(Homeworks) Questions to remember

Question 1

Heterogeneity

Pick one source of heterogeneity in biomedical data and state one approach to mitigate its impact.

HW1

Answer 1

Images:
- Computed tomography (CT).
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Ultrasound.
- X-rays.

These images are obtained in different formats and resolutions, making it challenging to standardize and integrate them into EHR systems.
DICOM is a widely used standard for medical imaging data, facilitating data transfer, sharing and interoperability.

Question 2

Precision medicine barriers

Identify 2 data-related barriers to the implementation of precise medicine.

HW2

Answer 2

• Data protection that limit data sharing.
• Only non-structured data available for some disease states.

Question 3

Modifiers in CLAMP

Discuss the importance of the modifiers (i.e., the temporal expressions or the body parts) for the correct interpretation of the information extraction results in CLAMP.

HW3

Answer 3

Modifiers give you the context of the problem.

For example, if CLAMP would only recognize the word “pain” without an associated body location, it would not be really helpful as pain in your e.g. teeth or stomach, which are treated very differently.

Question 4

Invasive and non-invasive monitoring

Give 2 examples of variables that can be monitored both invasively and non-invasively in the operating room. Explain why we would use one over the other.

HW4

Answer 4

Invasive monitoring: more reliable but more complicated, need expertise and equipments.
Non-invasive monitoring: easier, less expensive.

2 variables: blood pressure, intracranial pressure.

The choice depends on the clinical condition and the need for a more reliable diagnosis.

Question 5

Give 2 reasons to why exposing genomic data of patients with rare diseases has more risks comparatively to a genomic database of regular patients.
Also, give 2 strategies for preventing patient stigmatization and building trust in a genomics database for rare disease cases.

HW4

Answer 5

Reasons
- Potential identification: small sample size, more probable to identify.
- Stigmatization: marginalization of the patients that could impact the mental health and well-being of the patient.

Strategies
- Improve security.
- Consent communication.