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At least 307 records · Page 17Linked to original sources

Issues in designing flexible trials.

We outline the general framework of adaptive combination tests and discuss their relationship to flexible group sequential designs. An important field of applications is sample size reassessment. We discuss reassessment rules based on conditional power arguments using either the observed or the prefixed effect size. These rules tend to lead to large expected sample sizes for small actual effects. However, the application of a maximal bound for the second stage sample size leads to more favourable properties. Additionally, we consider an optimized reassessment rule in terms of expected sample sizes. Since the adaptive design does not use the classical test statistics for some types of sample size reassessments, the adaptive test may reject the null hypothesis while the classical one-sample test does not. We characterize sample size reassessment rules, where such inconsistencies are avoided. Finally, the extension of flexibility to the number of stages is explored. In the first interim analysis a second interim analysis is only planned if the chance to achieve a decision there is high. This leads to savings in the average number of interim analysis performed, without paying a noticeable price in terms of expected sample size.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗

Optimal sampling schedule design for populations of patients.

Generation of pharmacodynamic relationships in the clinical arena requires estimation of pharmacokinetic parameter values for individual patients. When the target population is severely ill, the ability to obtain traditional intensive blood sampling schedules is curtailed. Population modeling guided by optimal sampling theory has provided robust estimates of individual patient pharmacokinetic parameter values. Because of the wide range of parameter values seen in this circumstance, it is important to know how the range of parameter values in the population affects the timing of the optimal samples. We describe a new, simple technique to obtain optimal samples for a population of patients. This technique uses the nonparametric distribution associated with a nonparametric adaptive grid population pharmacokinetic analysis. We used the distribution from an analysis of 58 patients receiving levofloxacin for nosocomial pneumonia at a dose of 750 mg. The collection of parameter vectors and their associated probabilities were entered into a D-optimal design evaluation by using ADAPT II. The sampling times, weighted for their probabilities, were displayed in a frequency histogram (an expression of how system information varies with time for the population). Such an explicit expression of the time distribution of information allows rational sampling design that is robust not only for the population mean vector, as in traditional D-optimal design theory, but also for large portions of the total population. For levofloxacin, one reasonable six-sample design would be 1.5, 2, 2.25, 4, 4.75, and 24 h after starting a 90-min infusion. Such sampling designs allow informative population pharmacokinetic analysis with precise and unbiased estimates after the maximal a posteriori probability Bayesian step. This allows the highest probability of delineating a pharmacodynamic relationship.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

An adaptable spectroelectrochemical titrator: the midpoint reduction potential of the iron-sulfur center in lysine 2,3-aminomutase.

Elaborations to an earlier design of an electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroelectrochemical titrator are described. While maintaining the anaerobic capabilities of the original design, a number of modifications and revisions have been introduced. The most significant modification is the use of a detachable spectral cell, making the apparatus modular and adaptable for multiple forms of spectroscopy. Additional modifications include removable reference, auxiliary, and working electrodes; modifications to facilitate sample transfer; and adaptations for operation within an anaerobic chamber. This apparatus has been used successfully in the coulometric titration of a [4Fe-4S] enzyme, as measured by EPR spectroscopy. The midpoint reduction potential for the 2+/1+ couple in the [4Fe-4S] cluster of lysine 2,3-aminomutase is -479+/-5mV, a value that falls within the range typical of ferredoxin-like iron-sulfur clusters.

Anaerobiosis↗

Development and evaluation of a real-time fluorescent polymerase chain reaction assay for the detection of bovine contaminates in cattle feed.

A real-time fluorescent polymerase chain reaction assay for detecting prohibited ruminant materials such as bovine meat and bone meal (BMBM) in cattle feed using primers and FRET probes targeting the ruminant specific mitochondrial cytochrome b gene was developed and evaluated on two different types of cattle feed. Common problems involved with PCR based testing of cattle feed include the presence of high levels of PCR inhibitors and the need for certain pre-sample processing techniques in order to perform DNA extractions. We have developed a pre-sample processing technique for extracting DNA from cattle feed which does not require the feed sample to be ground to a fine powder and utilizes materials that are disposed of between samples, thus, reducing the potential of cross contamination. The DNA extraction method utilizes Whatman FTA card technology, is adaptable to high sample throughput analysis and allows for room temperature storage with established archiving of samples of up to 14 years. The Whatman FTA cards are subsequently treated with RNAse and undergo a Chelex-100 extraction (BioRad, Hercules, CA), thus removing potential PCR inhibitors and eluting the DNA from the FTA card for downstream PCR analysis. The detection limit was evaluated over a period of 30 trials on calf starter mix and heifer starter ration feed samples spiked with known concentrations of BMBM. The PCR detection assay detected 0.05% wt/wt BMBM contamination with 100% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and 100% confidence. Concentrations of 0.005% and 0.001% wt/wt BMBM contamination were also detected in both feed types but with varying levels of confidence.

Animal Feed↗

Tracking the origin of faecal pollution in surface water: an ongoing project within the European Union research programme.

The objectives of this study are to generate knowledge about methods to track the sources of faecal pollution in surface waters, with the aim of having one or a few easy procedures applicable to different geographic areas in Europe. For this, a first field study using already proposed methods (genotypes of F-specific RNA bacteriophages, bacteriophages infecting Bacteroides fragilis, phenotypes of faecal coliforms and enterococci, and sterols) has been done in five areas representing a wide array of conditions in Europe. The present faecal indicators (faecal coliforms, enterococci, sulfite reducing clostridia and somatic coliphages) have also been included in this first field study. At the same time some emerging methods have been settled or adapted to water samples and assayed in a limited number of samples. The results of this first field study indicate that no single parameter alone is able to discriminate the sources, human or non-human, of faecal pollution, but that a 'basket' of 4 or 5 parameters, which includes one of the present faecal indicators, will do so. In addition, numerical analysis of the data shows that this 'basket' will allow the successful building of predictive models. Both the statistical analyses and the studied predictive models indicate that genotype II of F-specific RNA bacteriophages, the coprostanol and the ratio coprostanol: coprostanol+epicoprostanol are, out of the studied parameters, those with a greater discriminating power. Either because unsuccessful adaptation of the methods to water samples or because the preliminary assays in water samples indicated low discriminating capability, only three (sorbitol-fermenting bifidobacteria, some species of bifidobacteria detected by PCR with specific primers and phages infecting Bacteroides tethaiotaomicron) of the newly assayed methods have been considered for a second field study, which is currently underway. Expectations are that these new tools will minimize the number of parameters in the 'basket', or at least minimize the difficulty in assaying them.

Bacteriophages↗

Obesity and diet affect glucose dynamics and insulin sensitivity in Thoroughbred geldings.

Insulin resistance is considered a risk factor in obesity, laminitis, exertional rhabdomyolysis, and osteochondrosis. The objective was to use the minimal model to estimate glucose effectiveness (Sg) and insulin sensitivity (Si) in nonobese to obese horses initially adapted to forage only, then adapted to forage plus supplements rich in starch and sugar (SS) or fiber and fat (FF). Ten Thoroughbred geldings, with BCS of 5 (nonobese), 6 (moderately obese), and 7 to 8 (obese), were adapted to pasture and hay, allocated to two groups, and fed SS or FF in a switch-back design with 8 wk of adaptation. Modified frequent-sampling i.v. glucose tolerance tests were applied after adaptation to forage, SS, and FF. For the tolerance tests, horses were kept in stalls overnight and provided hay, and venous catheters were placed the next morning. Baseline samples were collected, 0.3 g of glucose/kg of BW was given i.v., and blood was sampled at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 19 min. At 20 min, 30 mU of insulin/kg of BW was given, followed by sampling at 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 120, 150, and 180 min. Plasma was analyzed for glucose and insulin, and Si, Sg, acute insulin response to glucose, and the disposition index were calculated. Normality was tested using the Shapiro-Wilk statistic. Body condition effects were analyzed using a mixed model with repeated measures. Diet effects were analyzed using a Wilcoxon signed rank test. The Sg was higher in obese than nonobese (P = 0.003) and moderately obese (P = 0.007) horses; Si was lower in obese than nonobese (P = 0.008) horses, and acute insulin response to glucose was higher in obese than nonobese (P = 0.039) horses. Effects of diet were likely confounded by body condition, but horses had lower Si (P = 0.066) when fed SS compared with FF, especially when nonobese. In conclusion, the minimal model effectively estimated Sg, Si, acute insulin response to glucose, and disposition index in horses. Obese geldings were insulin-resistant and seemed to rely primarily on Sg for glucose disposal. Feeding a diet rich in sugar and starch decreased insulin sensitivity of horses. Maintenance of body condition and avoidance of grain-based meals rich in sugar and starch would be beneficial to decrease the risk of developing insulin resistance and associated metabolic syndromes in horses, especially for horses at risk for these syndromes.

Animal Feed↗

Comparison of the adaptive functioning of children prenatally exposed to alcohol to a nonexposed clinical sample.

BACKGROUND: Several studies show impairments in the social and adaptive behaviors of children prenatally exposed to alcohol. However, there remains limited consensus on whether the alcohol exposure directly affects social functioning or whether its effect is mediated by deficits in IQ. In addition, no studies have investigated whether deficits in social functioning are significantly more pronounced in children prenatally exposed to alcohol than in children referred to psychiatric treatment who were not prenatally exposed. We explored the effect of alcohol exposure on social and adaptive functioning and explored whether or not social and adaptive functioning are significantly more impaired in children prenatally exposed to alcohol than in a clinical sample of children. METHODS: A sample of 33 alcohol-exposed children was compared with a sample of 33 clinic-referred nonexposed children. The groups were compared on measures of communication, daily living skills, and socialization. The groups were matched on sex, age, IQ, and outpatient or inpatient status. RESULTS: Analyses revealed that the prenatally alcohol-exposed children did not differ significantly from the nonexposed children in any of the domains of adaptive functioning. However, with age, exposed children showed a more rapid decline in socialization standard scores compared with the nonexposed clinical sample. CONCLUSIONS: Young children who were exposed to alcohol prenatally show deficits in all domains of adaptive functioning. Although these deficits do not seem to differ from those exhibited by young children with psychiatric problems but no prenatal exposure, deficits in socialization behavior of prenatally exposed children may become more significant with age.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Prism adaptation in schizophrenia.

The prism adaptation test examines procedural learning (PL) in which performance facilitation occurs with practice on tasks without the need for conscious awareness. Dynamic interactions between frontostriatal cortices, basal ganglia, and the cerebellum have been shown to play key roles in PL. Disruptions within these neural networks have also been implicated in schizophrenia, and such disruptions may manifest as impairment in prism adaptation test performance in schizophrenia patients. This study examined prism adaptation in a sample of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia (N=91) and healthy normal controls (N=58). Quantitative indices of performance during prism adaptation conditions with and without visual feedback were studied. Schizophrenia patients were significantly more impaired in adapting to prism distortion and demonstrated poorer quality of PL. Patients did not differ from healthy controls on aftereffects when the prisms were removed, but they had significantly greater difficulties in reorientation. Deficits in prism adaptation among schizophrenia patients may be due to abnormalities in motor programming arising from the disruptions within the neural networks that subserve PL.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Speciation of heavy metals in polluted soils by sequential extraction and ICP spectrometry.

Heavy metals were leached from various polluted soils by selective extraction reagents (water, BaCl2, acetate buffer + EDTA, HNO3) in order to establish the distribution of the chemical species of Cd, Zn, Cu and Pb. The leachates were directly injected into a plasma spectrometer in order to analyse immediately the extraction solution. This continuous on-line analysis gives qualitative information about the chemical behaviour of each element in function of the type of soil. It permits also to modify the extraction procedure for each sample studied by adjusting the volume of the extraction solution, the time of extraction, or by choosing another extraction reagent more adapted to the sample. The sum of the respective fraction is in rather good agreement with the total analysis of the soil.

Indicators and Reagents↗

A robotic system to prepare samples for HTLV-III testing.

A robotic handling system was adapted to perform the sampling and dilution steps needed in an assay to detect antibodies to the HTLV-III virus, the causative agent of AIDS. The system reduced the labor required to prepare the samples and provided standardization and accuracy in the preparation of the samples.

Antibodies, Viral↗

A repeated sampling bone chamber methodology for the evaluation of tissue differentiation and bone adaptation around titanium implants under controlled mechanical conditions.

A repeated sampling bone chamber methodology was developed for the study of the influence of the mechanical environment on skeletal tissue differentiation and bone adaptation around titanium implants. Via perforations, bone grows into the implanted outer bone chamber, containing an inner bone chamber with a central test implant. An actuator--easily mounted on the outer bone chamber--allows a controlled mechanical stimulation of the test implant. After each experiment, the inner bone chamber--with its content--can be harvested and analysed. A new inner bone chamber with a central implant can be inserted consecutively in the outer bone chamber and a new experiment can start. Pilot studies led to a reliable surgical protocol and showed the applicability of the methodology, offering the possibility to study skeletal tissue differentiation and adaptation around implants under well-controlled mechanical conditions, and this protected from external loading. Repeated sampling of the bone chamber allows conducting several experiments within the same animal at the same site, thereby excluding subject- and site-dependent variability and reducing the amount of experimental animals.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Variables related to adaptation to motherhood in "normal" primiparous women.

A descriptive study found that of 20 healthy, normal primiparas 25% experienced a very difficult adaptation to motherhood. Previous experience with infants and children, perception of support from postpartum nurses and husbands, help during the first week at home, and postpartum self-concept were found to be related to adaptation in this sample. Nursing implications and interventions for the normal pregnant woman and new mother are discussed.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

HMGB1, a novel inflammatory cytokine.

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) exhibits unique biochemical functions as a biologically intrinsic requisite factor and as a toxin. As such, it is imperative to understand the mechanism by which these seemingly and diametrically opposed functions are exerted. To effectively discriminate these actions is important to accurately and precisely determine the concentration of HMGB1 in biological samples. Research in this fascinating field, however, has been lacking due to the absence of a simple analytical system for HMGB1 that can be adapted for large sample numbers. In this report, we review the physiological and pathological significance of HMGB1 and describe the development of an assay method for this pleiotropic protein.

Animals↗

Enzyme immunoassay method for comprehensive drug screening in micro-samples of urine.

We adapted the reagents from 11 different enzyme-multiplied immunoassay technique (EMIT; Syva Co., Palo Alto, CA 94304) drug-detection kits for use in a centrifugal analyzer. The antibody reagents were mixed into a single dilute solution, and the enzyme-labeled drug derivatives were combined similarly (Mixed EMIT reagents), for use in testing urine samples for the presence of multiple drugs. The assay, a rapid comprehensive drug-screening technique, requires 100 microL of sample and is capable of testing seven samples, in duplicate, simultaneously, in less than 10 min. Clinical evaluation (n = 325) by comparison with thin-layer chromatography (TLC) had the following results: 230 samples were negative by TLC and Mixed EMIT, 77 samples were positive by TLC and Mixed EMIT, 16 samples were negative by TLC and positive by Mixed EMIT, and two samples were positive by TLC and negative by Mixed EMIT.

Autoanalysis↗

An improved double sampling procedure based on the variance.

Sample size calculations for a continuous outcome require specification of the anticipated variance; inaccurate specification can result in an underpowered or overpowered study. For this reason, adaptive methods whereby sample size is recalculated using the variance of a subsample have become increasingly popular. The first proposal of this type (Stein, 1945, Annals of Mathematical Statistics 16, 243-258) used all of the data to estimate the mean difference but only the first stage data to estimate the variance. Stein's procedure is not commonly used because many people perceive it as ignoring relevant data. This is especially problematic when the first stage sample size is small, as would be the case if the anticipated total sample size were small. A more naive approach uses in the denominator of the final test statistic the variance estimate based on all of the data. Applying the Helmert transformation, we show why this naive approach underestimates the true variance and how to construct an unbiased estimate that uses all of the data. We prove that the type I error rate of our procedure cannot exceed alpha.

Analysis of Variance↗

Composite and preferences Scales of Morningness: reliability and factor invariance in adult and university samples.

The creation and adaptation of scales or inventories assessing specific circadian typologies has been a predominant focus within the field of chronopsychology. The present study addressed the psychometric properties of two scales of morningness-eveningness: the Morningness Composite Scale (CS; Smith, Reilly, & Midkiff, 1989) and the Early/Late Preferences Scale (PS; Smith, Folkard, Schmieder, Parra, Spelten, & Almirall, 1993). Internal consistency and factor invariance of the CS and PS were analyzed in two samples: a group of 203 university students (age range = 19-30) and a group of 125 working adults (age range = 31-65). Results indicated satisfactory internal consistency for both full scales with each age group and confirmed the factor invariance across age for the two CS factors and one of the PS factors. A higher tendency in morningness on both scales was noted in the adult sample.

Adult↗

Two-stage testing of safety: a statistical view.

Sample sizes given in regulatory guidelines are not based on statistical reasoning. However, from an ethical, scientific, and regulatory point of view, a mutagenicity experiment must have a reasonable chance of supporting the decision as to whether a result is negative or positive. Consequently, the sample size should be based on type I and type II errors, the underlying variability, and the specific size of a treatment effect. A two-stage adaptive interim analysis is presented, which permits an adaptive choice of sample size after an interim analysis of the data from the first stage. Because the sample size of the first stage is considered to be a minimum requirement, this stage can also be regarded as a pilot study.

Animal Testing Alternatives↗

Contrast adaptation and the spatial structure of natural images.

Natural images have a characteristic spatial structure, with amplitude spectra that decrease with frequency roughly as 1/f. We have examined how contrast (pattern-selective) adaptation to this structure influences the spatial sensitivity of the visual system. Contrast thresholds and suprathreshold contrast and frequency matches were measured after adaptation to random samples from an ensemble of images of outdoor scenes or of synthetic images formed by filtering the amplitude spectra of noise over a range of spectral slopes. Adaptation selectively reduced sensitivity at low-to-medium frequencies, biasing contrast sensitivity toward higher frequencies. The pattern of aftereffects was similar for different natural image ensembles but varied with large changes in the slope of the noise spectra. Our results suggest that adaptation to the spatial structure in natural scenes may exert strong and selective influences on perception that are important in characterizing the normal operating states of the visual system.

Adaptation, Physiological↗