Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “reference databases”

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.

At least 1,189 records · Page 66Linked to original sources

Downloading from MEDLINE: a comparison of personal database software.

The compatibility of downloaded MEDLINE references with software packages designed for maintenance of personal bibliographic databases is considered. The nine packages reviewed enable one to import batches of records downloaded from one or more presentations of the MEDLINE database, online or CD-ROM; and enable the user to re-format records into the various styles required by journal editors. Some basic features of the packages are tabulated, and details of record-importing facilities are described. Details of suppliers and prices are given.

Catalogs, Commercial as Topic↗

The GASTER project: building a computer network in digestive endoscopy: the experience of the European Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Application for Standards in Telecommunication, Education and Research.

Digestive endoscopy is currently the main diagnostic procedure for investigation of the digestive tract whenever a digestive disease is suspected. From 1970 to 1985, digestive endoscopy was performed with endoscopes equipped with fiberoptic bundles, whereas the last decade was marked by the development of electronic endoscopes, characterized by the presence of a CCD (charge coupled device) at the tip of the endoscope. Thus the physician looks at a TV screen to control the procedure and examine in detail the gut wall. Endoscopes examine the foregut until the duodenum and the hindgut, up to the three last intestinal loops. When the endoscopic workstation comprises a computer, it is possible to acquire electronic images during the endoscopy and use these images as support of the information about the results of the procedure. These numeric images can then be stored in databases containing text attached to them. Starting with these images, one may expect many developments in the near future that will change the management of the patient with digestive diseases. Physicians will become able to exchange images and text related to one patient or one procedure, although they are equipped with different workstations. Therefore, it is obvious that the information exchanged must be written in a standard format that makes it understandable by all systems. The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy is a scientific society that groups most of the gastroenterologists in Europe. This society has initiated a research program to develop standards for the exchange of images and text. The Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Applications for Standards in Telecommunication, Education, and Research (GASTER) project intends to implement a multimedia database of endoscopic images based on a standard format of images and a standard terminology for descriptive terms. These standards must be validated by use in different endoscopy units. The database will collect images from these centers that will be linked to the coordinating center through a network based on an integrated services digital network (fast electronic connection). This database will then be used for the development of computer applications. The output of the GASTER project will bring advances at three levels: (1) The physicians will be able to exchange images about the procedures their patients have undergone and will thus obtain more complete information, improving quality of care. They will also benefit from help-to-decision applications based on validated reference images from the database. (2) At the patient level, the quality of care will be improved through a better dissemination of information between the physicians in charge of the patient, thus there is better follow-up of the patient and a decrease in redundant examinations. (3) At the level of national health care systems, the benefit will be a decrease in cost of care due to a better follow-up of the patients, a decrease in redundant examinations, and a faster decision made to treat the patient. The possibility of consulting a database of a scientifically validated images used as reference material will also improve quality control in digestive endoscopy.

Computer Communication Networks↗

Retinal nerve fiber layer measurements in myopia: An optical coherence tomography study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and the axial length/refractive error of the eye. METHODS: A total of 115 eyes of 115 healthy subjects, comprising 75 eyes with high myopia (spherical equivalent [SE] < -6.0 D) and 40 eyes with low to moderate myopia (SE between -6.0 D and -0.5D), were analyzed in this cross-sectional study. Total average and mean clock hour RNFL thicknesses were measured by OCT and compared between the two myopia groups. Associations between RNFL measurements and axial length and spherical equivalent were evaluated by linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The RNFL measurements were significantly lower in the high myopia group compared with those of the low-to-moderate myopia group at 12, 1, and 7 o'clock (right eye orientation). Apart from the temporal clock hours, significant correlations were evident between RNFL measurements and the axial length and spherical equivalent. The average RNFL thickness decreased with increasing axial length (r = -0.314, P = 0.001) and negative refractive power (r = 0.291, P = 0.002). A significant proportion of myopic eyes were classified as outside normal limits, with reference to the normative database. The most frequently abnormal sector was at 2 o'clock, where 16.5% of myopic eyes were outside normal limits. CONCLUSIONS: RNFL measurements vary with the axial length/refractive error of the eye. Analysis of RNFL thickness in the evaluation of glaucoma should always be interpreted with reference to the refractive status. Although the normative database provided by OCT has been helpful in identifying ocular diseases involving the RNFL, it may not be reliable in the analysis of myopic eyes.

Adult↗

BioMolQuest: integrated database-based retrieval of protein structural and functional information.

MOTIVATION: Information about a particular protein or protein family is usually distributed among multiple databases and often in more than one entry in each database. Retrieval and organization of this information can be a laborious task. This task is complicated even further by the existence of alternative terms for the same concept. RESULTS: The PDB, SWISS-PROT, ENZYME, and CATH databases have been imported into a combined relational database, BIOMOLQUEST: A powerful search engine has been built using this database as a back end. The search engine achieves significant improvements in query performance by automatically utilizing cross-references between the legacy databases. The results of the queries are presented in an organized, hierarchical way.

Abstracting and Indexing↗

YPL.db: the Yeast Protein Localization database.

The Yeast Protein Localization database (YPL.db) contains information about the localization patterns of yeast proteins resulting from microscopic analyses. The data and parameters of the experiments to obtain the localization information, together with images from confocal or video microscopy, are stored in a relational database, building an archive of, and the documentation for, all experiments. The database can be queried based on gene name, protein localization, growth conditions and a number of additional parameters. All experiment parameters are selectable from predefined lists to ensure database integrity and conformity across different investigators. The database provides a structure reference resource to allow for better characterization of unknown or ambiguous localization patterns. Links to MIPS, YPD and SGD databases are provided to allow fast access to further information not contained in the localization database itself. YPL.db is available at http://ypl.tugraz.at.

Computer Graphics↗

Design of a diagnostic encyclopaedia using AIDA.

Diagnostic Encyclopaedia Workstation (DEW) is the name of a digital encyclopaedia constructed to contain reference knowledge with respect to the pathology of the ovary. Comparing DEW with the common sources of reference knowledge (i.e. books) leads to the following advantages of DEW: it contains more verbal knowledge, pictures and case histories, and it offers information adjusted to the needs of the user. Based on an analysis of the structure of this reference knowledge we have chosen AIDA to develop a relational database and we use a video-disc player to contain the pictorial part of the database. The system consists of a database input version and a read-only run version. The design of the database input version is discussed. Reference knowledge for ovary pathology requires 1-3 Mbytes of memory. At present 15% of this amount is available. The design of the run version is based on an analysis of which information must necessarily be specified to the system by the user to access a desired item of information. Finally, the use of AIDA in constructing DEW is evaluated.

Computer Systems↗

An evaluation of the TransFER model for sharing clinical decision-support applications.

TransFER is a formal model designed to facilitate the sharing of decision-support applications across institutions with heterogeneous clinical databases. The TransFER model provides a mechanism to automatically customize database queries based on a reference schema of clinical data and an encoded set of database mappings. In this paper, we describe the elements of the TransFER model and we present the results of a formal evaluation we conducted to assess the utility and generality of the model. The results suggest that the TransFER has significant potential for automating query translation and facilitating application sharing, but that further work on the representation of temporal semantics, on the modeling of missing data, and on the optimization of complex queries is required.

Decision Making, Computer-Assisted↗

Automated processing of shoeprint images based on the Fourier transform for use in forensic science.

The development of a system for automatically sorting a database of shoeprint images based on the outsole pattern in response to a reference shoeprint image is presented. The database images are sorted so that those from the same pattern group as the reference shoeprint are likely to be at the start of the list. A database of 476 complete shoeprint images belonging to 140 pattern groups was established with each group containing two or more examples. A panel of human observers performed the grouping of the images into pattern categories. Tests of the system using the database showed that the first-ranked database image belongs to the same pattern category as the reference image 65 percent of the time and that a correct match appears within the first 5 percent of the sorted images 87 percent of the time. The system has translational and rotational invariance so that the spatial positioning of the reference shoeprint images does not have to correspond with the spatial positioning of the shoeprint images of the database. The performance of the system for matching partial-prints was also determined.

Algorithms↗

Development of computerized storage facilities for twin data: a relational database system for a twin register.

Many twin registers hold information on flat file systems such as those provided by statistical packages or spreadsheets. Demographic details may be maintained separately from data collected in multiple different studies, leading to considerable problems with data consistency, redundancy, and integration. Ad hoc requests may be difficult. Implementation of a relational database system permits storage and maintenance of all records, simple data entry and validation procedures, linking of information from different projects with security of access, and the flexibility to provide rapid answers to ad hoc enquiries using standard Structured Query Language (SQL). Twin data provide a challenge for relational database design which rests on the technique of normalization and the use of unique identifiers to access associated groups of variables; for twins, "uniqueness" must preserve identification of both the pair and the individual twin subjects in the data structure to enable flexible access to and analysis of the data. An application on the Institute of Psychiatry Volunteer Twin Register (IOPVTR) database is described, through reference to one study of a sample of the twins, with simulated data. We show how a balance of adherence to database design principles and attention to ongoing clerical and research procedures has been used to produce an integrated, flexible, and open-ended system.

Data Collection↗

Pulmonary edema after transfusion: how to differentiate transfusion-associated circulatory overload from transfusion-related acute lung injury.

OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary edema is an under-recognized and potentially serious complication of blood transfusion. Distinct mechanisms include adverse immune reactions and circulatory overload. The former is associated with increased pulmonary vascular permeability and is commonly referred to as transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). The latter causes hydrostatic pulmonary edema and is commonly referred to as transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO). In this review article we searched the National Library of Medicine PubMed database as well as references of retrieved articles and summarized the methods for differentiating between hydrostatic and permeability pulmonary edema. RESULTS: The clinical and radiologic manifestations of TACO and TRALI are similar. Although echocardiography and B-type natriuretic peptide measurements may aid in the differential diagnosis between hydrostatic and permeability pulmonary edema, invasive techniques such as right heart catheterization and the sampling of alveolar fluid protein are sometimes necessary. The diagnostic differentiation is especially difficult in critically ill patients will multiple comorbidities so that the cause of edema may only be determined post hoc based on the clinical course and response to therapy. Guided by available evidence, we present an algorithm for establishing the pretest probability of TRALI as opposed to TACO. The decision to test donor and recipient blood for immunocompatibility may be made on this basis. CONCLUSIONS: The distinction between hydrostatic (TACO) and permeability (TRALI) pulmonary edema after transfusion is difficult, in part because the two conditions may coexist. Knowledge of strengths and limitations of different diagnostic techniques is necessary before initiation of complex TRALI workup.

Blood Circulation↗

ENB--resource and careers department.

The English National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting is aware that, in the current climate of change, a range of information is required by nurses, midwives and health visitors to enable them to update their professional knowledge and plan their careers. In response to this need the Board offers a comprehensive range of services through the Resource and Careers Department based in Sheffield. I will describe in detail the services provided by the Resource Section and then give a brief overview of the role and functions of the other sections, i.e. Publications, Careers Service and Projects. The Resource Section comprises three separate but interactive parts. These are the Health Care Database, Open Learning Resource and Reference Room and ENB Campus.

Databases, Factual↗

Estimation of reference change limits using patient data.

Two approaches for deriving reference change limits from patient data are described. In the direct method, hospital database information is used for the selection of appropriate reference groups. If database information is not sufficient or reliable enough, but still most of the source data can be considered as health-related, an indirect method can be applied in the calculation of rough estimates for reference change limits. A computer program developed by us, GraphROC for Windows, includes both methods for the estimation of change limits from patient data. Time between specimen collections should be included as one classifying factor in the selection of source data. When only one previous result is available for comparison, change limits based on the reference sample group form the only available guide for clinical interpretation. However, when several previous results are available and the within-subject variances for the considered analyte are known to be heterogeneous between individuals, the clinical interpretation should rather be based on application of time series analysis.

Data Interpretation, Statistical↗

A multi-user networked database for analysis of clinical and temperature data from patients treated with simultaneous radiation and ultrasound hyperthermia.

A database was developed using commercially available development software that allows the entry of clinical data and automatically analyses temperature and power data from a commercial ultrasound hyperthermia system. The database can be accessed via network connections by more than one authorized user, thus facilitating the entry, management, and analysis of clinical data. The software automatically estimates ultrasound induced temperature artifacts and calculates thermal dose parameters such as T90s, equivalent minutes at 43 degrees, and time at or above index temperatures using the corrected temperatures. These parameters also become part of the database. Digital photographs of treatment setup, probe placement, and tumour or normal tissue response can be included in the database for documentation and reference. Ultrasound diagnostic images that document the depth and reproducibility of probe placement can be scanned into the PC and included in the database as well. This short communication documents experiences developing this tool that may be useful to other investigators.

Combined Modality Therapy↗

Cerebrospinal fluid drainage to prevent paraplegia during thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: We undertook a quantitative systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies to determine the effectiveness of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage to prevent paraplegia in thoracic aneurysm (TA) and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) surgery. METHODS: We included RCTs and cohort studies that met the following criteria: elective or emergent aneurysm surgery involving the thoracic or thoracoabdominal aorta, documentation of postoperative neurologic deficits, and patient age older than 18 years. We excluded studies that reported results in 10 or fewer patients and duplicate publications. We identified eligible studies by searching computerized databases, our own files, and the reference lists of relevant articles and review articles. Database searching, eligibility decisions, relevance and method quality assessments, and data extraction were performed in duplicate with prespecified criteria. RESULTS: Of 372 publications identified in our search, 14 met our eligibility criteria. Three RCTs reported 289 patients with type I or type II TAAA. Lower limb neurologic deficits occurred in 12% of patients who underwent CSF drainage and 33% of control subjects (number needed to treat, 9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5-50). The pooled odds ratio (OR) for development of paraplegia in patients in the CSF drainage group was 0.35 (P =.05; 95% CI, 0.12-0.99). Similar results were found in five cohort studies with a control group (pooled OR, 0.26; P =.0002; 95% CI, 0.13-0.53). When all studies were considered together the pooled OR of TA and TAAA was 0.3 (95% CI, 0.17-0.54). There was no statistical heterogeneity among studies included in the meta-analysis. In six cohort studies without a control group, the incidence of paraplegia in high-risk TA and TAAA was 7.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence from randomized and nonrandomized trials and from cohort studies support the use of CSF drainage as an adjunct to prevent paraplegia when this adjunct is used in centers with large experience in the management of TAAA.

Aged↗

A compilation of chiropractic and complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) data from public-use national surveys: report on a health-services research resource for the chiropractic and CAM scientific community.

BACKGROUND: Federally funded national surveys are routinely conducted to provide reliable, valid, and relevant data on health and health care, and these "public-use" survey data are typically made available for further study by the wider scientific community. The full potential for using such data to examine the delivery, utilization, organization, and costs of chiropractic or complementary/alternative (CAM) health care remains largely untapped. OBJECTIVE: To report on a project that identifies and indexes public-use survey databases that contain explicit reference to chiropractic and CAM health care, and compiles that information into a web-based resource for the scientific community. METHODS: Review of database source collections. RESULTS: The utility and efficiency of secondary analyses as a cost-effective research strategy are well appreciated within the larger health-services research community, creating many possible opportunities for productive cooperative research endeavors across scientific disciplines. CONCLUSION: The Chiropractic and Complementary/Alternative Compilation User's Manual is available for free download at http://w3.palmer.edu/carber/manualhome.asp, or by following the links at the Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research homepage.

Chiropractic↗

ERIC: a resource for researchers in nursing education.

This chapter provides information on the ERIC system of bibliographic information covering the field of education. Information on topics related to nursing and specifically to research in nursing education is presented. The number of references in these areas and in the ERIC database and the content of these references is described.

Bibliographies as Topic↗

["Iodine allergy": point of view].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this literature review is to suggest a diagnostic and a preventive attitude in patients having presented an immediate hypersensitivity reaction due to an iodinated drug. DATA SOURCES: Literature review. Data were searched in the Medline database from 1967 to 2004 in English and French language. Complementary references were selected from the bibliography of selected references or from authors' personal databases. The following key-words were used separately or combined: Hypersensitivity, Immediate; Allergy; Contrast Media; Povidone-Iodine; Iodine; Iodine Compounds; Iodides; Amiodarone; Seafood, Parvalbumins; Tropomyosin. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized studies, epidemiological studies, original articles, clinical cases, and letters to the editor were selected. DATA SYNTHESIS: The implication of iodine has never been demonstrated during allergic hypersensitivity reactions due to iodinated drugs. However, IgE-mediated allergic hypersensitivity reactions have been published with contrast media or iodinated antiseptics and will be described in this development. In a wider sense, allergic hypersensitivity reactions due to seafood are evoked because often improperly considered as a risk factor of allergic reaction to iodinated drugs. The allergenic determinant responsible of patient sensitization is not known for iodinated contrast media, but is probably due to povidone in case of iodine povidone. In fish, the allergen is described as the protein M. There has also been strong immunological evidence that tropomyosin is a cross-reactive allergen among crustaceans and molluscs (shellfishs). In case of hypersensitivity reaction occurring with iodinated drug, an allergological assessment is required to confirm the immune mechanism, to identify the culprit drug or substance and to identify cross-reactivity especially with iodinated contrast media. CONCLUSION: Asking a patient if he/she is "allergic to iodine" is a question that should be avoided because its significance is null. A diagnosis of drug allergy, essentially relying on clinical symptoms, biological tests and cutaneous tests, is required to take adequate preventive measures.

Anti-Infective Agents, Local↗

In silico reconstruction of the metabolic pathways of Lactobacillus plantarum: comparing predictions of nutrient requirements with those from growth experiments.

On the basis of the annotated genome we reconstructed the metabolic pathways of the lactic acid bacterium Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1. After automatic reconstruction by the Pathologic tool of Pathway Tools (http://bioinformatics.ai.sri.com/ptools/), the resulting pathway-genome database, LacplantCyc, was manually curated extensively. The current database contains refinements to existing routes and new gram-positive bacterium-specific reactions that were not present in the MetaCyc database. These reactions include, for example, reactions related to cell wall biosynthesis, molybdopterin biosynthesis, and transport. At present, LacplantCyc includes 129 pathways and 704 predicted reactions involving some 670 chemical species and 710 enzymes. We tested vitamin and amino acid requirements of L. plantarum experimentally and compared the results with the pathways present in LacplantCyc. In the majority of cases (32 of 37 cases) the experimental results agreed with the final reconstruction. LacplantCyc is the most extensively curated pathway-genome database for gram-positive bacteria and is open to the microbiology community via the World Wide Web (www.lacplantcyc.nl). It can be used as a reference pathway-genome database for gram-positive microbes in general and lactic acid bacteria in particular.

Amino Acids↗