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[Prospective registry of cerebrovascular diseases. Characterization of patients and methodology evaluation].

UNLABELLED: Hospital-based stroke data banks can contribute to a better management of stroke patients with consequent reduction of associated morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: The characterisation of stroke patients and validation of the hospital stroke registry. SETTING: Hospital S.Pedro, Vila Real, a secondary neurological referral centre for 450.000 inhabitants of interior north Portugal. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Analysis of data collected over one year of a prospective computerised stroke registry. Evaluation of completeness of the registry by independent analysis from emergency room data files and percentage of items entirely filled up. RESULTS: in a one year period were registered 349 patients (186 F; 163 M) with a mean age at stroke of 69 years. The majority (73.3%) lived in the hospital district. Most patients went directly to the hospital from their homes, and in the first 24 hours of symptoms onset. Cerebral infarction was diagnosed in 35.2% of patients, followed from lacunas in 24.6% and hypertensive haemorrhages in 22.3%. Arterial hypertension was found in 60.1% of cases, there were 11.4% of deaths and a Rankin score > 3 was present at hospital discharge in 39.5% of patients. There was a decrease in the register during the one-year period, evaluated comparing two months of emergency room files; we found a missing rate of protocols items varying from 0.8% and 8.8%. CONCLUSIONS: Hospital-based stroke data banks can provide the best available information on stroke patients characteristics and the presence of stroke risk factors. Registry protocols must be kept simple, easy to fill and periodically surveyed in order to lessen the number of missing items.

Adult↗

Early and continued participation in a work-site health and fitness program.

This study examines social-environmental, physical-behavioral, and psychological factors influencing early and continued participation in physical activity. Data for the study were collected during the first six months of operation of a work-site Health and Fitness Center. The following sources were used to collect data (N = 403): 1) printouts of frequency of employee visits to the Health and Fitness Center; 2) a questionnaire; and 3) fitness files. Data measuring early (month one) and continued (month six) participation were obtained from printouts of frequency of employee visits. A questionnaire measured estimation of physical ability, attraction to physical activity, youth participation, social support, and convenience of the Health and Fitness Center. Fitness files were used to obtain measures of cardiovascular fitness, percent body fat, and recent participation. Linear discriminant analysis was conducted to determine the practical usefulness of the social-environmental, physical-behavioral, and psychological factors for classifying employees into categories of exercise adherers and nonadherers. A measure of exercise adherence was based on company policy of six visits each month. Results for early participation (month one) indicated that convenience, sex, youth participation, attitudinal commitment, and age discriminated (p less than .05) among adherers and nonadherers with 63% accuracy. At the end of six months, attitudinal commitment, sex, convenience, and estimation of physical ability discriminated (p less than .05) among adherers and non-adherers with 60% accuracy. In addition, when early participation in the health and fitness program served as the measure of recent participation for the six month analysis, recent participation and attitudinal commitment discriminated (p less than .05) between the two adherence categories with 75% accuracy. Adherers and nonadherers were classified with 66% and 85% accuracy, respectively.

Adult↗

[Malignant hyperthermia: new developments in diagnosis and clinical management].

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the current knowledge concerning anaesthetic malignant hyperthermia. DATA SOURCES: References were obtained from computerized bibliographic research (Medline), recent review articles, the library of the service and personal files. DATA SYNTHESIS: Knowledge to possess, about the diagnosis and treatment of the acute hyperthermia crises and about "safe-anaesthesia" for malignant hyperthermia susceptible patients, are explained. The pathophysiology chapter give information about the calcium's transport and the defect existing in MH. Molecular genetics of MH find linkage to the region encoding the RyR1. The profile of hyperthermia episodes has changed over time due to the endtidal carbon dioxide-monitoring. Clinical aspects of MH are exposed. The treatment of the acute hyperthermia crises consist mainly to stop all triggering agents instantly and infuse dantrolene sodium. The gold standard for the diagnosis of malignant hyperthermia susceptibility relies on the in vitro contracture test (halothane and caffeine). Associated to genetic studies, it could lead to an non-invasive screening of the MH susceptibility. A protocol for "safe-anaesthesia" is proposed. Some syndromes with features similar to those of MH should be known (central core disease and exertionnal rhabdomyolysis).

Anesthesia↗

[Anesthesia ventilators].

OBJECTIVE: To review anaesthesia ventilators in current use in France by categories of ventilators. DATA SOURCES: References were obtained from computerized bibliographic search. (Medline), recent review articles, the library of the service and personal files. DATA SYNTHESIS: Anaesthesia ventilators can be allocated into three groups, depending on whether they readminister expired gases or not or allow both modalities. Contemporary ventilators provide either constant volume ventilation, or constant pressure ventilation, with or without a pressure plateau. Ventilators readministering expired gases after CO2 absorption, or closed circuit ventilators, are either of a double- or a single-circuit design. Double-circuit ventilators, or pneumatical bag or bellows squeezers, or bag-in-bottle or bellows-in-bottle (or box) ventilators, consist of a primary, or driving circuit (bottle or box) and a secondary or patient circuit (including a bag or a bellows or membrane chambers). Bellows-in-bottle ventilators have either standing bellows ascending at expiration, or hanging bellows, descending at expiration. Ascending bellows require a positive pressure of about 2 cmH2O throughout exhalation to allow the bellows to refill. The expired gas volume is a valuable indicator for leak and disconnection. Descending bellows generate a slight negative pressure during exhalation. In case of leak or disconnection they aspirate ambient air and cannot act therefore as an indicator for integrity of the circuit and the patient connection. Closed circuit ventilators with a single-circuit (patient circuit) include a insufflating device consisting either in a bellows or a cylinder with a piston, operated by a electric or pneumatic motor. As the hanging bellows of the double circuit ventilators, they generate a slight negative pressure during exhalation and aspirate ambient air in case of leak or disconnection. Ventilators not designed for the readministration of expired gases, or open circuit ventilators, are generally stand-alone mechanical ventilators modified to allow the administration of inhalational anaesthetic agents.

Anesthesia, Closed-Circuit↗

[Collection and processing of ophthalmologic findings with a personal computer].

In a recently presented paper we proved that it is easy possible to store and analyse data form patients in a strabological department by using purchable data base programs and personal computers. The new program, we now use, has the opportunity to show all inputs in a special data field (i.e. the diagnosis field) in alphabetical order on the screen. For standardization in the data file we have created a special record. In all fields all possible and allowed inputs are entered. When entering new data of a patient, the user only has to select and to transfer the data from one field into the other. This has three advantages: 1. Time is saved when entering data, because it is not necessary to encode the data in an alphanumerical code. 2. The presentation of the data on the monitor is easy understandable. 3. It is not possible to enter no standardized data.

Electronic Data Processing↗

Development and evaluation of equations for prediction of feed intake for lactating Holstein dairy cows.

Improved prediction equations for dry matter intake (DMI) of Holstein cows that consume high energy diets were developed using regression techniques applied to a comprehensive database. The equations for predicting DMI, which were dependent on parity, accounted for the effects of milk yield, milk protein, body weight (BW), BW change, days pregnant, ambient temperature, relative humidity, and night cooling. A simplified prediction equation of DMI for farm application was developed and based on milk protein yield and BW at calving. An ambient temperature and a lag adjustment factor for early lactation were developed to improve accuracy of prediction of DMI of dairy cows in early lactation. The developed equations for DMI were evaluated against six independent data files. These equations accounted for 55 to 98% of the variation of the weekly group DMI of the independent validation data. The remainder of the variation in intake was attributed to diet, management, and undescribed animal factors. The equations developed in this study had a mean proportional bias of 5.6% and a mean square prediction error of 5.45 kg2/d. Predicted intake using the new equations was within 3 to 8% of actual intake. The new equations must be applied to situations in which Holstein dairy cows are fed highly digestible diets because dietary fill effects are not considered in these equations. The relationship of milk protein yield and DMI warrants further investigation.

Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena↗

Design and operation of the National Survey of Early Childhood Health, 2000.

OBJECTIVES: This report presents the development, plan, and operation of the National Survey of Early Childhood Health, a module of the State and Local Area Integrated Telephone Survey, conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This survey was designed to assess parents' perceptions of their children's pediatric care. In addition, data were collected that can be used to examine relationships between the promotion of health in the pediatric office and promotion of health in the home. Funding for the survey was provided by The Gerber Foundation, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration. The UCLA Center for Healthier Children, Families, and Communities contributed to the design of the study and the questionnaire. METHODS: A national random-digit-dialed (RDD) sample of households with children 4-35 months of age was selected. The study included an oversample of households having an eligible black non-Hispanic or Hispanic child. In households with more than one eligible child, one was randomly selected to be the subject of the interview. The respondent was the parent or guardian who was most responsible for the child's health care. A computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) system was used to collect the data. RESULTS: A total of 2,068 interviews were completed during the first half of 2000. The response rate was 65.6%. A data file has been released that contains demographic information on the focal child and respondent, substantive health and health-related data, and sampling weights. Estimates based on the sampling weights generalize to the entire U.S. population of children 4-35 months of age.

Child↗

Pivot/Remote: a distributed database for remote data entry in multi-center clinical trials.

1. INTRODUCTION. Data collection is a critical component of multi-center clinical trials. Clinical trials conducted in intensive care units (ICU) are even more difficult because the acute nature of illnesses in ICU settings requires that masses of data be collected in a short time. More than a thousand data points are routinely collected for each study patient. The majority of clinical trials are still "paper-based," even if a remote data entry (RDE) system is utilized. The typical RDE system consists of a computer housed in the CC office and connected by modem to a centralized data coordinating center (DCC). Study data must first be recorded on a paper case report form (CRF), transcribed into the RDE system, and transmitted to the DCC. This approach requires additional monitoring since both the paper CRF and study database must be verified. The paper-based RDE system cannot take full advantage of automatic data checking routines. Much of the effort (and expense) of a clinical trial is ensuring that study data matches the original patient data. 2. METHODS. We have developed an RDE system, Pivot/Remote, that eliminates the need for paper-based CRFs. It creates an innovative, distributed database. The database resides partially at the study clinical centers (CC) and at the DCC. Pivot/Remote is descended from technology introduced with Pivot [1]. Study data is collected at the bedside with laptop computers. A graphical user interface (GUI) allows the display of electronic CRFs that closely mimic the normal paper-based forms. Data entry time is the same as for paper CRFs. Pull-down menus, displaying the possible responses, simplify the process of entering data. Edit checks are performed on most data items. For example, entered dates must conform to some temporal logic imposed by the study. Data must conform to some acceptable range of values. Calculations, such as computing the subject's age or the APACHE II score, are automatically made as the data is entered. Data that is collected serially (BP, HR, etc.) can be displayed graphically in a trend form along with other related variables. An audit trail is created that automatically tracks all changes to the original data, making it possible to reconstruct the CRF to any point in time. On-line help provides information on the study protocol as well as assistance with the use of the system. Electronic security makes it possible to lock certain parts of the CRF once it has been monitored. Completed CRFs are transmitted to the DCC via electronic mail where it is reviewed and merged into the study database. Questions about subject data are transmitted back to the CC via electronic mail. This approach to maintaining the study database is unique in that the study data files are distributed among the CC and DCC. Until a subject's CRF is monitored (verified against the original patient data residing in the hospital record), it logically resides at the CC where it was collected. Copies are transmitted to the DCC and are only read there. Any pre-monitoring changes must be made to the data at the CC. Once the subject's CRF is monitored, it logically moves to the DCC, and any subsequent changes are made at the DCC with copies of the CRF flowing back to the CC. 3. DISCUSSION. Pivot/Remote eliminates the need for paper forms by utilizing portable computers that can be used at the patient bedside. A GUI makes it possible to quickly enter data. Because the user gets instant feedback on possible error conditions, time is saved because the original data is close at hand. The ability to display trended data or variables in the context of other data allows detection of erroneous conditions beyond simple range checks. The logical construction of the database minimizes the problem of managing dual databases (at the CC and DCC) and keeps CC personnel in the loop until all changes are made.

Computer Communication Networks↗

Mortality among US employees of a large computer manufacturing company: 1969-2001.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies suggested increased cancer incidence and mortality in workers exposed to solvents and other chemicals in computer manufacturing jobs. Most previous studies were of small cohorts and findings were inconsistent. A lawsuit involving a large U.S. company produced a data file for analysis. This study sought to elucidate patterns of mortality in workers who were engaged manufacturing computers and related electronic components in the largest database available to date. METHODS: A proportional mortality and proportional cancer mortality analysis of deaths in eligible workers between 1969 and 2001 was carried out, with U.S. population mortality data as the standard for comparison. Mortality and work history data was from corporate mortality and work history files produced during litigation and standard U.S. and state mortality files. The study base comprised 31,941 decedents who died between 1969 and 2001, who had worked for at least five years and whose death information was collected in the corporate mortality file. Proportional mortality ratios (PMRs) and Proportional Cancer Mortality Ratios (PCMRs) and their 95% confidence intervals were computed for 66 causes of death in males and females. RESULTS: PMRs for all cancers combined were elevated in males (PMR = 107; 95% CI = 105-109) and females (PMR = 115; 95% CI = 110-119); several specific cancers and other causes of death were also significantly elevated in both males and females. There were reduced deaths due to non-malignant respiratory disease in males and females and heart disease in females; several specific cancers and other causes of death were significantly reduced in both males and females. Proportional cancer mortality ratios (PCMRs) for brain and central nervous system cancer were elevated (PCMR = 166; 95% CI = 129-213), kidney cancer (PCMR = 162; 95% CI = 124-212), melanoma of skin (PCMR = 179; 95% CI = 131-244) and pancreatic cancer (PCMR = 126; 95% CI = 101-157) were significantly elevated in male manufacturing workers. Kidney cancer (PCMR = 212; 95% CI = 116-387) and cancer of all lymphatic and hematopoietic tissue (PCMR = 162; 95% CI = 121-218) were significantly elevated in female manufacturing workers. CONCLUSION: Mortality was elevated due to specific cancers and among workers more likely to be exposed to solvents and other chemical exposures in manufacturing operations. Due to lack of individual exposure information, no conclusions are made about associations with any particular agent.

Case-Control Studies↗

Washing machine related injuries in children: a continuing threat.

OBJECTIVE: To describe washing machine related injuries in children in the United States. METHODS: Injury data for 496 washing machine related injuries documented by the Consumer Product Safety Commission's National Electronic Injury Surveillance System and death certificate data files were analyzed. Gender, age, diagnosis, body part injured, disposition, location and mechanism of injury were considered in the analysis of data. RESULTS: The upper extremities were most frequently injured in washing machine related injuries, especially with wringer machines. Fewer than 10% of patients required admission, but automatic washers accounted for most of these and for both of the deaths. Automatic washer injuries involved a wider range of injury mechanism, including 23 children who fell from the machines while in baby seats. CONCLUSIONS: Though most injuries associated with washing machines are minor, some are severe and devastating. Many of the injuries could be avoided with improvements in machine design while others suggest a need for increased education of potential dangers and better supervision of children if they are allowed access to areas where washing machines are operating. Furthermore, washing machines should only be used for their intended purpose. Given the limitations of educational efforts to prevent injuries, health professionals should have a major role in public education regarding these seemingly benign household appliances.

Accidents, Home↗

Advanced alerting features: displaying new relevant data and retracting alerts.

We added two advanced features to our automated alerting system. The first feature identifies and displays, at the time an alert is reviewed, relevant data filed between the login time of a specimen leading to an alerting result and the time the alert is reviewed. Relevant data is defined as data of the same kind as generated the alert. The other feature retracts alerts when the alerting value is edited and no longer satisfies the alerting criteria. We evaluated the two features for a 14-week period (new relevant data) and a 6-week period (retraction). Of a total of 1104 alerts in the 14-week evaluation, 286 (25.9%) had new relevant data displayed at alert review time. Of the 286, 75.2% were due to additions of comments to the original piece of alerting data; 24.1% were due to new or pending laboratory results of the same type that generated the alert. Two alerts (out of 490) were retracted in a 6 week period. We conclude that in our system, new clinically relevant data is often added between the time of specimen login and the time that an alerting result from that specimen is reviewed. Retractions occur rarely but are important to detect and communicate.

Data Display↗

How good are the data? Reliability of one health care data bank.

This study investigates the reliability of the Manitoba Health Services Commission data bank from a variety of perspectives. Emphasizing diagnostic and surgical procedures, the research focuses on those areas in which problems exist and in which the data can be relied upon. Computerized comparisons are stressed, since they can provide cost-effective checks on data quality. One key to performing reliability studies inexpensively is finding information recorded independently: by separate individuals or organizations, at two different times, or in two or more data files. When a particular event has certain logical implications vis-à-vis another, inconsistencies can be located. Face sheet information and data on the performance of major surgical procedures were found to be reliably recorded in the Manitoba data bank. Collapsing ICD-8 diagnosis from medical claims into several categories proved much better than relying upon individual diagnoses. Problems in working with the data included difficulty in distinguishing between closely related surgical procedures and the underreporting of inhospital consultations and nonsurgical procedures.

Computers↗

Costs of newborn care in California: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to describe the current costs of newborn care by using population-based data, which includes linked vital statistics and hospital records for both mothers and infants. These data allow costs to be reported by episode of care (birth), instead of by hospitalization. METHODS: Data for this study were obtained from the linked 2000 California birth cohort data. These data (n = 518,704), provided by the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD), contain infant vital statistics data (birth and death certificate data) linked to infant and maternal hospital discharge summaries. In addition to the infant and maternal hospital discharge summaries associated with delivery, these data include discharge summaries for all infant hospital-to-hospital transfers and maternal prenatal hospitalizations. The linkage algorithm that is used by OSHPD in creating the linked cohort data file is highly accurate. More than 99% of the maternal and infant discharge abstracts were linked successfully with the birth certificates. These data were also linked successfully with the infant discharge abstracts from the receiving hospital for 99% of the infants who were transferred to another hospital. The hospital discharge records were the source of the hospital charges and length-of-stay information summarized in this study. Hospital costs were estimated by adjusting charges by hospital-specific ratios of costs to charges obtained from the OSHPD Hospital Financial Reporting data. Costs, lengths of stay, and mortality were summarized by birth weight groups, gestational age, cost categories, and types of admissions. RESULTS: Low birth weight (LBW) and very low birth weight (VLBW) infants had significantly longer hospital stays and accounted for a significantly higher proportion of total hospital costs. The average hospital stay for LBW infants ranged from 6.2 to 68.1 days, whereas the average hospital stay for infants who weighed >2500 g at birth was 2.3 days. Overall, VLBW infants accounted for 0.9% of cases but 35.7% of costs, whereas LBW infants accounted for 5.9% of cases but 56.6% of total hospital costs. Although total maternal and infant costs were similar (approximately 1.6 billion dollars), the distribution of maternal costs was much less skewed. For infants, 5% of infants accounted for 76% of total infant hospital costs. Conversely, the most expensive 3% of deliveries accounted for only 17% of total maternal costs. CONCLUSIONS: The very smallest infants make up a hugely disproportionate share of costs; more than half of all neonatal costs are incurred by LBW or premature infants. Maternal costs are similar in magnitude to newborn costs, but they are much less skewed than for infants. Preventing premature deliveries could yield very large cost savings, in addition to saving lives.

California↗

Vitex agnus castus: a systematic review of adverse events.

Vitex agnus castus L. (VAC) [Verbenaceae] is a deciduous shrub that is native to Mediterranean Europe and Central Asia. Traditionally, VAC fruit extract has been used in the treatment of many female conditions, including menstrual disorders (amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), corpus luteum insufficiency, hyperprolactinaemia, infertility, acne, menopause and disrupted lactation. The German Commission E has approved the use of VAC for irregularities of the menstrual cycle, premenstrual disturbances and mastodynia. Clinical reviews are available for the efficacy of VAC in PMS, cycle disorders, hyperprolactinaemia and mastalgia, but so far no systematic review has been published on adverse events or drug interactions associated with VAC. Therefore, this review was conducted to evaluate all the available human safety data of VAC monopreparations. Literature searches were conducted in six electronic databases, in references lists of all identified papers and in departmental files. Data from spontaneous reporting schemes of the WHO and national drug safety bodies were also included. Twelve manufacturers of VAC-containing preparations and five herbalist organisations were contacted for additional information. No language restrictions were imposed. Combination preparations including VAC or homeopathic preparations of VAC were excluded. Data extraction of key data from all articles reporting adverse events or interactions was performed independently by at least two reviewers, regardless of study design. Data from clinical trials, postmarketing surveillance studies, surveys, spontaneous reporting schemes, manufacturers and herbalist organisations indicate that the adverse events following VAC treatment are mild and reversible. The most frequent adverse events are nausea, headache, gastrointestinal disturbances, menstrual disorders, acne, pruritus and erythematous rash. No drug interactions were reported. Use of VAC should be avoided during pregnancy or lactation. Theoretically, VAC might also interfere with dopaminergic antagonists. Although further rigorous studies are needed to assess the safety of VAC, the data available seem to indicate that VAC is a safe herbal medicine.

Drug Interactions↗

Proportionate mortality from pulmonary tuberculosis associated with occupations--28 states, 1979-1990.

The risk for occupational exposure to tuberculosis (TB) is increased among healthcare and other workers exposed to persons with active TB, workers exposed to silica or other agents that increase the risk of progression from latent infection to active TB, and workers in occupations associated with low socioeconomic status (SES). Accurate estimates of and surveillance for occupationally associated TB are limited because reports of incident TB cases lack comprehensive occupational data (1). Although occupation is routinely recorded on death certificates, this information is not routinely coded and entered into vital statistics data files. To identify occupations associated with increased risk for TB mortality, CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) used data from the National Occupational Mortality Surveillance (NOMS) database to conduct a proportionate mortality study of persons with pulmonary TB by occupation for 1979-1990 (the most recent year for which data were available). This report presents the findings of the study.

Female↗

Pedro: a configurable data entry tool for XML.

UNLABELLED: Pedro is a Java application that dynamically generates data entry forms for data models expressed in XML Schema, producing XML data files that validate against this schema. The software uses an intuitive tree-based navigation system, can supply context-sensitive help to users and features a sophisticated interface for populating data fields with terms from controlled vocabularies. The software also has the ability to import records from tab delimited text files and features various validation routines. AVAILABILITY: The application, source code, example models from several domains and tutorials can be downloaded from http://pedro.man.ac.uk/.

Computer Graphics↗

[Use of computers in forensic toxicology analysis].

For more than 10 years the analytical data gathered on nearly 600 drugs and other potentially poisonous substances that came up in our own investigations, as well as the pertinent bibliography, were stored in card indexes and lists. For immediate and fast recall via terminal we now store this cumulative data collection on magnetic tapes or disks in our clinic host computer. Extensive software was developed in FORTRAN compiler language to achieve rapid coordination of the data measured to that stored and consequently permit positive identification of unknown substances. The data obtained by different analytical methods such as TLC, GC, ultraviolet and infrared spectra, or HPLC can be evaluated by selective or sequential procedures using variable tolerances. That is also possible to enlarge and complete these data files in an easy manner using the same software.

Computers↗

Myocardial sestamibi single-photon emission tomography: variations in reference values with gender, age and rest versus stress?

Reference data files support the evaluation of myocardial perfusion single-photon emission tomography (SPET). The aim of this study was to create a large reference data base for technetium-99m sestamibi SPET, age and gender matched to the general patient population. One hundred and twenty-eight healthy volunteers (76 males and 52 females) with a likelihood of coronary artery disease of less than 5% underwent rest and maximal exercise 99mTc-sestamibi SPET with a 2-day protocol and 180 degrees elliptical rotation. The normalized activity values of 99mTc-sestamibi in the inferior wall differed significantly between men and women. Age variations were found for men in the anterior wall. Normalized activity values in all four walls were strikingly similar during rest and stress. Our results suggest that the use of reference files in 99mTc-sestamibi SPET requires a gender- and, for males, possibly an age-matched reference population. Different reference files at rest and during stress might not be necessary.

Adult↗