To evaluate the performance of CADIAG-II/RHEUMA as consultant in the primary evaluation of patients visiting a rheumatological outpatient clinic, a CADIAG-II/RHEUMA consultation was done for 54 patients and the list of generated diagnostic hypotheses was compared to each clinical discharge diagnosis. For 26 of a total of 126 rheumatological discharge ...

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted with 46 healthy female volunteers in order to test an anti-cellulite product containing retinol, caffeine and ruscogenine. An evaluation of different parameters related to cellulite appearance, i.e., the skin macrorelief, the dermal and hypodermal structures, the skin mechanical characteristics, and the cutaneous flowmetry ...

The ideal approach to female sexual dysfunction would be a collaborative effort between therapists and physicians and would include a complete medical and psychosocial evaluation, and inclusion of the partner spouse in the evaluation and treatment process. Despite significant anatomic and embryologic parallels between men and women, the multifaceted nature ...

To meet the increasing need for rapid medical evaluation of allegations of child abuse in rural areas and the paucity of trained professionals to provide these evaluations, a model telemedicine network was designed and implemented initially in the State of Florida, USA. The utilization of various types of equipment, transmission ...

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of consumer involvement on information processing from over-the-counter (OTC) medication labels. A sample of 256 students evaluated simulated OTC product labels for two product categories (headache and cold) in random order. Each participant evaluated labels after reading a scenario to ...

Topical retinoids are a mainstay in the treatment of acne vulgaris. In the past these agents have been associated with irritant effects, however, newer generations of topical retinoids have emerged that have been designed to be less irritating. This paper focuses on the newer topical retinoid products, and specifically looks ...

The application of seven-subtest short forms of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III (WAIS-3) was evaluated in a sample of 281 mixed clinical patients from three Veterans Affairs Medical Centers. Short-form summary scores were derived from deviation quotient tables and from prorating. They included either Block Design or Matrix Reasoning. Short-form ...

The scientific-technological dropping back in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the postwar period tries to exceed in the different forms of education. The medical education represents mostly the transfer of the new informations, and does not contain the evaluation of their quality. In the paper is proposed the model of quality ...

Implementation of telemedicine in Greenland is a continuing process based on a plan of operation for the years 1999-2002. In this context, a plan of evaluation was designed as a health technology assessment in interdisciplinary cooperation between the Telemedicine Team of Greenland and the Norwegian Centre of Telemedicine in Tromsø. ...

Preoperative nonresectability criteria for carcinoma of the pancreatic head remain controversial. We sought to assess prospectively the preoperative criteria used currently in clinical practice and to determine the different therapeutic strategies used between gastroenterologists (GEs) and digestive surgeons (Ss). The evaluation comprised all of the registered GEs (n = 3,466) ...

Many persons who have developmental disabilities and challenging behaviors are treated with multiple medications combined with nonpharmacological approaches. However, the comparative effects from pharmacotherapy frequently are not assessed empirically, do not include corollary behavioral measures, and are not evaluated in the long term. The present single-case study incorporated behavioral assessment ...

Tretinoin gel microsphere, 0.1%, is a highly effective anti-acne medication formulated with sponge-like microspheres encapsulating the active ingredient, tretinoin. In addition to minimizing cutaneous irritation, this system may also reduce facial shine. This single-center, double-blind, half-face study evaluated the potential of tretinoin gel microsphere, 0.1%, to reduce the appearance of ...

Four water courses having the same conditions and snail density were chosen for this study. All methods were applied simultaneously in April. Snails were collected monthly to evaluate the malacological effect. A single application of 100 ppm dried A. maritima decreased the snail density significantly within one month. Snail density ...

Specialists in rehabilitation are typically called upon to evaluate and render an opinion about whether or not a person can be entrusted to resume driving. And, because driving is an individual privilege to be balanced against the public's right to safety and protection from the dangers of a driver whose ...

Impairment and disability evaluations have become a growth industry in the United States. Impairment evaluation is sometimes termed independent medical evaluation, or IME. So-called independent medical experts are hired guns to provide opposite opinions, similar to attorneys in this case. IME is the practice of medicine on one hand. On ...

The current climate of falling reimbursements has prompted evaluation of reusing single use (disposable) endoscopic accessories. A number of different accessories have undergone study of both function and sterility after reuse. These studies, albeit limited in number, do show that selected equipment can be sterilized without impairment of function. Nonetheless, ...

HYPOTHESIS: This study was conducted to evaluate the electrode to modiolus proximity of two commonly used electrodes (Nucleus and Clarion) and a new prototype electrode. BACKGROUND: Theoretical advantages of modiolus-hugging cochlear implant electrodes include reduced stimulus energy requirements, more efficient power management and longer battery life, more discreet ganglion cell ...

We examined the relationship of labor pain relief medications with neonatal suckling and breastfeeding duration in 129 mothers delivering vaginally. Suckling was measured using the Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (IBFAT). Controlling for infant age, birthweight, and gender, infants of unmedicated mothers had higher IBFAT suckling scores than those of medicated ...

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the appropriateness of recommendations for hysterectomies done for nonemergency and non-oncologic indications. METHODS: We assessed the appropriateness of recommendations for hysterectomy for 497 women who had the operation between August 1993 and July 1995 in one of nine capitated medical groups in Southern California. Appropriateness was assessed ...

The Supreme Court interpreted the application of the ADA to be based on an individualized evaluation of a person's circumstances. A full, objective vocational evaluation continues to be a valuable tool for the employee, insurance company, employer, attorney, and judicial system. Case managers must continually evaluate an individual's potential in ...

BACKGROUND: The proliferation of electronic information delivery systems has led to increasing use of e-mail as a rapid method of gathering information. Little research has been conducted on the use of e-mail for collecting curriculum evaluations. PURPOSE: To compare e-mailed and mailed educational evaluations for 4th-year medical students. METHODS: Curriculum ...

Erectile dysfunction, the persistent inability to attain or maintain penile erection sufficient for sexual intercourse, affects millions of men to various degrees. The majority of cases have an organic etiology, most commonly vascular disease that decreases blood flow into the penis. Regardless of the primary cause, erectile dysfunction can have ...

Preclinical evaluation of medical devices (prototype products) offers the opportunity to investigate and study the intended use of device materials. Preclinical evaluation programs are designed to determine the efficacy, safety, and biocompatibility of biomaterials, prostheses, and medical devices. The purpose of safety testing is to determine if a material presents ...

A biomonitoring study was performed to evaluate the human impact on two small coves adjacent to the Italian Scientific Station at Terra Nova Bay in November 1995. The study used the fish species Trematomus bernacchii as a bioindicator organism for a biomarker analysis based on porphyrin levels, and BPMO (Benzo(a)pyrene ...

In the current era of accountability in medicine, information regarding outcomes of care can play a pivotal role in medical decision making for physicians, other healthcare providers, patients, and administrators. Although the field of outcomes assessment has not fully matured, a number of tools and methods can be reliably used ...

Intracranial mucoceles have been previously reported as direct extradural extensions of mucoceles of the paranasal sinuses. We describe a patient with 2 silent mucoceles isolated within the parenchyma of the frontal lobe of the brain. The patient had undergone multiple previous intranasal polypectomy and ethmoidectomy procedures, and the unsuspected mucoceles ...

The study population consisted of cats presented to the University of Missouri-Columbia Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital from January 1, 1991 through December 31, 1995. Ventrodorsal radiographs including the pelvic region were evaluated for radiographic evidence of hip dysplasia. Each radiograph was evaluated independently by three board-certified veterinary radiologists and a ...

Under suitable technical and clinical conditions, remote interactive fiber-optic NPL can be used to evaluate a range of commonly occurring pathologies with a high degree of reliability. A clinical protocol appropriate for interactive and store-and-forward fiber-optic NPL was proposed for further evaluation. Additional applications of telemedicine in otolaryngology were outlined, ...

Skillful performance in relay running requires that the athlete who is to take possession of the baton meets the baton carrier before reaching the end of the transmission zone while running at the highest speed possible. In the present study we examined the effects of variations in approach speed on ...

The authors evaluated a flexible vaginal localizer contrast tampon for radiation therapy simulation. In 51 patients, the degree of cervical or vaginal cuff displacement secondary to the contrast tampon was evaluated by comparing simulation radiographs (with tampon) and initial portal radiographs (without tampon). The same comparisons were made on the ...

BACKGROUND: OSHA regulations require that workers receive medical clearance prior to respirator use, and recently, a detailed questionnaire has been provided to assist with this purpose. However, there are limited published data on the sensitivity and specificity of self-administered questionnaires for identifying individuals who may safely wear a respirator. METHODS: ...

An appropriate evaluation is the first step in developing a treatment plan for the overweight individual. The medical history should evaluate aetiological factors that may have played a role in the development of obesity. The physical examination and laboratory tests should extend this evaluation to risk factors associated with obesity. ...

PURPOSE: The 1996 Agency for Health Care Policy and Research Clinical Practice Guidelines for Urinary Incontinence suggested that surgery may be performed after basic evaluation without further testing in cases of uncomplicated nonrecurrent type II stress urinary incontinence. However, they failed to recommend explicit office based criteria to identify this ...

Metastatic meningococcal endophthalmitis, although rare, is a rapidly progressive and sight-threatening infection. We present a 10-month-old infant with meningococcal meningitis who developed unilateral metastatic endophthalmitis. If patients develop a sepsis-like picture with cloudy cornea and purulent conjunctivitis, we have to consider the possibility of endophthalmitis and full ophthalmological evaluations are ...

Soft-tissue masses present a challenge to the practicing physician. Most are of little or no concern and do not need medical attention, but the consequences of missing a sarcoma are significant. It is important to give careful consideration to each soft-tissue mass seen and decide which need further evaluation and ...

A natural language parser that could extract noun phrases for all medical texts would be of great utility in analyzing content for information retrieval. We discuss the extraction of noun phrases from MEDLINE, using a general parser not tuned specifically for any medical domain. The noun phrase extractor is made ...

In this experimental study, it was our aim to reduce the effects of ischemic insults to the contralateral testicle after unilateral testicular torsion. The protective effect of a calcium channel blocking agent (verapamil) on the histology and the tubular diameter of contralateral testicle was evaluated. Following a definite period of ...

This review describes the authors' experience with 2,000 cases of benzene poisoning reported between 1983 and 1995 in Cubatão, an industrial section of São Paulo, Brazil, investigated through the integration of epidemiology and clinical research. Conflicting economic interests were reflected in disputes about medical criteria for evaluation of poisoned workers, ...

BACKGROUND: Successful venom immunotherapy (VIT) in Hymenoptera allergy is usually associated with a strong increase in venom-specific serum IgG antibodies (sIgG). METHODS: We evaluated a new commercial test for the assay of sIgG (Pharmacia CAP Systemtrade mark IgG RAST(R) FEIA; FEIA), in comparison with a conventional ELISA technique. Sera from ...

The purpose of the medical genetic evaluation is to identify the etiology of the hearing loss. To do so requires a multidisciplinary team that includes the otolaryngologist, audiologist, medical geneticist, and radiologist. A number of tests and procedures are now available to assist in the search for the cause of ...

Since the Persian Gulf War ended in 1991, many veterans have sought medical evaluation in the Department of Veterans Affairs Persian Gulf Veterans' Health Registry (VA registry) or the Department of Defense's Comprehensive Clinical Evaluation Program (DoD registry). Using combined data collected from 1993 to 1997 from the VA and ...

Transvaginal ovum pick-up (OPU) offers several advantages over standard embryo transfer procedures. For a systematic comparison of the ultrasound-guided (U-OPU) and the laparoscopic OPU (L-OPU) method, groups of Simmental heifers were subjected to 1 of the 2 OPU-methods for 8 wk (15 sessions) followed by a treatment-free interval of 11 ...

Inferior turbinectomy has generated a great deal of controversy among rhinologic surgeons. Proponents of partial and total inferior turbinectomy cite numerous studies of large numbers of patients with subjective relief of nasal obstruction after turbinectomy. Clinical studies critical of turbinectomy have focused on complications such as hemorrhage, crusting, adhesions, and ...

The purpose of this investigation was the evaluation of Bioadhesive Ophthalmic Drug Inserts (BODI) for prolonged release of gentamicin sulfate (GS) in tears. The BODIs (length 5.0 mm, diameter 2.0 mm, weight 20.5 mg, average GS content 5.0 mg) were prepared by extrusion of a mixture based on hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), ...

This paper provides a preliminary evaluation of a general Dutch medical language processor (DMLP). Four examples of different potential applications (based on different linguistic modules) are presented, each with its own evaluation method. Finally, a critical review of the used evaluation methods is offered according to the state of the ...

A significant need exists for quality independent medical evaluations (IMEs). The examiner must understand disability issues to specifically answer the questions of the client who requested the IME. The authors discuss these issues and outline step-by-step the performance of a thorough evaluation and the compilation of a complete report.

We are proposing to delete "Obesity," from the listing to adjudicate claims for disability under titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act (the Act) when we evaluate claims of individuals at step 3 of our sequential evaluation process. Current medical and vocational research demonstrates that, while many individuals ...

The aim of the study was to estimate the influence of hemispherectomy and hemicerebellectomy on acquisition and retention of vestibular habituation in pigeons. The habituation training was performed using a rotatory test. The frequency of head nystagmus and postural reflexes was examined before and after acquisition of habituation and some ...

An ultrasonic non-destructive evaluation process is established to observe cracks and delaminations that occur below the surface of retrieved ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene joints. The result from the ultrasonic evaluation is compared with destructive (optical) test results of the actual cracks. Feasibility of characterizing different grades of bulk polyethylene is ...

Erosion of an automatic internal cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD) patch into the lingular bronchus occurred 4 years after implantation; the erosion presented as a cavitary mass associated with hemoptysis and weight loss. On bronchoscopy to evaluate for suspected carcinoma, a cavity was entered through a bronchial defect and the AICD patch clearly ...