Publications by authors named "G D PAPPAS"

To accurately examine and compare Digitally Captured Signature data, the provided data channels (X, Y, F and T) need to be expressed in comparable units. The Force channel data is routinely expressed in unnormalized Pressure Levels hindering the accurate comparison between data collected from different devices. The normalization method using the Zeta Function is used to calibrate and calculate the Zeta Functions of the Wacom DTU1141b.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • - A young male with HIV and poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy developed cryptococcal meningitis, emphasizing the need for awareness of such conditions in immunocompromised patients.
  • - Imaging studies, specifically CT and MRI, revealed key features like basal ganglia enhancement and leptomeningeal involvement, important for diagnosing cryptococcal infections.
  • - The report highlights the importance of using advanced imaging and cerebrospinal fluid analysis for quick treatment initiation, showing the need for a comprehensive approach to managing cryptococcal meningitis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objectives: This manuscript presents a comprehensive framework for the assessment of the value of real-world evidence (RWE) in healthcare decision-making. While RWE has been proposed to overcome some limitations of traditional, one-off studies, no systematic framework exists to measure if RWE actually lowers the burden. This framework aims to fill that gap by providing conceptual approaches for evaluating the time and cost efficiencies of RWE, thus guiding strategic investments in RWE infrastructure.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Anterior knee pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint that is often due to an excessively tight lateral retinaculum, which normally plays a role in patellar tracking and stabilization. Several etiologies underlie lateral soft-tissue tightness in the knee, including lateral patellar compression syndrome, patellofemoral arthritis, patellofemoral instability, and patellofemoral pain syndrome. Stretching the lateral retinaculum through conservative treatment may be helpful, but lateral retinacular lengthening may be indicated.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Smooth muscle antibodies (SMA) with anti-microfilament actin (MF-SMA) specificity are regarded as highly specific markers of type 1 autoimmune hepatitis (AIH-1) but their recognition relying on immunofluorescence of vessel, glomeruli, and tubules (SMA-VGT pattern) in rodent kidney tissue, is restricted by operator-dependent interpretation. A gold standard method for their identification is not available. We assessed and compared the diagnostic accuracy for AIH-1 of an embryonal aorta vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cell line-based assay with those of the rodent tissue-based assay for the detection of MF-SMA pattern in AIH-1 patients and controls.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF