SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Software”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,063 records · Page 59Linked to original sources

PubMed2005

Fishing for biomarkers: analyzing mass spectrometry data with the new ClinProTools software.

Recently, applications of mass spectrometry in the field of clinical proteomics have gained tremendous visibility in the scientific and clinical community. One major objective is the search for potential biomarkers in complex body fluids like serum, plasma, urine, saliva, or cerebral spinal fluid. For this purpose, efficient visualization of large data sets derived from patient cohorts is crucial to provide clinical experts an interactive impression of the data quality. Additionally, it is necessary to apply statistical analysis and pattern matching algorithms to attain validated signal patterns that may allow for later applications in sample classification. We introduce the new ClinProTools bioinformatics software, which performs all major steps of profiling, screening, and monitoring applications in clinical proteomics. ClinProTools is the data interpretation software of the mass spectrometry-based ClinProt solutions for biomarker analysis. ClinProTools performs data pretreatment, visualization, statistics, pattern determination, pattern evaluation, and classification of spectra. This article will focus on ClinProTool's powerful and intuitive visualization options for clinical proteomics applications.

Algorithms↗

PubMed1998

Adaptation of standard spreadsheet software for the analysis of DNA sequences.

This paper presents use of spreadsheet software to derive various statistics on nucleotide and codon distribution and frequency from gene sequence data, including chi 2 test and their derivatives, and proportion of nucleotides in the third position. The basic principles can be easily extended to other more complex functions. In addition, it can be used to translate a nucleic acid sequence into a protein sequence or to produce a codon usage table. This adaptation permits sequence analysis without expensive dedicated software and easy modification of the analysis according to the user's requirements. It is also ideal for introducing biological science students to the programming potential of spreadsheets.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1993

Computers in pharmacokinetics. Choosing software for clinical decision making.

Over the past 20 years, pharmacokinetic programs have been developed for clinical decision making. These clinical pharmacokinetic software programs are designed to assist the clinician in the analysis, interpretation and reporting of serum drug concentration data for a variety of medications. The programs vary in the extent of features and range of medications supported and thus warrant careful review before selecting or purchasing such a program for routine use. A series of programs which are commercially available in the United States was reviewed for this article. The focus of the review is not to recommend a single program or to provide a ranked list of commercially available programs. Information is presented to clinicians to better their understanding of the features of these computer-based clinical resources. As an introduction to this topic, the information presented concentrates on the system and support features. Those programs that were reviewed demonstrate the ability to assist in the analysis of serum or plasma drug concentration data for most of the medications that warrant therapeutic drug monitoring. They provide both Bayesian and non-Bayesian methods for predicting serum drug concentrations. Standard personal computers were sufficient to run each of the programs reviewed. In addition, most programs offered technical and clinical support. However, the quality of the user manuals and training material varies among software programs. In-depth analytical comparisons are currently being conducted for future publication.

Computers↗

PubMed2005

ROCPLOT: a generic software tool for ROC analysis and the validation of predictive methods.

UNLABELLED: Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis is a powerful and widely used technique for assessing predictive methods, yet there are no generic, open-source software tools for this that are freely available. Our ROCPLOT program performs ROC analysis on one or more files of search results (hits) and generates the following: (i) ROC values, giving a convenient numerical measure of method sensitivity and specificity; (ii) ROC plots graphically displaying sensitivity and specificity; (iii) classification plots to aid interpretation of the ROC plots and values; and (iv) a bar chart of the distribution of ROC values. ROCPLOT is generic and flexible: data in multiple hits files can be processed in series or parallel, allowing the results of multiple predictions to be viewed side-by-side or combined. AVAILABILITY: ROCPLOT is freely available for download as part of the European Molecular Biology Open Software Suite, EMBOSS (http://emboss.sourceforge.net/apps/rocplot.html).

Computer Graphics↗

PubMed1993

Data interface between a radiology information system and a computed radiography system using a personal computer and standard software.

We describe the implementation of a simple data interface between a radiology information system and a computed radiography system that uses personal computers and standard software. The radiology information system was developed in house and runs in a local area network of personal computers. The computed radiography system is connected to a picture archiving and communication system. We have implemented a software data interface on a microcomputer, allowing automated transfer of patient data from the radiology information system program to the computed radiography scheduling program. The interface adds essential information used by the picture archiving and communication system to handle work lists, routing, and archiving algorithms. We have improved the user interface, shortened the scheduling time, enabled coherence of data bases, and eased the use of computed radiography and examination routing in the picture archiving and communication system. We have been using this interface for more than 1 year without difficulties. This custom solution addresses the problem of interconnecting existing equipment, avoiding proprietary restrictions or the lack of effective standards. This approach can be applied to any radiology environment that uses personal computers.

Humans↗

PubMed1999

Teleradiology using low-cost consumer-oriented computer hardware and software.

OBJECTIVE: Our study was a practice audit to evaluate the feasibility of using low-cost, consumer-oriented computer hardware and software to perform after-hours teleradiology consisting predominantly of CT images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a prospective study of 137 consecutive emergent CT scans of the head obtained after business hours. The scans were digitized using a consumer-oriented, low-cost flatbed scanner and sent to on-call radiologists for interpretation. Preliminary reports were then telephoned to the referring physician. Another radiologist who was unaware of the preliminary report evaluated the hard-copy images. RESULTS: Combining cases with minor discrepancies and those of complete agreement, we found a 96% concordance. Five major discrepancies (4%) were found. No adverse outcomes resulted. Discrepancies were caused by interobserver variation rather than by the quality of the digitized images. CONCLUSION: Our results support the use of consumer-oriented, low-cost computer hardware and software for emergent teleradiology in which most of the transmitted studies consist of CT images of the head.

Brain↗

PubMed1999

Radiographic anatomy: multimedia interactive instructional software on CD-ROM.

OBJECTIVE: We wanted to create a filmless radiographic anatomy curriculum, a didactic software with a digital image database on CD-ROM for first-year medical students. CONCLUSION: We created a CD-ROM that includes an introduction, radiographic anatomy tutorial, and interactive questions. Additional features include Boolean text searching, links to related images, and Internet accessibility. The software can be updated.

Anatomy↗

PubMed2004

Improved teleradiology reporting using fax software.

OBJECTIVE: In an effort to expedite after-hours teleradiology reports in an efficient and accurate manner with minimal usage of manpower, we have for the past 4 years used commercially available fax software running on a laptop computer placed beside the home-based teleradiology system. The software and laptop combination allows the radiologist to make a report rapidly by typing brief sentences in a fillable field or by selecting an applicable pretyped report from a menu. The report is then electronically faxed to single or multiple sites with a single mouse click. CONCLUSION: The system has drastically reduced the number of telephone calls between technologists and teleradiologists and has been well received by both technologists and emergency department staff and referring physicians.

After-Hours Care↗

PubMed2004

Measurement of vascular diameter in vitro by automated software for CT angiography: effects of inner diameter, density of contrast medium, and convolution kernel.

OBJECTIVE: This investigation was performed to evaluate the accuracy of diameter measurement of vessels in vitro by automated software for CT angiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Vascular models with three inner diameters ( approximately 3, 4, and 6 mm) filled with contrast medium of three different densities ( approximately 460, 350, and 210 H) were scanned with helical CT. Five convolution kernels (soft, standard, detail, bone, and lung) were used. We evaluated the measurement error, defined as the difference between the diameter measured by the automated software and the true inner diameter of the vascular model. Statistical analysis involved three-way analysis of variance with repeated measures. RESULTS: Significant differences occurred in measurement error among the three vascular model inner diameters, among the three densities of intravascular contrast medium, and among the five convolution kernels (p < 0.01). In all the convolution kernels except lung, measurement errors progressively decreased with higher densities of intravascular contrast medium (p < 0.01). In vascular models filled with contrast medium of 350 H, measurement errors were significantly smaller in soft (mean +/- standard deviation [SD], 0.29 +/- 0.16 mm) and bone (0.23 +/- 0.05 mm) than in other convolution kernels (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The accuracy of diameter measurement was affected by the vascular model inner diameter, the density of contrast medium, and the convolution kernel. A higher density of intravascular contrast medium and selection of the proper convolution kernel will improve accuracy.

Angiography↗

PubMed2005

Assessment of left ventricular parameters using 16-MDCT and new software for endocardial and epicardial border delineation.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to quantify left ventricular function and mass derived from retrospectively ECG-gated 16-MDCT coronary angiography data sets using a new analysis software based on automatic contour detection in comparison to corresponding standard of reference measurements acquired with MRI. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Multiplanar reformations in the short-axis orientation were calculated from axial contrast-enhanced CT images in 18 patients (men, 15; women, three; age range, 38-70 years; mean, 57.4 +/- 10.2 [SD] years) who were referred for CT coronary angiography. End-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), ejection fraction (EF), and left ventricular mass (LVM) were analyzed with a recently developed imaging software using an automated contour detection algorithm of left ventricular endo- and epicardial contours and by manual tracing. The data were compared with similar measurements on MRI as the standard of reference. RESULTS: EDV, ESV, EF, and LVM derived from an automated contour detection algorithm were not statistically significantly different from manual tracing (CT(auto) vs CT(manual): EDV = 137.1 +/- 45.7 mL vs 134.2 +/- 39.9 mL, ESV = 58.8 +/- 34.2 mL vs 58.1 +/-30.1 mL, EF = 59.2% +/- 13.7% vs 58.1% +/- 12.0%, LVM = 130.9 +/- 29.1 g vs 133.7 +/- 33.2 g; p > 0.05). However, EDV (118.7 +/- 43.6 mL), ESV (50.1 +/- 33.5 mL), and LVM (142.8 +/-38.4 g) as calculated on MR data sets were statistically significantly different from those calculated on CT (p < 0.05), whereas MRI-based EF (59.9% +/- 14.4%) did not differ statistically significantly from those based on both CT algorithms (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Automatic and manual analysis of data acquired during CT coronary angiography using a 16-MDCT scanner allows a reliable assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction and a rough estimation of left ventricular volumes and mass.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Integrated software system for improving medical equipment management.

The evolution of biomedical technology has led to an extraordinary use of medical devices in health care delivery. During the last decade, clinical engineering departments (CEDs) turned toward computerization and application of specific software systems for medical equipment management in order to improve their services and monitor outcomes. Recently, much emphasis has been given to patient safety. Through its Medical Device Directives, the European Union has required all member nations to use a vigilance system to prevent the reoccurrence of adverse events that could lead to injuries or death of patients or personnel as a result of equipment malfunction or improper use. The World Health Organization also has made this issue a high priority and has prepared a number of actions and recommendations. In the present workplace, a new integrated, Windows-oriented system is proposed, addressing all tasks of CEDs but also offering a global approach to their management needs, including vigilance. The system architecture is based on a star model, consisting of a central core module and peripheral units. Its development has been based on the integration of 3 software modules, each one addressing specific predefined tasks. The main features of this system include equipment acquisition and replacement management, inventory archiving and monitoring, follow up on scheduled maintenance, corrective maintenance, user training, data analysis, and reports. It also incorporates vigilance monitoring and information exchange for adverse events, together with a specific application for quality-control procedures. The system offers clinical engineers the ability to monitor and evaluate the quality and cost-effectiveness of the service provided by means of quality and cost indicators. Particular emphasis has been placed on the use of harmonized standards with regard to medical device nomenclature and classification. The system's practical applications have been demonstrated through a pilot evaluation trial.

Database Management Systems↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Software modeling for better understanding of pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationships: application to azithromycin in the treatment of streptococcal tonsillitis and in acute exacerbation fo chronic bronchitis]].

In order to illustrate the significance of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) parameters of azithromycin (AZM) in tonsillar and respiratory tract infections, we developed original simulation software. As area under the curve over 24 hours divided by the minimum inhibitory concentration (AUC24/MIC) and time over a 24-hour period that the drug concentration exceeds the MIC (t > MIC) are important predictors of the clinical efficacy of macrolides, our software calculates these indices for plasma, tonsil, epithelial lining fluid (ELF), lung tissue (LT) and alveolar macrophages (AM). For an MIC of 0.5 microgram.mL-1, after administration of AZM 500 mg daily for 3 days (tonsillitis) or AZM 500 mg on day 1 and 250 mg daily for the next 4 days (respiratory tract infections) to a 70 kg subject, PK/PD parameters are as follows: AUC24/MIC (h): 9.5 (plasma); 439 (tonsil); 57.5 (ELF); 439 (LT); 1354 (AM); t > MIC is 24 hours in all tissues. Our simulation model illustrates the following: (i) AUC24/MIC values are above the 25-30-hour threshold in S. pneumoniae infection; and (ii) tissue concentrations exceed the MIC for 6 days after the last dose in ELF and for more than 2 weeks in tonsils, LT and AM.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The advantage of modular software design in computerized ECG analysis.

In the early 1970s, modular software design was advocated as a means to obtain better structured and more reliable software systems. Such a modular approach was also introduced for computerized ECG processing in 1972. The TNO Modular ECG/VCG interpretation system was developed along these lines. During the last decade, the algorithms of this system were thoroughly improved and evaluated. This resulted in 1983 in a new version of this system named MEANS (Modular ECG ANalysis System). This paper outlines the ideas of the modular approach as they were originally defined in 1972 and developed over the years. The usefulness and advantages of these ideas will be discussed based on 12 years of experience. It appeared that modularity is the ideal approach to the development and maintenance of complex systems such as for ECG/VCG interpretation.

Computers↗

PubMedDate not supplied

PACER: a software tool for PACS decision makers.

This paper describes the development of the software package PACER as it evolved from a cost model to a software package for PACS decision making. PACER was developed as part of the TEASS topic from the EurIPACS project. EurIPACS is an EU subsidized project covering a wide area of PACS related research. The TEASS topic concerns the evaluation of prototype PACSystems in three European hospitals. PACER allows the user to evaluate costs of various PACS implementation scenarios and compare them to the costs of the current film based situation. Its cost calculation is based on a straight forward description of costs of a film based radiology department and of PACS. The PACER cost analysis can consider stepwise introduction of PACS and a corresponding stepwise disappearance of the film environment. This analysis includes effects of price developments. PACER calculates costs and expenses for a number of years in succession. The calculated results can be analysed using graphs, tables and sensitivity analysis tools. Preliminary tests in three hospitals indicate that PACER can indeed be a useful tool in the decision process concerning PACS.

Costs and Cost Analysis↗

PubMed2003

Animal behaviour learning environment: software to facilitate learning in canine and feline behavior therapy.

Interactive software has been developed on CD-ROM to facilitate learning of problem formulation, diagnostic methodology, and therapeutic options in dog and cat behavior problems. Students working in small groups are presented with a signalment, a case history, and brief description of the problem behavior as perceived by the client. Students then navigate through the case history by asking the client questions from an icon-driven question pad. Animated video responses to the questions are provided. Students are then required to rate the significance of the questions and answers with respect to the development of the unwelcome behavior. Links to online self-assessments and to resource materials about causation and treatment options are provided to assist students in their decision-making process. The activity concludes with a software-generated e-mail submission that includes the recorded history, diagnosis, and recommended treatment for assessment purposes.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Analysis of endoscopic electronic image of intramucosal gastric carcinoma using a software program for calculating hemoglobin index.

Hemoglobin is the predominent pigment in the gastrointestinal mucosa, and the development of electronic endoscopy has made it possible to quantitatively measure the mucosal hemoglobin volume, by using a hemoglobin index (IHb). The aims of this study were to make a software program to calculate the IHb and then to investigate whether the mucosal IHb determined from the electronic endoscopic data is a useful marker for evaluating the color of intramucosal gastric carcinoma with regard to its value for discriminating between the histologic types. We made a software program for calculating the IHb in the endoscopic images. By using this program, the mean values of the IHb for the carcinoma (IHb-C) and those of the IHb for the surrounding non-cancerous mucosa (IHb-N) were calculated in 75 intestinal-type and 34 diffuse-type intramucosal gastric carcinomas. We then analyzed the ratio of the IHb-C to the IHb-N (C/N ratio). The C/N ratio in the intestinal-type carcinoma group was higher than that in the diffuse-type carcinoma group (p<0.001). In the diffuse-type carcinoma group, the C/N ratio in the body was lower than that in the antrum (p=0.022). The accuracy rate, sensitivity, specificity, and the positive and negative predictive values for the differential diagnosis of the diffuse-type carcinoma from the intestinal-type carcinoma were 94.5%, 94.1%, 94.7%, 88.9% and 97.3%, respectively. IHb is useful for making quantitative measurement of the endoscopic color in the intramucosal gastric carcinoma, and the C/N ratio by using the IHb would be helpful for distinguishing the diffuse-type carcinoma from the intestinal-type carcinoma.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

PubMed1997

Design of a medical image processing software for clinical-PACS.

Software modules for interactive display, manipulation and retrieval of medical images have been designed for a Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS). The target of these modules is not for a high-end diagnostic workstation for radiologists, but for a PC-based low cost clinical workstation for a referring physician. This software is constructed based on a concept of an object-oriented language which is designed to be modular and expandable. It consists of several functional modules: (a) a communication module for image retrieval, (b) a standard module for the interpretation of the DICOM images, (c) a user interface module for the non-computer oriented clinicians and (d) a tool module for viewing and manipulating images as well as editing the annotation.

Image Processing, Computer-Assisted↗

PubMed2006

Comparing observational software with paper and pencil for time-sampled data: a field test of Interval Manager (INTMAN).

In this article, we describe the Interval Manager (INTMAN) software system for collecting time-sampled observational data and present a preliminary application comparing the program with a traditional paper-and-pencil method. INTMAN is a computer-assisted alternative to traditional paper-and-pencil methods for collecting fixed interval time-sampled observational data. The INTMAN data collection software runs on Pocket PC handheld computers and includes a desktop application for Microsoft Windows that is used for data analysis. Standard analysis options include modified frequencies, percent of intervals, conditional probabilities, and kappa agreement matrices and values. INTMAN and a standardized paper-and-pencil method were compared under identical conditions on five dimensions: setup time, duration of data entry, duration of interobserver agreement calculations, accuracy, and cost. Overall, the computer-assisted program was a more efficient and accurate data collection system for time-sampled data than the traditional method.

Behavioral Research↗