On the Generalizability of Experimental Results

The age-old question of the generalizability of the results of experiments that are conducted in artificial laboratory settings to more realistic inferential and decision making situations is considered in this paper. Conservatism in probability revision provides an example of a result that 1) has received wide attention, including attention in terms of implications for real-world decision making, on the basis of experiments conducted in artificial settings and 2) is now apparently thought by many to be highly situational and not at all a ubiquitous phenomenon, in which case its implications for real-world decision making are not as extensive as originally claimed. In this paper we consider the questions of generalizations from the laboratory to the real world in some detail, both within the context of the experiments regarding conservatism and within a more general context. In addition, we discuss some of the difficulties inherent in experimentation in realistic settings, suggest possible procedures for avoiding or at least alleviating such difficulties, and make a plea for more realistic experiments

Nontropical sprue with secondary hyperparathyroidism

We have presented the case history of a patient with lifelong, classic nontropical sprue which was previously undiagnosed. She developed secondary hyperparathyroidism with extreme osteitis fibrosa cystica. As do some patients with malabsorption, she presented with musculoskeletal rather than gastrointestinal complaints.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/44358/1/10620_2005_Article_BF02235078.pd

Physiologic significance of chronic coronary aneurysms in patients with Kawasaki disease

AbstractObjectives. The aim of this study was to determine whether persistent coronary aneurysms in patients with Kawasaki disease are associated with altered myocardial perfusion and function.Background. Some patients with Kawasaki disease have died suddenly because of severe coronary artery stenosis; others have chronic coronary aneurysms.Methods. Eleven patients with chronic coronary aneurysms were enrolled in the study. The size of the aneurysms and the degree of associated stenosis were determined by angiography in nine patients and by echocardiography in two. All patients underwent simultaneous function and myocardial perfusion assessment during symptom-limited exercise by echocardiography and technetium-99m sestamibi imaging, respectively.Results. Of 33 vascular territories, 18 contained coronary aneurysms measuring 3.5 to 10 mm. Three aneurysms were associated with significant stenosis as detected by angiography. Of the 18 vascular territories, 13 were normal, and 5 manifested stress-induced perfusion defects; of the latter 5 areas, 4 had associated wall motion abnormalities. The three territories supplied by stenotic coronary arteries had both abnormal regional function and perfusion demonstrated during exercise.Conclusions. Patients with chronic coronary aneurysms may have associated stenosis, as detected by angiography, with a subjacent myocardium that is subject to abnormal perfusion and function. However, the majority of coronary aneurysms are associated with normal regional coronary flow reserve, as assessed by myocardial perfusion imaging, and even giant coronary aneurysms may be associated with normal coronary flow reserve and preserved regional myocardial function during stress