Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Martin Voracek

Publications and source records attributed to Martin Voracek.

59 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed2002

3D versus 2D ultrasound: accuracy of volume measurement in human cadaver kidneys.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Comparison of the accuracy of 3D and 2D ultrasound in assessing the volume of human cadaver kidneys. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Before autopsy the volume of 22 kidneys was assessed from a 3D data set after manually tracing organ contours (3D volumetry) and by applying a 3D ellipsoid formula both on a 3D data set and 2D images. Measurements by water-displacement served as the gold standard. RESULTS: 3D volumetry showed a mean absolute deviation of 31 mL (18.5%) compared with the mean gold standard measurement (168 mL), yielding a concordance correlation (Lin's rho(c) ) of 0.71. Calculation based on the ellipsoid formula revealed a mean absolute deviation of 37 mL (22.0%) when applied on the 3D data set (rho(c) = 0.65) and of 42 mL (25.0%) when applied on 2D images (rho(c) = 0.61). CONCLUSIONS: 3D volumetry showed a satisfactory concordance correlation and is superior to volume calculation based on the ellipsoid formula either applied to a 3D data set or to conventional 2D images in assessing the volume of human cadaver kidneys.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

Evidence for lack of change in seasonality of suicide from Timiş County, Romania.

Evidence from politically and socially stable countries in Northern Europe and the Southern Hemisphere indicates a marked decrease in the seasonality of suicide over the past two decades. Generalizabiity of this trend to societies in transition has not yet been investigated. Data for suicide by hanging in Timiş County of Romania show both a nondecrease in seasonality of suicide for the current transitional period (1990-98), relative to the last decade of the Communist regime (1980-89) and shifts in location for suicide peak and trough months. Recent decreases in the seasonality of suicide might not generalize to societies in transition, and research would improve from focusing on the "natural laboratories" these societies represent.

Cause of Death↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Repeatability and interobserver error of digit ratio (2D:4D) measurements made by experts.

The second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is sexually differentiated (lower in men than in women), a likely biomarker for organizational (permanent) effects of prenatal testosterone, and a correlate of many sex-dependent, hormonally influenced traits and phenotypes. The extent of 2D:4D measurement repeatability across different research groups is unknown. This study assessed the repeatability and interobserver error of 2D:4D measurements made by 17 experts (researchers who have contributed to the 2D:4D literature). Results indicate that 2D:4D, because it is a ratio variable, is notably less precisely measurable than finger length. Absolute-agreement intraclass correlation coefficients for these traits are about 0.75 vs. about 0.95, respectively. Associations of 2D:4D with target traits were usually of small size; measurement unreliability attenuates effects. This may explain some null findings and replication failures encountered in 2D:4D research. However, agreement levels are still sufficient to permit conclusions about findings from different research groups. One implication of this is that the marked geographical and population differences in typical 2D:4D levels, as reported in the literature, are veridical, and not due to divergent measurement habits across research groups. Some practical recommendations for 2D:4D measurement are offered.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Patients' perceptions of mental health specialists' professional competence].

Several studies indicate that the public does not differentiate between professional activities provided by psychotherapists, psychiatrists and psychologists. 543 psychiatric outpatients completed a questionnaire concerning mental health professionals' competence. Patients were least familiar with the competence "psychological testing". 35 % respectively 40 % of our patients expected that psychologists or psychotherapists could prescribe psychopharmacological drugs. 47 % expected counsellors to provide psychotherapy, 44 % expected diagnostic competence. Physicians' diagnostic and psychopharmacological competence was underestimated. Mental health professionals should not trust in patients' knowledge concerning their professional activities. Especially in the beginning of a diagnostic or therapeutic process patient information is of major importance.

Adult↗