement in the same animal. This should find physiological application in measuring the mucosal portion of total intestinal blood flow by the indicator fractionation technique.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Patellofemoral pain syndrome. A critical review of the clinical trials on nonoperative therapy.

Many therapies have been advocated for treating patellofemoral pain, which suggests little consensus on optimal treatment. We reviewed the high-quality evidence for successful treatment of patellofemoral syndrome based on successful outcome information. To achieve this goal, we undertook a systematic search and critical appraisal of the literature on patellofemoral pain syndrome. Our definition of patellofemoral pain syndrome was broad and included patients with cartilage damage. We found five randomized controlled trials and some follow-up studies. The prognoses for most new cases of patellofemoral pain syndrome are good, although a proportion of patients with this syndrome will have persistent symptoms. Quadriceps muscle exercises were effective in treating this condition, and knee braces were not. Both prostheses and intramuscular glycosaminoglycan polysulfate had encouraging results for patients; however, these results need confirmation. There were many studies of biomechanics, which indicates that there is an assumption that an alteration of abnormal biomechanics would result in clinical benefit. Studies are needed that place more emphasis on the therapeutic benefit. There is limited evidence on which to base therapy, and there needs to be more high-quality research. Studies need to be longer, account for factors that predispose the patients, and have a more standardized means of assessing outcomes.

Braces↗