A computational framework for complex disease stratification from multiple large-scale datasets.

Background Multilevel data integration is becoming a major area of research in systems biology. Within this area, multi-‘omics datasets on complex diseases are becoming more readily available and there is a need to set standards and good practices for integrated analysis of biological, clinical and environmental data. We present a framework to plan and generate single and multi-‘omics signatures of disease states. Methods The framework is divided into four major steps: dataset subsetting, feature filtering, ‘omics-based clustering and biomarker identification. Results We illustrate the usefulness of this framework by identifying potential patient clusters based on integrated multi-‘omics signatures in a publicly available ovarian cystadenocarcinoma dataset. The analysis generated a higher number of stable and clinically relevant clusters than previously reported, and enabled the generation of predictive models of patient outcomes. Conclusions This framework will help health researchers plan and perform multi-‘omics big data analyses to generate hypotheses and make sense of their rich, diverse and ever growing datasets, to enable implementation of translational P4 medicine.<br/

The role of tracheal tube introducers and stylets in current airway management.

Tracheal tube introducers and stylets are highly successful devices for the management of various airway scenarios. Their first-line use is advocated in many difficult airway algorithms. Although they have been used for decades, the shape and design of introducers and stylets as well as their patterns of use are constantly evolving. Our purpose is to provide the clinician with an update on these different devices. We performed a systematic literature search from 2005 until May 2015, without language restrictions. The two authors independently retrieved all studies with the keywords "bougie", "gum elastic bougie", "stylet", "airway management", "tracheal tube introducer" and "extubation catheter". Our search did yield mostly observational and retrospective studies with small case numbers. The data was synthesized into a narrative review to provide the clinician with an update on the characteristics, indications and techniques of use as well as the dangers of different intubation aids. Today, numerous tracheal tube introducers and stylets exist with different indications, ranging from general to specific situations. Anesthetists should be familiar with the different devices, their characteristics and indications in order to use the right device at the right time in the right way