Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “open resource”

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 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources
PubMed2006

Characterization of a novel cyclomaltodextrinase expressed from environmental DNA isolated from Bor Khleung hot spring in Thailand.

A novel gene belonging to the alpha-amylase family was isolated directly from community DNA obtained from soil sediments collected from Bor Khleung hot spring in Thailand. Partial sequences harboring four conserved regions of the alpha-amylase family were amplified by PCR using degenerate primers. Upstream and downstream sequences of these fragments were obtained by a genome walking approach to identify a full-length gene (Env cda13A) encoding 619 amino acids. Amino acid sequence alignments of Env Cda13A with other enzymes suggested that this enzyme was a cyclomaltodextrinase. The Env cda13A gene was expressed in Pichia pastoris as a secreted functional protein of 68 kDa. The partially purified enzyme was shown to be monomeric and hydrolyzed various maltodextrins from maltotriose to maltoheptaose and cyclomaltodextrins to give maltose and glucose as the main products. The enzyme also hydrolyzed pullulan and soluble starch to yield glucose, but the rate of hydrolysis was slow. This study demonstrated the possibility of isolating potentially novel enzymes directly from natural environments and opens an unexplored biodiversity resource in Thailand for future novel gene discoveries.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Resource use and costs for a glaucoma screening program in Austria: an 8-year review: a cost-consequence analysis based on the Salzburg-Moorfields Collaborative Glaucoma Study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to report costs, detection rates, and resources needed for detection of primary open angle glaucoma and related diseases in a glaucoma screening program in Salzburg, Austria, over a period of 8 years. METHODS: The Salzburg-Moorfields Collaborative Glaucoma Study performed a complete ophthalmologic examination on a total of 4864 subjects within a study period of approximately 8 years (98 months). The total numbers reported are total number of subjects screened at the initial examination and follow-up examinations; total working hours and estimated working hours per visit for one ophthalmologist and two medical assistants; direct costs per visit; detection rates for subjects; and corresponding costs per true positive case diagnosed with definite primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), early POAG, POAG suspect, ocular hypertension (OHT), and glaucoma artefact. RESULTS: Within the screening period of 98 months, a total of 9427 examinations and second verification checks were performed: 5466 at the initial examination, 404 at the 1-year follow-up, 815 at the 2-year follow-up, 339 at the 3-year follow-up, 225 at the 4-year follow-up, 1059 at the 5-year follow-up, 996 at the 6-year follow-up, 118 at the 7-year follow-up, and 5 at the 8-year follow-up. The total amount of time spent for screening was 23,814 working hours. We estimate the costs per visit at EUR 123 for each initial examination, EUR 28 for each second confirmation check, and EUR 95 per follow-up examination. The following detection rates were observed: definite POAG: 1.7% (95% CI: 1.3-2.2%), early POAG: 2.9% (95% CI: 2.3-3.5%), POAG suspect: 8.5% (95% CI: 7.6-9.4%), OHT: 2.2% (95% CI: 1.7-2.7%), glaucoma artefact or other causes: 5.8% (95% CI: 5.1-6.6%), normal cases: 79% (95% CI: 78-80%). CONCLUSIONS: Direct costs per visit were considerably higher than those reported in the Netherlands or the United Kingdom. If a health care provider decides to perform a glaucoma screening within this setting, the costs for the detection of a new case are EUR 7250 for definite POAG, EUR 4250 for early POAG, EUR 1450 for POAG suspect, EUR 5600 for OHT, EUR 2100 for glaucoma artefact case, and EUR 156 for a normal case.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Positive and negative aspects of prenatal care in the district of Ribeirao Preto].

This study had the purpose to identify the positive and negative aspects of pre natal care at the public health system of the city of Ribeirão Preto-SP, considering users and health professionals' opinions. Authors used a qualitative approach and found some improvements regarding pre-natal care such as: the proximity of the Health Unit, the improvement of physical and human resources structures and the opening of places for the obstetrics unit. Despite these positive aspects, authors were unable to find a hospital reference at the different levels of the Unified Health System. Results also showed a lack of articulation among prenatal, birth and puerperium periods.

Attitude to Health↗
PubMed2003

Vulnerability and salutogenesis in health and disease.

In this brief overview psychosocial factors which contribute to health and disease are briefly discussed. These opposing factors are mainly investigated in a unidirectional sense and often neutralize each other and thereby explain only little variance. The normally investigated pathological factors would have to be supplemented by salutogenic (health promoting) factors and vice versa. The salutogenic perspective opens up a resource-oriented approach, which can reduce suffering and also health care costs in almost any kind of disease. There is enough empirical evidence, of which only a small part is presented here, to support this claim.

Disease Susceptibility↗
PubMed2005

Empowering humanitarian medical development using grid technology.

BACKGROUND: The training of local clinicians is the best way to raise the standard of medical knowledge in developing countries. This requires transferring skills, techniques and resources. OBJECTIVES: Grid technology opens new perspectives for preparation and follow-up of medical missions in developing countries as well as support to local medical centers in terms of teleconsulting, telediagnosis and patient follow-up. Indeed, grids allow to hide the complexity of handling distributed data in such a way that physicians will be able to access patient data while ignoring where these data are stored. METHODS: To meet requirements of a development project of the French NPO Chain of Hope in China, we propose to deploy a grid-based federation of databases. FIRST RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: A first protocol was established for describing the patients' pathologies and their pre- and post-surgery states through a web interface in a language-independent way. This protocol was evaluated by French and Chinese clinicians during medical missions in the fall of 2003. The first sets of medical patients recorded in the databases will be used to evaluate grid implementation of services.

Altruism↗
PubMed1971

From closet to library in the community hospital: remodeling a hospital medical library.

Halifax District Hospital's Medical Library, Daytona Beach, Florida was altered from two dingy rooms to a modern, well-equipped Medical Library twice its former size by its maintenance men in six months time, with the help of the librarian's sketches and an architect student from the junior college to draw the plans.A complete renovation was done, eighteen-inch walls between rooms being demolished, plumbing, ceiling, and windows removed. These were all replaced with walnut-paneled walls, special 125 candle-power lighted ceiling, retractable shelves, more shelves for periodicals and books, wall-to-wall carpeting and fashionable decor. New furniture, tape recorders, and TWX were made possible by a Medical Library Resource Grant. The official opening was six months from the first day of renovation, with ribbon cutting, guests, hospital personnel, and a reporter from the newspaper to take pictures for an article about the most modern medical library in Volusia County. The new Medical Library is in the "core" of the Medical Education Department with space for five years growth.

Architecture↗
PubMed1996

[Laparoscopic hernia repair. A useful method for surgical treatment of inguinal hernia?].

Between September 1992 and May 1993 14 groin hernias in 13 patients were treated with laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair using a polypropylene mesh to reinforce the abdominal wall. There were two indirect and 12 direct hernias. Five hernias were recurrent. There were no perioperative complications. In the follow up period 14-24 months after the operations, two patients developed recurrent hernias after four and ten months respectively, one patient presented with a new hernia on the contralateral side, and one patient died from cardiac disease. Laparoscopic hernia repair is technically demanding and in our setting is more time- and resource consuming than an open, tension-free repair. Thus it is questionable whether this method should be used in primary hernia repair. It may, however, have a place in the treatment of recurrent hernias and bilateral hernias.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Different written assessment methods: what can be said about their strengths and weaknesses?

INTRODUCTION: Written assessment techniques can be subdivided according to their stimulus format--what the question asks--and their response format--how the answer is recorded. The former is more important in determining the type of competence being asked for than the latter. It is nevertheless important to consider both when selecting the most appropriate types. Some major elements to consider when making such a selection are cueing effect, reliability, validity, educational impact and resource-intensiveness. RESPONSE FORMATS: Open-ended questions should be used solely to test aspects that cannot be tested with multiple-choice questions. In all other cases the loss of reliability and the higher resource-intensiveness represent a significant downside. In such cases, multiple-choice questions are not less valid than open-ended questions. STIMULUS FORMAT: When making this distinction, it is important to consider whether the question is embedded within a relevant case or context and cannot be answered without the case, or not. This appears to be more or less essential according to what is being tested by the question. Context-rich questions test other cognitive skills than do context-free questions. If knowledge alone is the purpose of the test, context-free questions may be useful, but if it is the application of knowledge or knowledge as a part of problem solving that is being tested, then context is indispensable. CONCLUSION: Every format has its (dis)advantages and a combination of formats based on rational selection is more useful than trying to find or develop a panacea. The response format is less important in this respect than the stimulus.

Clinical Competence↗
PubMed1991

Sequence of the HindIII T fragment of human cytomegalovirus, which encodes a DNA helicase.

The DNA sequence of the HindIII T fragment of human cytomegalovirus strain AD169 has been determined. This 6225 bp sequence has been analysed for transcription signals and probable open reading frames. Similarities with herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus and Epstein-Barr virus genes were observed for three of the predicted open reading frames; a virion protein and a unique DNA helicase are believed to be the functional products of two of these open reading frames. Two other open reading frames are novel in that no homologues could be found, either in the known herpesvirus sequences or in the Protein Identification Resource database. Both of these open reading frames also lie in the genomic coding region of a 5.0 kb RNA which is transcribed throughout the infectious cycle.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2005

Open access appointing in Army primary care clinics.

The open access model, also referred to as advanced or same-day appointments, is a new concept in managing patient appointments. More than 70% of the Army's primary care clinics currently use an antiquated system that inherently provides for a delay of medical services and lacks continuity of care. Although many providers and administrators believe delay and the lack of continuity of care are associated with a lack of resources, many studies prove otherwise. Open access is predicated on the principal that providers do today's work today. Patients calling to schedule an appointment with their provider are offered a same-day appointment. To achieve this, clinic chiefs and administrators must conduct an in-depth analysis of their true demand and current resources. Clinic staffs who have a strong commitment to change will be able to convert to an open access model whereby they are able to increase patient and provider satisfaction.

Appointments and Schedules↗
PubMed2006

Evolutionary and morphometric implications of morphological variation among flowers within an inflorescence: a case-study using European orchids.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This study explores the previously largely ignored morphological variation that occurs among flowers within a single inflorescence. METHODS: Variation in four metric parameters (labellum length and width, spur length and width) that together strongly influence pollination frequency is documented within the simple racemose inflorescences of eight individuals that represent a primary hybrid and six species of European orchids. KEY RESULTS: Regression of each parameter against the location of each flower on the inflorescence, and calculation of correlation coefficients for each pair of parameters within each inflorescence, demonstrate significant decoupling of labellum and spur development, despite the fact that they are different portions of the same floral organ. Spur length and diameter are constant across inflorescences of Dactylorhiza other than the vestigial-spurred D. viridis, whereas in other genera spur length declines in parallel with labellum dimensions. These differences are likely to reflect selection pressures or developmental constraints. Strong negative deviations from the regression line for one or more parameters are evident in occasional flowers, occurring most frequently in the lowermost and uppermost one or two flowers, and so reflecting transitions in meristematic behaviour. Thus, population-level morphometric studies are best conducted on flowers taken from approximately the mid-point of the inflorescence. Moreover, in the two relatively large inflorescences where lower flowers were removed for measurement before the upper flowers had opened, labellum size increased significantly in the flowers immediately above the excisions, suggesting that excision liberated resources that were diverted into the opening buds. Repeat measurement of all flowers from one selected inflorescence demonstrated typical measurement errors of only +/- 30-80 micro m, irrespective of the size of the structure studied. If flowers are not mounted and measured immediately following excision, modest negative deviations of 30-50 micro m result from post-mounting shrinkage; this occurs less rapidly in the spur than in the thinner labellum, which should therefore be measured first. Variation in all four parameters among all the flowers of a single inflorescence is between 42 % and 107 % of that observed between a similar number of flowers sampled from a consistent location on different (but conspecific and coexisting) inflorescences. CONCLUSIONS: This result demonstrates the strong influence of epigenesis on flower morphology and further emphasizes the importance of (a) sampling from a consistent location within the inflorescences under comparison, (b) interpreting morphometric ordinations hierarchically, building from individuals to infraspecific taxa and species via populations, and (c) considering in any microevolutionary study the potentially profound effects of the cline in flower size within each inflorescence.

Biological Evolution↗
PubMed2000

Greek parents' reactions, difficulties and resources in childhood leukaemia at the time of diagnosis.

Open-ended interviews were used to examine parental psychological reactions, difficulties and resources during the period following the diagnosis of childhood leukaemia. Data were obtained from 71 randomly selected mothers and fathers of children diagnosed with leukaemia at least 3 months prior to the study. The content analysis revealed a wide diversity of parental responses including many of the defensive mechanisms described in the literature such as shock, denial, anxiety and guilt. The most difficult factors for the parents to deal with during the initial period were the psychological upset and the financial burden. Problems associated with relating to others and to the health care system were also identified. Hope, social support and the marital relationship were the most helpful resources in managing the multifaceted problems caused by the diagnosis. Forty-five per cent of the participants felt that the quality of their marital relationship was improved, whereas fewer reported that the diagnosis seriously disturbed their marriage. Spouses were found to adopt symmetrical rather than complementary ways of responding to and coping with the event. Nurses have a key role in assessing the individual parent, the marital unit and the entire family system and planning appropriate interventions.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2006

The open abdomen in trauma: do infectious complications affect primary abdominal closure?

OBJECTIVE: One of the primary goals of damage control surgery in the trauma patient is primary closure of the abdomen. We hypothesized that extra-abdominal infections, such as those complicating injuries to the thorax, diaphragm, long bones, or musculoskeletal system, would decrease the likelihood of primary abdominal closure and increase hospital resource utilization in patients requiring open abdominal management. METHODS: The trauma registry of the American College of Surgeons (TRACS) was reviewed retrospectively from 1995-2002 for open abdomen technique and damage control surgery. The outcome was primary fascial closure or delayed closure. Patients who died prior to closure were excluded. We evaluated infectious complications, including ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), blood stream infection (BSI), and surgical site infection (SSI). Other parameters studied were multiple rib fractures, long bone fractures, chest injuries, diaphragm injuries, empyema, and transfusion requirements. Hospital charges were obtained from the hospital administrative database. Univariate, multivariate, and regression analyses were performed to identify the effects of infectious complications on primary abdominal closure, length of stay, total hospital charges, and disposition. RESULTS: Three hundred forty-four patients required the open abdomen technique: 67% received damage control laparotomy and 33% decompression of abdominal compartment syndrome. Two hundred seventy-six patients (80%) went on to abdominal closure of some form and constituted the primary study group. Primary abdominal closure was achieved in 180 (65%) with a mean time to closure of 3.5 days. Ventilator-associated pneumonia, BSI, and SSI were associated with lack of primary closure (p < 0.05). Increased blood transfusions also were associated with failure of primary closure (p < 0.05). Ventilator-associated pneumonia and BSI were associated with significantly greater lengths of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) (24.2 days vs. 12.6 days and 30.5 days vs. 17.9 days; both p < 0.0001) and significantly greater total hospital charges (232,080 US dollar vs. 142,893 US dollar; 247,440 US dollar vs. 160,940 US dollar; and 264,778 US dollar vs. 170,447 US dollar; all p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Inability to achieve primary abdominal closure was associated with infectious complications (VAP, BSI, and SSI) and large transfusion requirements. Infectious complications also significantly increased ICU utilization and hospital charges. Death was associated with BSI, femur fractures, and large transfusion requirements, whereas infectious complications did not have a significant impact on discharge disposition.

Abdominal Injuries↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Health support staff: resources or links for nurses?].

How to open the doors to the new support personnel (OSS)? An enquiry has been elaborate to understand if the nurse were ready to welcome this figure in order to explore the competences and the responsibilities that the nurses attribute to the OSS The limited organizational rationality of the assistance, especially in the public, determines waste of resources and low general effectiveness. In this scenery the challenge for the profession consists of guaranteeing suitable relief levels, despite the serious lack of resources. The nursing profession n, to welcome the OSS needs to analyse and clarify its operatives and the models of collaboration with the other health care professionals.

Nursing↗
PubMed1994

Why openness with health inspectors pays.

The effect of the quality of information obtained by Standards Monitoring Teams on the compliance of 410 Australian nursing homes with Commonwealth regulatory standards is explored. We find that information matters. Lack of openness is a hallmark of a poor quality facility, openness of a high quality facility. Secondly, open flow of information becomes a resource that does enable the regulatory process to improve the quality of care. From an industry perspective, therefore, openness pays because it 1. works against being marked off by an inspection team as a problem facility that is covering up; and 2. allows the facility to improve the quality of the service it delivers to the consumer.

Australia↗
PubMed2004

Open Access to essential health care information.

Open Access publishing is a valuable resource for the synthesis and distribution of essential health care information. This article discusses the potential benefits of Open Access, specifically in terms of Low and Middle Income (LAMI) countries in which there is currently a lack of informed health care providers - mainly a consequence of poor availability to information. We propose that without copyright restrictions, Open Access facilitates distribution of the most relevant research and health care information. Furthermore, we suggest that the technology and infrastructure that has been put in place for Open Access could be used to publish download-able manuals, guides or basic handbooks created by healthcare providers in LAMI countries.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2005

Measurement of energy expenditure.

Measurement of energy expenditure in humans is required to assess metabolic needs, fuel utilisation, and the relative thermic effect of different food, drink, drug and emotional components. Indirect and direct calorimetric and non-calorimetric methods for measuring energy expenditure are reviewed, and their relative value for measurement in the laboratory and field settings is assessed. Where high accuracy is required and sufficient resources are available, an open-circuit indirect calorimeter can be used. Open-circuit indirect calorimeters can employ a mask, hood, canopy or room/chamber for collection of expired air. For short-term measurements, mask, hood or canopy systems suffice. Chamber-based systems are more accurate for the long-term measurement of specified activity patterns but behaviour constraints mean they do not reflect real life. Where resources are limited and/or optimum precision can be sacrificed, flexible total collection systems and non-calorimetric methods are potentially useful if the limitations of these methods are appreciated. The use of the stable isotope technique, doubly labelled water, enables total daily energy expenditure to be measured accurately in free-living subjects. The factorial method for combining activity logs and data on the energy costs of activities can also provide detailed information on free-living subjects.

Basal Metabolism↗
PubMed1992

Effectiveness, efficiency, excellence: can they coexist in health care?

The conference certainly provided a great deal of food-for-thought for participants. From the imperatives of funding restraint, presented by Dr Scully and Professor Manga, to the public attitudes and opinions research presented by Allan Gregg and the anticipated public policy initiatives presented by Senator Kirby, the audience was challenged to take a new look at health care. Chief Ovide Mercredi presented a very earnest plea on behalf of the aboriginal people of Canada for restoration of their dignity and self-determination, as a key to better mental and physical health. The message to health care leaders was that quality improvement not only works, but also leads to more efficient use of resources. Dr Donald Berwick blew away the myths that often prevent organizations from establishing quality improvement programs and presented a blueprint for success. Other speakers gave examples of successful QI programs they were personally involved in. One of the most interesting presentations was Dr Naylor's able exposition of the role of research in assuring quality. This must have opened many eyes to how resources can be used without real benefit to patients, when proper outcome measurement is not used. Indeed, outcome measures may be an important key to dealing with some of the problems facing health care.

Canada↗