Database

Database Basic

• Relational databases (e.g. MySQL) are probably the most common. Essentially they store data in a set of 2D tables (relations) that follow certain rules of normalization and can be linked to each other via relational algebra (mostly set theory type functions).
• To address problems encountered when trying to interface a RDBMS with an object-oriented programming language, alternative non-relational database structures (e.g. XML, NoSQL, Hierarchical, Network) are available and may have advantages in certain situations.
• Tables (Relations/Relvars) are made up of Rows (Tuples/Records) and Columns (Attributes/Fields) where the intersection at a certain cell is called a value.
• Attributes contain values of the same data type (domain), e.g. integer, string, boolean.
• Each Tuple should have a primary key (normally an arbitrary integer) that identifies a unique tuple. Natural keys (those based on attributes) are possible as well but less optimized.
• Databases can be indexed to streamline queries.

Working Prototype

Disease	Risk Factors	Associated Conditions	Complications	Symptoms	Vitals	Signs	Labs	Imaging	Studies
Primary Key	LIST of epidemiologic risk factors (age, sex, race, family history)	problem LIST at time of presentation	LIST of possible complications (screening and anticipatory guidance)	LIST of symptoms (keep it broad: chest pain rather than substernal acute pressure-like chest pain with radiation)	LIST of vital abnormalities	LIST of pertinent positive/negative physical exam findings	LIST relevant lab abnormalities	LIST of useful imaging findings	LIST relevant echo/ECG/PFT/sleep/etc studies

Base Table

Header text	Header text
Disease (PK)	text
Risk factors	text
Associated Conditions	text
Complications	text
Symptoms	text
Vitals	text
Signs	text
Labs	text
Imaging	text
Studies	text