scholarly journals Enhancing the drug ontology with semantically-rich representations of National Drug Codes and RxNorm unique concept identifiers

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (S21) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan P. Bona ◽  
Mathias Brochhausen ◽  
William R. Hogan
Keyword(s):  
Physiological Effect ◽  
Prescription Data ◽  
National Library ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Drug Products ◽  
National Drug ◽  
Biological Interest ◽  
Separate File ◽  
Historic Data ◽  
Changes Over Time

Abstract Background The Drug Ontology (DrOn) is a modular, extensible ontology of drug products, their ingredients, and their biological activity created to enable comparative effectiveness and health services researchers to query National Drug Codes (NDCs) that represent products by ingredient, by molecular disposition, by therapeutic disposition, and by physiological effect (e.g., diuretic). It is based on the RxNorm drug terminology maintained by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, and on the Chemical Entities of Biological Interest ontology. Both national drug codes (NDCs) and RxNorm unique concept identifiers (RXCUIS) can undergo changes over time that can obfuscate their meaning when these identifiers occur in historic data. We present a new approach to modeling these entities within DrOn that will allow users of DrOn working with historic prescription data to more easily and correctly interpret that data. Results We have implemented a full accounting of national drug codes and RxNorm unique concept identifiers as information content entities, and of the processes involved in managing their creation and changes. This includes an OWL file that implements and defines the classes necessary to model these entities. A separate file contains an instance-level prototype in OWL that demonstrates the feasibility of this approach to representing NDCs and RXCUIs and the processes of managing them by retrieving and representing several individual NDCs, both active and inactive, and the RXCUIs to which they are connected. We also demonstrate how historic information about these identifiers in DrOn can be easily retrieved using a simple SPARQL query. Conclusions An accurate model of how these identifiers operate in reality is a valuable addition to DrOn that enhances its usefulness as a knowledge management resource for working with historic data.

Combining Digital Signature with Local Binary Pattern-Least Significant Bit Steganography Techniques for Securing Medical Images

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1288-1293
Author(s):  
K. N. Madhusudhan ◽  
P. Sakthivel
Keyword(s):  
Digital Signature ◽  
Local Binary Pattern ◽  
Medical Images ◽  
Image Authentication ◽  
Reversible Watermarking ◽  
Cover Image ◽  
Least Significant Bit ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Separate File

The image authentication is generally based on two different types of techniques: watermarking and digital signature. In watermarking methods, embedded watermarking is often imperceptible and it contains either a specific ID of producer or codes related to content that are used for authentication. Normally a separate file is stored, digital signature is a non-repudiation and encrypted version of the information extracted from the data. A digital signature can be attached to the data to prove the originality and integrity. The proposed work presents a new approach to steganography of medical images that uses modified Least Significant Bit (LSB) based on the Local Binary Pattern (LBP) pattern. As a first step, cover image has been divided as blocks of 3×3 non overlapping masks. Then, the pixel embedding position (clock wise or anti-clock wise) has to be identified using LBP operator. The value of the LBP operator determines how and where to embed secret image pixel. Later, using LSB method, pixel values will be embedded in the cover image pixel. In order to provide the integrity of the data, the proposed work also presents Reversible Watermarking (RW), a Digital Signature (DS) technique. The proposed algorithm of steganography experimented on few medical images and achieved better efficiency with respect to MSE and PSNR values and same is reported in this paper.

Determinants of national drug products acceptance across patients, pharmacists, and manufacturers: A mixed method study

2020 ◽  
pp. 174113432092662
Author(s):  
Kawther Khalid Ahmed ◽  
Ali Azeez Al-Jumaili ◽  
Shihab Hattab Mutlak ◽  
Mohammed Kamel Hadi
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Method ◽  
Drug Product ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Product Price ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Drug Products ◽  
National Drug

Introduction The national pharmaceutical industry is pivotal for both the health sector and the national economy. This study aims to identify determinants of national drug products acceptance. The objectives of this study were to quantitatively measure the level of patient and community pharmacist acceptance of national drug products available in community pharmacies and to qualitatively explore the barriers facing national pharmaceutical companies and investigate the suggested solutions. Methods This cross-sectional study used an explanatory mixed method design. It was conducted in Baghdad, Iraq from July through October 2018. The study included two surveys (one for pharmacy customers and another for pharmacists) and thereafter semi-structured interviews of national pharmaceutical company owners/managers. The interview guide was developed based on preliminary quantitative results. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview findings. Results We received 123 patient surveys and 125 usable pharmacist surveys. We conducted seven interviews and stopped when we reached saturation. Integrated qualitative and quantitative findings showed that the main determinants of national drug product acceptance are product characteristics (namely price, packaging, brand, and availability), healthcare providers effect on product promotion and perceived effectiveness, and regulations enforced by authorities mainly the Ministry of Health. Conclusions Product price was the number one modulating factor in patient decision-making when purchasing a drug product. It appears that physicians and pharmacists are playing negative or at least neutral role in promoting national drug products and sustaining patients trust in national drug products. Current policies appeared to slow national drug industry growth and limit manufacturers’ ability to expand their share in the market. Manufacturer marketing efforts can help in gaining physicians and pharmacists support of the national drug product. Reforms to current drug policy and regulations were proposed by manufacturers.

scholarly journals Evaluating the implementation of RxNorm in ambulatory electronic prescriptions

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (e1) ◽  
pp. e99-e107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajit A Dhavle ◽  
Stacy Ward-Charlerie ◽  
Michael T Rupp ◽  
John Kilbourne ◽  
Vishal P Amin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ambulatory Care ◽  
Electronic Prescribing ◽  
Free Text ◽  
National Library ◽  
Unique Identifier ◽  
Software Applications ◽  
National Drug ◽  
Electronic Prescriptions ◽  
Term Type ◽  
Pharmacy Chain

Abstract Objective RxNorm is a standardized drug nomenclature maintained by the National Library of Medicine that has been recommended as an alternative to the National Drug Code (NDC) terminology for use in electronic prescribing. The objective of this study was to evaluate the implementation of RxNorm in ambulatory care electronic prescriptions (e-prescriptions). Methods We analyzed a random sample of 49 997 e-prescriptions that were received by 7391 locations of a national retail pharmacy chain during a single day in April 2014. The e-prescriptions in the sample were generated by 37 801 ambulatory care prescribers using 519 different e-prescribing software applications. Results We found that 97.9% of e-prescriptions in the study sample could be accurately represented by an RxNorm identifier. However, RxNorm identifiers were actually used as drug identifiers in only 16 433 (33.0%) e-prescriptions. Another 431 (2.5%) e-prescriptions that used RxNorm identifiers had a discrepancy in the corresponding Drug Database Code qualifier field or did not have a qualifier (Term Type) at all. In 10 e-prescriptions (0.06%), the free-text drug description and the RxNorm concept unique identifier pointed to completely different drug concepts, and in 7 e-prescriptions (0.04%), the NDC and RxNorm drug identifiers pointed to completely different drug concepts. Discussion The National Library of Medicine continues to enhance the RxNorm terminology and expand its scope. This study illustrates the need for technology vendors to improve their implementation of RxNorm; doing so will accelerate the adoption of RxNorm as the preferred alternative to using the NDC terminology in e-prescribing.

scholarly journals BABY-LED WEANING, AN OVERVIEW OF THE NEW APPROACH TO FOOD INTRODUCTION: INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melisa Sofia Gomez ◽  
Ana Paula Toneto Novaes ◽  
Janaina Paulino da Silva ◽  
Luciane Miranda Guerra ◽  
Rosana de Fátima Possobon
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Caribbean Literature ◽  
National Library ◽  
Letters To The Editor ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Randomized Controlled Studies ◽  
Data Source ◽  
The Subject

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the scientific literature on Baby-Led Weaning with an integrative literature review to identify risks and benefits. Data source: The databases used were: National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE), Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS – Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde), US National Library of Medicine (PubMed), and Virtual Health Library (BVS – Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde) in December 2017. The inclusion criteria established were publications in English with the descriptor “baby-led weaning” in the heading, abstract, or keywords, classified as original articles, of primary nature, and available online and in full. We excluded review articles, editorials, letters to the editor, critical commentaries, and books on the subject, as well as articles not available in full and duplicates. Data summary: We identified 106 articles, of which 17 met the selection criteria. The Baby-Led Weaning method was significantly associated with the baby’s satiety, the start of complementary feeding, and adequacy of weight gain. On the other hand, choking and the intake of micronutrients were negatively associated, however with no statistical differences. Conclusions: Despite the benefits found, the risks still deserve attention and should be investigated with longitudinal randomized controlled studies to ensure the safety of the method when practiced exclusively.

scholarly journals Changes over time in prevalence rates of past-year cannabis use by men and women with a psychotic disorder.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Waterreus ◽  
Patsy Di Prinzio ◽  
Johanna C. Badcock ◽  
Mathew T. Martin-Iverson ◽  
Vera A. Morgan
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Psychotic Disorder ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Population Data ◽  
Cannabis Use ◽  
Psychotic Illness ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
National Drug ◽  
Changes Over Time ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Background: General population data show cannabis use by younger people is declining but increasing in older adults. Overall, the gap between men and women appears to be narrowing. Little has been documented about sex and age differences in patterns of cannabis use over time by people with a psychotic disorder. We examined rates of past-year cannabis use by sex and age to determine whether use by this population has changed over time. Methods: Data on cannabis use from Australian National Psychosis Surveys (1997, 2010) were analysed by sex and age and compared to National Drug Strategy Household Surveys (1998, 2010). Results: Prevalence of past-year cannabis use by people with psychotic illness dropped significantly from 38.2% to 33.7%. Both sexes showed a decline in use. The steeper decline in use by men aged 18-29 years (70.2% to 47.8%) contributed to a narrowing of the sex gap. Conversely, use by men aged 55-64 increased from 4.8% to 18.8%. General population data showed a similar pattern of change across sex and age groups. Conclusions: Despite declining rates of past-year cannabis use in people with a psychotic illness, rates remain more than double that of the general population. Traditionally, men were more likely to use cannabis than women, but convergence in rates in younger people shows this is changing. Furthermore, cannabis use is not restricted to young people. Increasing use of cannabis by older men will place additional demands on drug and alcohol services.

Re-Engineering as a Change Agent at the National Library of Canada

1995 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liz McKeen ◽  
Ingrid Parent
Keyword(s):  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Essential Elements ◽  
National Library ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Document Delivery ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Management Commitment ◽  
Working Groups ◽  
Set Up

Business process re-engineering (or re-engineering) involves a rethinking of the processes, operations and structure of an organization in order to achieve dramatic improvements in its outputs. Over the past four years the National Library of Canada has been engaged in an in-depth review of several of its activities using re-engineering. Three projects have been undertaken, involving the Serials Record Section, the document delivery of items in the library's collections, and bibliographic access (including cataloguing and related activities). The last was carried out over the summer of 1993, and as a result four working groups were set up, each dealing with the following prime recommendations: strengthening the focus on users; simplifying cataloguing priorities and reducing cataloguing levels; reorganizing the cataloguing operation to reflect an integrated approach: and streamlining the current partially contracted out CIP programme. A reorganized bibliographic access function took effect on March 1, 1995, incorporating a new approach to management and demonstrating greater involvement in decision making by staff at all levels. Essential elements for successful re-engineering include senior management commitment, selection of knowledgeable and representative team members, the use of technology as a means not an end, and regular communication channels.

scholarly journals Performance evaluation of a prescription medication image classification model: an observational cohort

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Corey A. Lester ◽  
Jiazhao Li ◽  
Yuting Ding ◽  
Brigid Rowell ◽  
Jessie ‘Xi’ Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prescription Medication ◽  
The United States ◽  
Machine Intelligence ◽  
Classification Model ◽  
Drug Products ◽  
National Drug ◽  
Physical Form ◽  
United States Food ◽  
Observational Cohort ◽  
States Food

AbstractTechnology assistance of pharmacist verification tasks through the use of machine intelligence has the potential to detect dangerous and costly pharmacy dispensing errors. National Drug Codes (NDC) are unique numeric identifiers of prescription drug products for the United States Food and Drug Administration. The physical form of the medication, often tablets and capsules, captures the unique features of the NDC product to help ensure patients receive the same medication product inside their prescription bottle as is found on the label from a pharmacy. We report and evaluate using an automated check to predict the shape, color, and NDC for images showing a pile of pills inside a prescription bottle. In a test set containing 65,274 images of 345 NDC classes, overall macro-average precision was 98.5%. Patterns of incorrect NDC predictions based on similar colors, shapes, and imprints of pills were identified and recommendations to improve the model are provided.

scholarly journals Selection and Biodiversity change

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Godsoe ◽  
Katherine E. Eisen ◽  
Daniel Stanton ◽  
Katherine M Sirianni
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Models ◽  
Price Equation ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Species Identity ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Biodiversity Change ◽  
Species Rarity ◽  
Changes Over Time ◽  
Ecological Drift

AbstractThere is a great need to understand how and why biodiversity, which we define as the variety of organisms found in a given place, changes over time. Current estimates suggest strikingly slow change in traditional measures of biodiversity. These estimates seem to contradict rapid shifts in the abundance of individual species and have led to a rethinking of the mechanisms shaping biodiversity. Conceptual models emphasize the role of competition among species or, more recently, selection on species identity (i.e. selection that favors some species at the expense of others). However, it is difficult to quantify how these mechanisms contribute to biodiversity change. To illustrate this point we present cases where strong competition or selection on species identity leads to no biodiversity change. In view of this disconnect we develop a new approach to studying biodiversity change using the Price equation. We show that biodiversity change responds to selection on species’ rarity, rather than to either competition or selection on species identity. We then show how this insight can be used to quantify the effects of the mechanisms previously thought to influence biodiversity: 1) selection, 2) (ecological) drift, 3) immigration and 4) speciation. Our results suggest the connection between species’ fates and their rarity is fundamental to understanding biodiversity change.

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