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Assessment of left ventricular diastolic function from quantitative electrocardiographic-gated 99mTc-tetrofosmin myocardial SPET.

We have developed new software which can evaluate left ventricular (LV) diastolic functional parameters from a quantitative gated SPET (QGS) program. To examine its accuracy, we compared these findings with the LV diastolic functional indices obtained from gated radionuclide ventriculography (RNV). Twenty-four patients were selected for this study. Gated SPET with technetium-99m tetrofosmin was performed and the QGS program was used with a temporal resolution of 32 frames per R-R interval. The LV volume of each frame was calculated and four harmonics of Fourier series were retained for the analysis of the LV volume curve. From this fitted curve and its first derivative curve, we derived LV systolic functional indices, e.g. ejection fraction (EF), peak ejection rate (PER) and time to PER (TPER), as well as LV diastolic functional variables, e.g. 1/3 filling fraction (1/3 FF), peak filling rate (PFR) and time to PFR (TPFR). Within 5+/-2 days, gated RNV was performed and diastolic functional parameters were determined by the same method. No significant difference was observed between the variables calculated by gated SPET and by gated RNV. There was a good correlation between EF, PER, TPER, 1/3 FF, PFR and TPFR determined by these two methods (EF: r=0.95, P<0.0001; PER: r=0.87, P<0.0001; TPER: r=0.84, P<0.0001; 1/3 FF: r=0.87, P<0.0001; PFR: r=0.92, P<0.0001; TPFR: r=0.89, P<0.0001). Bland-Altman plots did not reveal any significant degree of directional measurement bias in any of the comparisons of gated SPET data and RNV data. It is concluded that, in addition to the conventional LV systolic functional indices, our program accurately provides LV diastolic functional parameters from gated SPET. Also, this program will be useful for detecting LV diastolic dysfunction in various cardiac diseases before LV systolic dysfunction becomes evident.

Diastole↗

Implementation and evaluation of a 3D one-step late reconstruction algorithm for 3D positron emission tomography brain studies using median root prior.

A fully three-dimensional (3D) one-step late (OSL), maximum a posteriori (MAP) reconstruction algorithm based on the median root prior (MRP) was implemented and evaluated for the reconstruction of 3D positron emission tomography (PET) studies. The algorithm uses the ordered subsets (OS) scheme for convergence acceleration and data update during iterations. The algorithm was implemented using the software package developed within the EU project PARAPET (www.brunel.ac.uk/~masrppet). The MRP algorithm was evaluated using experimental phantom and real 3D PET brain studies. Various experimental set-ups in terms of activity distribution and counting statistics were considered. The performance of the algorithm was assessed by calculating figures of merit such as: contrast, coefficient of variation, activity ratio between two regions and full width at half of maximum for resolution measurements. The performance of MRP was compared with that of 3D ordered subsets-expectation maximisation (OSEM) and 3D re-projection (3DRP) algorithms. In all the experimental situations considered, MRP showed: (1) convergence to a stable solution, (2) effectiveness in noise reduction, particularly for low statistics data, (3) good preservation of spatial details. Compared with the OSEM and 3DRP algorithms, MRP provides comparable or better results depending on the parameters used for the reconstruction of the images.

Algorithms↗

Rotations of three-joint fingers: a radiological study.

The aim of the current study was to test a protocol of quantification of phalangeal three-dimensional (3D) rotations during flexion of three-joint digits. Three-dimensional-specific software was developed to analyze CT reconstruction images. A protocol was carried out with six fresh-frozen upper limbs from human cadavers free from any visible pathology (three females, three males). CT millimetric slices were done for reconstruction of hand bone units. Orthonormal coordinate systems of inertia were calculated for each unit. Three-dimensional phalangeal rotations were estimated between two static positions (fingers in extension and in a fist position). Results were displayed for the joints of each three-joint finger with calculation of 3D rotations. Mean longitudinal axial rotations of metacarpophalangeal (MCP), proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints ranged from 14 degrees pronation to 19 degrees supination. The index finger was in a global pronation position (4/6 specimens). The fourth and fifth fingers were in a global supination position in every case. The third finger was in a more variable global rotation (pronation in 2/6 specimens). MCP, PIP and DIP flexion angles ranged respectively from 71 degrees to 89 degrees, 65 degrees to 87 degrees, and 41degrees to 77 degrees. Lateral angles ranged from 19 degrees (ulnar angulation) to 23 degrees (radial angulation). The study of phalangeal rotations was possible in spite of a heavy protocol. This protocol could be partially automatated to speed up the analyses. Longitudinal axial rotations could be analyzed, in addition to flexion/extension or abduction/adduction rotations. CT scan reconstructions would be helpful for investigating pathological fingers. Abnormal rotations of digits could be quantified more precisely than during a current clinical examination of the hand.

Aged↗

EST-based gene discovery in pig: virtual expression patterns and comparative mapping to human.

A molecular understanding of porcine reproduction is of biological interest and economic importance. Our Midwest Consortium has produced cDNA libraries containing the majority of genes expressed in major female reproductive tissues, and we have deposited into public databases 21,499 expressed sequence tag (EST) gene sequences from the 3' end of clones from these libraries. These sequences represent 10,574 different genes, based on sequence comparison among these data, and comparison with existing porcine ESTs and genes indicate as many as 4652 of these EST clusters are novel. In silico analysis identified sequences that are expressed in specific pig tissues or organs and confirmed the broad expression in pig for many genes ubiquitously expressed in human tissues. Furthermore, we have developed computer software to identify sequence similarity of these pig genes with their human counterparts, and to extract the mapping information of these human homologues from genome databases. We demonstrate the utility of this software for comparative mapping by localizing 61 genes on the porcine physical map for Chromosomes (Chrs) 5, 10, and 14.

Algorithms↗

Methods and milliliter scale devices for high-throughput bioprocess design.

Based on electromagnetic simulations as well as on computational fluid dynamics simulations gas-inducing impellers and their magnetic inductive drive were optimized for stirred-tank reactors on a 10 ml-scale arranged in a bioreaction block with 48 bioreactors. High impeller speeds of up to 4,000 rpm were achieved at very small electrical power inputs (63 W with 48 bioreactors). The maxima of local energy dissipation in the reaction medium were estimated to be up to 50 W L(-1) at 2,800 rpm. Total power input and local energy dissipation are thus well comparable to standard stirred-tank bioreactors. A prototype fluorescence reader for 8 bioreactors with immobilized fluorometric sensor spots was applied for online measurement of dissolved oxygen concentration making use of the phase detection method. A self-optimizing scheduling software was developed for parallel control of 48 bioreactors with a liquid-handling system for automation of titration and sampling. It was shown on the examples of simple parallel batch cultivations of Escherichia coli with different media compositions that high cell densities of up to 16.5 g L(-1) dry cell mass can be achieved without pH-control within 5 h with a high parallel reproducibility (standard deviation<3.5%, n=48) due to the high oxygen transfer capability of the gas-inducing stirred-tank bioreactors.

Bioreactors↗

Dexterity enhancement with robotic surgery.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to quantify the extent of dexterity enhancement in robotic surgery as compared to laparoscopic surgery. METHODS: Ten surgeons with varying laparoscopic suturing experience were asked to place three sutures on a suture pad. The sutures were placed laparoscopically, robotically with 2-D vision and robotically with 3-D vision. The da Vinci systems Application Programming Interface (API) was used for positional data. A validated motion analysis system was used for data retrieval for the laparoscopic task. Custom software was developed for data analysis. RESULTS: Compared to laparoscopic suturing, when the task was undertaken robotically with 2-D vision there was a 20% reduction in the time taken but this was not significant (p = 0.07). There was a 55% reduction in the path traveled by the right hand (p = 0.01) and a 45% reduction in the path traveled by the left hand (p = 0.008). When the task was undertaken robotically with 3-D vision, there was a 40% reduction in the time taken (p = 0.01). There was a 70% reduction in the path traveled by right hand (p = 0.008) and a 55% reduction by the left hand (p = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of wristed instrumentation, tremor abolition, and motion scaling enhance dexterity by nearly 50% as compared to laparoscopic surgery. 3-D vision enhances dexterity by a further 10-15%. In addition, the presence of 3-D vision results in a 93% reduction in skills-based errors.

Clinical Competence↗

Future prospects for SonoVue and CPS.

Though long considered unlikely because of the resonance pattern of agents such as SonoVue, high frequency applications for small parts and intracavitary applications now seem very promising. Excellent non-linear signals can be obtained at 7 MHz and higher using recently developed CPS software, and preliminary results suggest that this may prove useful for assessing superficial lymph nodes, the thyroid and parathyroid, breast masses and many superficial masses including those in the skin. Some other potentially useful "fringe" applications of the now-familiar transabdominal transducers with CPS are the pancreas, gall bladder and spleen, though these have not been investigated formally as yet.

Blood Vessels↗

A discussion of tasks that can be performed by a computerized orthodontic office management system.

A decision to use a computerized office management system is an option now available to the orthodontist. The present article describes some of the ways in which such a system can serve the orthodontist's office. The opinions and conclusions expressed are the result of the author's experience in a team effort, with a professional computer programmer, to develop a software system to serve his own office.

Appointments and Schedules↗

Fluorescence digital microscopy of interstitial macromolecular diffusion in burn injury.

Computer vision techniques implemented on an IBM PC/AT have been applied to the study of microvascular permeability and interstitial diffusion in dorsal skin flap chamber preparations of hamsters. Experimental data was obtained for the leakage of fluorescent labelled dextran (70,000 daltons) after a precisely controlled mild degree of localized thermal trauma and compared with control data acquired prior to burn injury. Computer vision analysis techniques were applied to convert the fluorescent images into two-dimensional concentration maps. Interstitial diffusion coefficient values were computed from measured extravascular concentration profiles around a vessel of interest, assuming cylindrical or rectangular geometry, and optimally fitting a diffusion model to the data. An increase in the apparent diffusivity after mild thermal trauma was observed. Novel techniques were applied to solve hardware problems related to data acquisition and analysis, and a new library of software was developed to handle specific image processing requirements.

Animals↗

Computer-aided information system to support direct patient care. The application of a hand-held data collector in a department of medicine.

In the pilot study, described herein, we have tried to develop a computerized system to assist and improve medical and nursing care. Our major goal was to bring the computer to the patient's bedside. This was achieved by a Hand-Held Data Collector, which is easy to carry and operate, and has a big enough memory. In this preliminary study, we have developed appropriate software specifically designed to reflect the daily activities and needs of a department of medicine. Using this software, we have demonstrated that all 'clinical events' and routine tasks of the department can be managed via the Hand-Held Data Collector.

Computer Systems↗

A computer-aided three-dimensional reconstruction of brain structures using high level computer graphics.

This paper describes how line drawings and continuous tone shaded images of a three-dimensional solid model of a brain structure are generated using a powerful general purpose computer graphics package. The model is built from a series of serial sections. We developed a software interface to convert the data entered by a section oriented way into a brain structure oriented file. We point out particularly the modular approach which consists of separating the tasks on small microcomputers or on bigger machines according to their computing cost. An example of a thalamic structure in a stereotaxic referential is presented.

Animals↗

A non-linear fitting program in pharmacokinetics with Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.

We propose a new approach of pharmacokinetics patterns of drugs by use of spreadsheets. We have developed a software program using Microsoft Excel (version 3.0) to determine initial poly exponential parameter values for 1-3 compartment open models and to make non-linear regression with many optimisation procedures. Results are compared with 2 other programs: Nonlin and Rugfit.

Administration, Oral↗

An IBM-PC based data collection system for recording rodent sexual behavior and for general event recording.

A microcomputer (IBM-PC) based data collection system for the acquisition and analysis of male rodent copulatory behavior and its reflexive components has been developed. This software features ease of data entry, flexibility across experimental protocols, and built-in tutorials. The program for the recording and analysis of sexual reflexes of the male is readily adapted for recording other behavior patterns.

Animals↗

Automated data acquisition and analysis in muscle physiology research.

Research in muscle physiology has progressed in both the volume and complexity of data examined. Dependence on manual methods to analyze and condense this amount of information can present a narrow bottleneck to the efficient completion of a study, and can compromise the reliability of the results. We designed a general purpose computerized system for data acquisition in experiments in our cardiovascular physiology laboratory. In addition, we developed a software program specifically for the analysis of data from studies of isolated, isometrically contracting myocardium. This system has reduced the time for analysis of such data by approximately 50-fold over that of manual techniques, and has contributed significantly to our confidence in the measured results.

Analog-Digital Conversion↗

Tapetool: a software tool for importing image data from image acquisition computers to image processing computers.

Currently, the image distribution gap between image acquisition computers and image processing computers is bridged through magnetic tapes. The tape formats used by the manufacturers of the image acquisition computers are idiosyncratic and fairly complex. A general purpose window based software tool is herein described, which frees the clinical and research sectors of the responsibility of understanding and decoding these complex formats in order to import image databases from acquisition computers to image processing computers. This software tool provides a cornerstone for developing image processing software for diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical planning purposes.

Algorithms↗

Non-linear statistical technique applied to data from baboon articular cartilage.

Pattern recognition software was developed and applied together with statistical techniques to articular cartilage data from the knee joint of the baboon. The standard statistical method used for comparison was ANOVA which indicates linear discrimination. In addition a Karhunen-Loève expansion was performed to reduce the dimensionality of the data and provide independent uncorrelated variables. Nearest neighbour analysis, a non-linear method, when combined with bionomial probabilities gave discrimination that was not obtained by ANOVA. Use of pattern recognition and related techniques can improve and extend the analysis of biological data to include non-linear discrimination and classification.

Algorithms↗

Analysis of multi-parameter video measurements of human neutrophil movement and its relation to cell shape and cytosolic calcium.

We have developed a software system for the analysis of multiparameter video image data derived from cell tracking experiments. The software is part of an integrated system for the study of human neutrophil motility. Input is taken from a file produced by a separate tracking program. The present software calculates several analytic parameters related to movement as well as novel relations between the distribution of fluorescent probes within the cell and vectors which represent cell movement. The software is designed to facilitate data analysis on several platforms by taking input and producing output as ASCII files.

Calcium↗

Monitoring guinea pig core temperature by telemetry during inhalation exposures.

A temperature telemetry system was incorporated into an existing animal model for inhalation toxicology. This system facilitated continuous monitoring of guinea pig temperature during inhalation exposures. Components of the system included Mini-Mitter temperature-controlled oscillators, AM receivers, and an IBM microcomputer. Software was developed to perform signal processing and filtering. Transmitters were calibrated and then sterilized and surgically implanted in the guinea pig peritoneum. Monitoring the baseline temperature of nine animals indicated a mean temperature of 38.6 +/- 0.3 degrees C. Guinea pigs were treated with agents to induce transient hypo- or hyperthermia. For the former, exposure for 3 hr to 7.8 ppm diphenylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate resulted in a 3 degrees C temperature decrease. The temperature was determined from 230 readings per animal per hour. Inhalation of 9 or 44 micrograms/m3 endotoxin for 6 hr induced hyperthermia with a 1.5 degrees C maximum increase in core temperature at 4.8 hr. With endotoxin, an increase in respiratory rate was also noted and followed the same pattern as temperature with a maximal increase of 52% occurring at 4.2 hr. The temperature telemetry system enabled continuous long-term monitoring of toxicant-induced hypothermia and pyrexia without interruption of inhalation exposure or measurements of respiratory parameters.

Administration, Inhalation↗