SEARCH · Search PubMed
Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.
Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.
Continuous biomedical parameters are normally hybrid signals, because they contain both sub-symbolic and symbolic information. This paper describes a methodology to design adequate processing systems for the automatic analysis of this kind of signals. The methodology is supported by the concept of fuzzy system.
The present study examined the comparability of 4 alternate forms of the Digit Symbol Substitution test and the Symbol Digit Modalities (written) test, including the original versions. Male contact-sport athletes (N = 112) were assessed on 1 of the 4 forms of each test. Reasonable alternate form comparability was demonstrated through establishing normality of form distributions and conducting pairwise form comparisons of means, variability, and intraclass correlations. Nonetheless, alternate forms are likely an insufficient means of controlling practice in speeded measures at brief (1-2 weeks) retest intervals. Reliable change indices demonstrated that practice must be accounted for in individual retesting.
In his essay, 'From handicap to disability: language use and cultural meaning in the United States', Patrick J. Devlieger raises some important and intriguing claims about the symbolic nature of the terms 'handicap' and 'disability'. As communication scholars, we applaud the attention Devlieger devotes to issues that fit comfortably under the general heading of the symbolic construction of health. In this response, we wish to highlight some contributions Devlieger makes and, hopefully, advance this conversation by offering some important extensions of the issues raised in his essay.
A Neuro-Symbolic Language for monotonic and non-monotonic parallel logical inference by means of artificial neural networks (ANNs) is presented. Both the language and its compiler have been designed and implemented in order to translate the neural representation of a given problem into a VHDL software, which in turn can set devices such as FPGA. The result of this operation leads to an electronic circuit that we call NSP (Neuro-Symbolic Processor).
This is an article about views of human nature. In western medicine man is conceived mainly as a biological being, a mammal. Philosophical-ontological questions about man's nature are answered implicitly in clinical practice. They are not, however, reflected explicitly. In this article it is argued that symptoms are primarily human experience. To understand these experiences and their expressions, it is necessary to understand man as an "animal symbolicum", a term introduced by the German philosopher Ernst Cassirer. Language is the most specific expression of man's symbolic activities, and symptoms are expressed verbally. Speech is part of social interaction--we, as human beings, have "the power of speech". This way of thinking is illustrated by clinical examples, and an alternative medical practice, homeopathy, is analyzed as a special means of symbolic interaction.
The Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) is the chosen task for cognitive assessment in the multiple sclerosis functional composite (MSFC) and a widely used task in neuropsychological studies of people with multiple sclerosis (MS), but is unpopular with patients. The Face-Symbol Test (FST) and Symbol-Digit Tests (SDT) are alternative methods of cognitive testing in MS, which are easily administered and patient-friendly. In order to evaluate the potential of the FST as a possible surrogate for the PASAT, we directly compared the FST to the PASAT and the SDT in a cohort of 50 MS patients with varying levels of disability. There was significant correlation between SDT and FST scores (Spearman's rho 0.80, 95% CI 0.66-0.88), R(2) 65%, with moderate inter-test agreement (k =0.52). In contrast, SDT and FST scores were less predictive of PASAT scores. We concluded that neither the FST nor SDT are reliable surrogates for the PASAT.
Maintenance treatment for mild asthma frequently comprises both a regular inhaled corticosteroid and an 'as required' inhaled short-acting beta 2-agonist. Where such treatment fails, additional regular treatment with an inhaled long-acting beta 2-agonist is increasingly recommended. In the UK, combination inhalers containing salmeterol + fluticasone ([symbol: see text] Seretide--Allen & Hanburys) or formoterol + budesonide ([symbol: see text] Symbicort--AstraZeneca) are licensed for use either in "patients not adequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids and 'as needed' inhaled short-acting beta 2-agonists" or in "patients already adequately controlled on both inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta 2-agonists". Here we review the efficacy of Seretide and Symbicort and discuss their place in asthma management.
[symbol: see text] Nateglinide (Starlix-Novartis) and [symbol: see text] repaglinide (NovoNorm-Novo Nordisk) are two of a new class of orally active antidiabetic drugs, the meglitinides. They have a rapid-onset and short-lasting stimulating effect on insulin secretion. Both are licensed for combination therapy with metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who are inadequately controlled by maximally tolerated doses of metformin alone. In addition, repaglinide is licensed for use as monotherapy in patients with type 2 diabetes whose hyperglycaemia can no longer be controlled satisfactorily by diet, weight reduction and exercise. Here we discuss whether repaglinide and nateglinide offer worthwhile advantages in the management of patients with type 2 diabetes.
Systemic fungal infections are difficult to treat and often fatal. Established treatment options include conventional amphotericin B or one of its lipid-based or liposomal formulations, or a triazole antifungal such as fluconazole or itraconazole. [symbol: see text]Caspofungin (Cancidas--Merck Sharp & Dohme) and [symbol: see text]voriconazole (Vfend--Pfizer) are two new antifungals for severe infections caused by Candida spp. (invasive candidiasis) and Aspergillus spp. (invasive aspergillosis). Caspofungin is the first licensed echinocandin antifungal, while voriconazole is a triazole. Promotional claims for caspofungin include that it "provides an effective, yet less toxic, alternative to amphotericin B" while voriconazole is claimed to offer "significantly improved survival in invasive aspergillosis compared with amphotericin B". Here we consider the place of caspofungin and voriconazole in managing patients with severe fungal infections.
This study measured unconscious cathexis and conscious association with dream content, using the Kahn Test of Symbol Arrangement (KTSA), with subjects reporting recurring, past-recurring, and nonrecurring dreams. Unconscious cathexis of dream content was noted for recurring dreamers; conscious association with dream content was not. The results suggest that the KTSA is a valuable instrument for the empirical study of unconscious processes and that the contents of recurring dreams are particularly salient in a dreamer's unconscious.
The oral status and a plan of treatment were drawn with aid of special symbols on 141 patients of a policlinic. The treatment was managed of 1. dentists in postgradual education with strict order to follow the plan of treatment, 2. dentists which were given the recommendation to act on plan, 3. dentists without knowledge of treatment plan. A control inspection in every case was done one year afters start of treatment. The group 1 showed the best result followed of group 2. Group 3 had the worst result of treatment. This statement is right for treatment of caries, endodontic and prosthetic treatment but not for periodontal treatment. In this field the differences were small between the 3 groups. Even group 1 had insufficient results of periodontal treatment.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.