Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “AUTOMATION”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

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

At least 433 records · Page 24Linked to original sources
PubMed2005

Comparison of visual evoked potentials, automated perimetry and frequency-doubling perimetry in early detection of glaucomatous visual field loss.

The present study compares frequency-doubling perimetry (FDP), automated perimetry (AP) and visual evoked potentials (VEP) for their ability to diagnose early glaucoma. In present study 224 patients of Clinic for Eye Diseases, Clinical Hospital "Sestre Milosrdnice" that had diagnosis of open angle glaucoma and glaucomatous visual field loss proven by automated static perimetry on only one eye were performing all three tests. Visual evoked potentials, automated perimetry and frequency-doubling perimetry were performed four times in each patient with six months period in between testing. Significant difference was proven between frequency-doubling perimetry and automated perimetry in favor for FDP in early detection of glaucomatous field loss. There was no significant difference between FDP and VEP neither between VEP and AP measurements. The results of this study indicate that frequency-doubling perimetry is significantly better method for early detection of glaucomatous visual field loss than automated static perimetry.

Automation↗
PubMed2003

Automated protein NMR resonance assignments.

NMR resonance peak assignment is one of the key steps in solving an NMR protein structure. The assignment process links resonance peaks to individual residues of the target protein sequence, providing the prerequisite for establishing intra- and inter-residue spatial relationships between atoms. The assignment process is tedious and time-consuming, which could take many weeks. Though there exist a number of computer programs to assist the assignment process, many NMR labs are still doing the assignments manually to ensure quality. This paper presents (1) a new scoring system for mapping spin systems to residues, (2) an automated adjacency information extraction procedure from NMR spectra, and (3) a very fast assignment algorithm based on our previous proposed greedy filtering method and a maximum matching algorithm to automate the assignment process. The computational tests on 70 instances of (pseudo) experimental NMR data of 14 proteins demonstrate that the new score scheme has much better discerning power with the aid of adjacency information between spin systems simulated across various NMR spectra. Typically, with automated extraction of adjacency information, our method achieves nearly complete assignments for most of the proteins. The experiment shows very promising perspective that the fast automated assignment algorithm together with the new score scheme and automated adjacency extraction may be ready for practical use.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1990

Comparison of automated and manual methods of syringe filling.

A study to measure the time and cost associated with an automated and a manual method of syringe filling is reported. A stopwatch was used to measure the time needed by an experienced pharmacy technician to prepare batches of 200 syringes of each of seven drugs by a manual method and an automated method, the Multi-Ad Fluid Dispensing System. For each drug and method, time-and-motion data were collected during the preparation of four batches. The accuracy of each method was determined by dividing the actual by the expected number of syringes filled per batch. Material costs were calculated by summing the contract costs of the necessary equipment. The total cost of each method was determined by adding the labor and material costs. For all the drugs, the mean total time required to prepare one batch of syringes by the automated method was significantly less than that for the manual method. There was no significant difference in accuracy between methods for any of the drugs. The annual labor costs of the automated and manual methods were $4056 and $5761, respectively, and the annual material costs were $3364 and $2260, respectively. The total annual cost of the automated method was $7419, compared with $8021 for the manual method. The Multi-Ad system was significantly faster and somewhat less costly overall than a manual method for batch preparation of syringes of seven drugs.

Automation↗
PubMed1989

Automation of immunohistology.

Despite the introduction of enzyme-based immunohistology in the late 1960s and early 1970s by Nakane and Taylor, both methodologic and interpretative aspects of this important technology remain, in large part, manual and not automated. Similar approaches to the analysis and sorting of cell markers by immunofluorescence have been automated for a decade using flow cytometry. Automation of both procedural and interpretative aspects of immunohistology has been the focus of greater commercial and professional attention in recent years. Automated immunostaining is accorded several advantages, including cost savings, uniformity of slide preparation, and reduction of procedural human errors. Automated interpretation may not be necessary or desirable for all types of preparations, but it is logical for quantitation of estrogen and progesterone receptors, infiltrating immunoregulatory populations in tumors, and many other applications.

Automation↗
PubMed1985

Automated administration of intermittent intravenous doses.

The cost difference of administering cimetidine 300 mg via intravenous piggyback (IVPB) every six hours by a conventional separate container system versus using an automated intermittent i.v. administration system was evaluated. The study was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 documented the amount of drug waste with the two systems, and phase 2 examined the practical use of the IVAC Multi Dose System. Nurses who administered the medication using the multiple-dose system completed a questionnaire on its operation. A materials cost analysis was performed to compare the two methods. The two systems were found to have approximately equivalent amounts of drug waste over the 30-day evaluation period of phase 1. The mean percentage of doses wasted was 12.2% with the conventional single-dose minibag method and 12.7% with the automated multiple-dose method. The multiple-dose system had a lower cost per dose of cimetidine ($2.25 versus $3.47). These savings appear to outweigh the cost of the additional equipment necessary for the automated system. The majority of nurses preferred the multiple-dose system. Potential problems encountered in accurately delivering doses with the multiple-dose automated system were identified, and possible solutions are suggested. The use of an automated multiple-dose i.v. administration system can potentially decrease the materials cost portion of drug administration. The total impact on hospital costs needs to be evaluated, and other comparisons with alternative administration systems need to be performed.

Automation↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Characterization of an automated radioimmunoassay for T4, T3, T3 U, and FTI.

The performance characteristics of assays is reported for thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and T3-uptake (T3U) using the GAMMAFLOTM Automated Assay System. A comparison of calculated free thyroxine index (FTI) values is also presented. This automated radioimmunoassay (RIA) system utilizes a combination of continuous-flow methodology and chromatographic separation techniques. The T4 assay studied had a standard curve range of 1.5 to 24.0 microgram per dl. The intra- and inter-assay precisions were 4.3 and 5.3 percent CV, respectively, for a T4 concentration of 10.0 microgram per dl. The T3 assay had a standard curve range of 50 to 1000 ng per dl, the corresponding precisions were 7.3 and 7.1 percent CV, respectively, for a concentration of 213 ng per dl. The automated serum T4 and T3 results correlated (r = 0.966 and 0.864) with a manual radioimmunoassay procedure. Intra-assay and inter-assay precisions for a mid-range normal 30.1 percent T3U value were 6.2 percent and 4.9 percent CV, respectively. Reference range comparison of FTI by both automated and manual results correlated for 47 out of 51 (95 percent) patients compared. It is concluded that this automated system appears to offer a viable alternative to T4, T3, and T3U manual RIA techniques in terms of operational simplicity, analytical performance, and sample through-put flexibility.

Automation↗
PubMed1994

Toward fully automated genotyping: allele assignment, pedigree construction, phase determination, and recombination detection in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Human genetic maps have made quantum leaps in the past few years, because of the characterization of > 2,000 CA dinucleotide repeat loci: these PCR-based markers offer extraordinarily high PIC, and within the next year their density is expected to reach intervals of a few centimorgans per marker. These new genetic maps open new avenues for disease gene research, including large-scale genotyping for both simple and complex disease loci. However, the allele patterns of many dinucleotide repeat loci can be complex and difficult to interpret, with genotyping errors a recognized problem. Furthermore, the possibility of genotyping individuals at hundreds or thousands of polymorphic loci requires improvements in data handling and analysis. The automation of genotyping and analysis of computer-derived haplotypes would remove many of the barriers preventing optimal use of dense and informative dinucleotide genetic maps. Toward this end, we have automated the allele identification, genotyping, phase determinations, and inheritance consistency checks generated by four CA repeats within the 2.5-Mbp, 10-cM X-linked dystrophin gene, using fluorescein-labeled multiplexed PCR products analyzed on automated sequencers. The described algorithms can deconvolute and resolve closely spaced alleles, despite interfering stutter noise; set phase in females; propagate the phase through the family; and identify recombination events. We show the implementation of these algorithms for the completely automated interpretation of allele data and risk assessment for five Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy families. The described approach can be scaled up to perform genome-based analyses with hundreds or thousands of CA-repeat loci, using multiple fluorophors on automated sequencers.

Alleles↗
PubMed1994

Comparison of automated medication-management systems.

Automated devices for managing medication distribution are described. Shrinking operating budgets are causing many departments of pharmacy to consider automation to maximize the cost-effective use of professional personnel. Many devices and systems that are currently available or under development can help with (1) distribution of medication to and from the patient care area, (2) distribution of medication directly to the patient, (3) inventory control, (4) management of controlled substances, or (5) documentation of medication administration. Medication-management devices based in the patient care unit (Lionville CDModule, Access, Meditrol, Argus, MedStation, Sure-Med, and SelecTrac-Rx) are designed to replace manual filling of unit dose carts or to increase control over floor-stock medications and controlled substances. They provide immediate access to medications but can take extra time to fill. Centrally located medication-management systems (Automated Pharmacy Station, ATC-212, and Medispense) are designed to replace or improve a manual system for filling unit dose carts. They may have financial and practical advantages over systems based in the patient care unit because they avoid redundant inventories. However, a manual system is still needed for some medications, particularly those that need refrigeration. Several point-of-care information systems also have medication-management components (MedTake, CliniCare, Automated Medication Administration Tracking, and MedLynk). They provide rapid access to patient information and facilitate documentation. Many incorporate bar-code technology and radio-frequency transmission of data. An automated management system can combine increased efficiency with decreased risk of error. Descriptions of available systems may help pharmacists choose a system that meets their needs.

Automation↗
PubMed1996

[Present status and future on automated PCR testing for microorganisms].

PCR is a continually evolving technology. In the years since in inception, there have been many improvements made to the assay, and also to the automation. Some of the early developmental highlights in PCR are listed as follows; 1) The amplification process was automated with the introduction of thermocyclers. 2) False-positive results from carryover of amplification products have been largely eliminated by the incorporation of dUTP into amplification reactions and the subsequent restriction of dU-containing amplicons with UNG (AmpErase). 3) A combined RT-PCR assay for the amplification of RNA that utilizes a single thermoactive enzyme (Tth DNA polymerase) was recently developed. This assay eliminates the need to change buffer/enzymes between the RT and PCR steps. 4) The methods for detecting amplicons has been made simpler and faster. The use of radioactivity and electrophoresis have been eliminated. The development of microwell plate assays provides users with a familiar format (similar to EIAs) and makes use of reagents that are readily available. Based on the above developments and clinical requirements, the developments of the automated PCR testing are progressed. The recent introduction of the COBAS AMPLICOR represents a major advance in PCR instrumentation. With the COBAS AMPLICORE, both the amplification and detection process are automated. This greatly reduces the hand-on time required to carry out PCR assays and further improves assay reproducibility. Further developments for full automation are on going, i.e., kinetic PCR, 5' exonuclease assay, etc.

Automation↗
PubMed1996

Automated assessment of numerical chromosomal aberrations in paraffin embedded prostate tumor cells stained by in situ hybridization.

We investigated the feasibility of automated counting of in situ hybridization signals (ISH) in interphase cells isolated from paraffin embedded prostate tissue. In total, 34 specimens from 7 patients with prostate cancer were stained with probes specific for the centromeric regions of chromosomes Y, 1, 7, 8, 10, and 15, using an immunoperoxidase based technique suitable for bright-field microscopy. Enumeration of the number of ISH spots of 500 nuclei per specimen was performed (1) using an automatic system developed without any human intervention and (2) using the same system, but including verification of the counts based on visual inspection of the stored images. As reference from each specimen, 200 cell nuclei were evaluated manually, using conventional microscopy. A typical analysis procedure (including user verification) took 35 min. The difference (root mean error) between the automated counting and the counting after visual interaction was relatively small (15%). The percentage of cells with incorrect counts by automated analysis was 20.2%, a number that could easily be improved by user interaction. Detection of cells with aneusomy proved to be more sensitive compared to the routine manual counting, in cases where aberrant frequencies were low. Automated counting of samples with low frequencies (< 10%) resulted in a higher frequency of aberrant cells in 9 of 11 cases, probably due to the fact that an unbiased cell selection is guaranteed. Automated assessment of ISH signals is considered useful for the evaluation of chromosomal aberrations in prostate tumor cells, provided that the counts are visually confirmed.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Automated topographical cell proliferation analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cell proliferation is often studied using the incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). Immunohistochemical staining is then used to detect BrdU in the nucleus. To circumvent the observer bias and labor-intensive nature of manually counting BrdU-labeled nuclei, an automated topographical cell proliferation analysis method is developed. METHODS: Sections stained with fluorescein-labeled anti-BrdU and counterstained with To-Pro-3 are scanned using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). For every point in the image, the nucleus density of BrdU-labeled nuclei and the total nucleus density of the neighborhood of that point are calculated from the BrdU and the To-Pro-3 signal, respectively. The ratio of these densities gives an indication of the amount of cell proliferation at that point. The automated measure is validated by comparing it with the ratio of BrdU-stained nuclei to the total number of nuclei obtained from a manual count. RESULTS: A positive correlation is found between the automated measure and the ratios calculated from the manual counting (r = 0.86, P < 0.001). Calculating the topographical cell proliferation using the automated method is faster and does not suffer from interobserver variability. CONCLUSIONS: Automated topographical cell proliferation analysis is a fast method to objectively find differences in cell proliferation within a tissue. This can be visualized by a topographical map that corresponds to the tissue under study.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

On the selection of systems for automated cytogenetic analysis.

Impressive technological advances in systems for automated metaphase location and cytogenetic analysis have resulted in a proliferation of commercially available systems offering a variety of performance and price options. Based on the numbers of systems sold, it appears as if automation is becoming an accepted component of cytogenetic laboratories. To address the question of whether automation is useful and, if so, to identify the advantages and disadvantages of some of the systems, we have supplemented our own laboratory experience using the Magiscan routinely for clinical cytogenetic analysis, with information obtained during an on-site survey of other clinical cytogenetic facilities using automated systems (Genetiscan, Karyotype Image Editor, Metachrome, Cytoscan). Some systems provide both metaphase-locating and karyotyping capabilities--some only the latter. The basic structure of all systems is similar: microscope with camera, image processor, mechanism for operator interaction with the computer, hard copy printer. Metaphases are digitized, analyzed, and converted to permanent images. Metaphase-locating systems (Cytoscan, Magiscan, Metachrome) require, in addition, motorized slide-scanning stages. The biggest time savings resulting from use of automation is in the karyotyping steps, especially the production of a hard copy. Consequently, laboratories making many karyotypes will benefit most from such systems. The optimum choice of system will depend on specific laboratory parameters: number and type of specimens processed; operational preferences, e.g., number of bands per metaphase; number of metaphases counted; and karyotypes prepared per case. Laboratories processing chorionic villus specimens and/or bone marrows, where much slide area must be searched, will benefit from fast metaphase locators with multislide stages.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Computers↗
PubMed2004

Quantification of cortical bone loss and repair for therapeutic evaluation in collagen-induced arthritis, by micro-computed tomography and automated image analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Ex vivo and in vivo micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) combined with a novel image analysis algorithm were used to quantify cortical bone loss and periosteal new bone formation for therapeutic evaluation in a murine model of collagen-induced arthritis. METHODS: An automated algorithm was created to locate 5 metatarsophalangeal and 3 metacarpophalangeal joints in 3-dimensional micro-CT images of mouse paws for evaluation of joint cortical bone volume (JCBV) within close proximity of the joints as well as cortical bone mineral density and periosteal new bone formation within the paws. For validation, automated estimates of JCBV were compared with radiographic visual scores (RVS) in 4 treatment groups (n = 9 per group): rat anti-mouse CD11a monoclonal antibody, methotrexate (MTX), anti-CD11a plus MTX, and saline only. In a separate study, serial images of hind limbs were evaluated in 2 treatment groups: murine tumor necrosis factor receptor II-Fc fusion protein (mTNFRII; n = 10) and control antibody (n = 7). RESULTS: Automated estimates of the JCBV were significantly correlated with the RVS (hind paws R = -0.94, front paws R = -0.81, combined R = -0.87). The anti-CD11a group had significantly higher JCBV compared with controls. In the serial study, the automated estimate of JCBV detected significant treatment effects in the mTNFRII-Fc group compared with controls. Cortical bone mineral density was significantly higher in all treatment groups compared with controls. CONCLUSION: Micro-CT combined with a novel image analysis technique (estimation of JCBV) provides a fully automated means to quantify bone destruction in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2006

Staining and quantification of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Cupriavidus necator cell populations using automated flow cytometry.

BACKGROUND: Poly [(R)-3-hydroxybutyric acid] (PHB) is a prokaryote storage material for carbon and energy that accumulates in cells under unbalanced growth conditions. Because this class of biopolymers has plastic-like properties, it has attracted considerable interest for biomedical applications and as a biodegradable commodity plastic. Current flow cytometric techniques to quantify intracellular PHB are based on Nile red. Here, an improved cytometric technique for cellular PHB quantification utilizing BODIPY 493/503 staining was developed. This technique was then automated using an automated flow cytometry system. MATERIALS: Using flow cytometry, the fluorescence of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Cupriavidus necator with varying PHB content after staining with BODIPY 493/503 and Nile red was compared, and automated staining techniques were developed for both cultures. RESULTS: BODIPY 493/503 staining had less background staining, higher sensitivity and specificity to PHB, and higher saturation values than did Nile red staining. The developed automated staining procedure was capable of analyzing the PHB content of a bioreactor sample every 25 min and measured the average PHB content with accuracy comparable to offline GC analysis. CONCLUSION: BODIPY 493/503 produced an overall better staining for PHB than did Nile red. When combined with the automated system, this technique provides a new method for the online monitoring and control of bioreactors.

Boron Compounds↗
PubMed2006

Automated fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis of t(9;22)(q34;q11) in interphase nuclei.

BACKGROUND: For chronic myeloid leukemia, the FISH detection of t(9;22)(q34;q11) in interphase nuclei of peripheral leukocytes is an alternative method to bone marrow karyotyping for monitoring treatment. With automation, several drawbacks of manual analysis may be circumvented. In this article, the capabilities of a commercially available automated image acquisition and analysis system were determined by detecting t(9;22)(q34;q11) in interphase nuclei of peripheral leukocytes. METHODS: Three peripheral blood samples of normal adults, 21 samples of CML patients, and one sample of a t(9;22)(q34;q11) positive cell-line were used. RESULTS: Single nuclei with correctly detected signals amounted to 99.6% of nuclei analyzed after exclusion of overlapping nuclei and nuclei with incorrect signal detection. A cut-off value of 0.84 mum was defined to discriminate between translocation positive and negative nuclei based on the shortest distance between signals. Using this value, the false positive rate of the automated analysis for negative samples was 7.0%, whereas that of the manual analysis was 5.8%. Automated and manual results showed strong correlation (R(2) = 0.985), the mean difference of results was only 3.7%. CONCLUSIONS: A reliable and objective automated analysis of large numbers of cells is possible, avoiding interobserver variability and producing statistically more accurate results than manual evaluation.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Automated neurite labeling and analysis in fluorescence microscopy images.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the intricate nervous processes involved in many biological activities by computerized image analysis, accurate and reproducible labeling and measurement of neurites are prerequisite. We have developed an automated neurite analysis method to assist this task. METHODS: Our approach can be considered as automated with certain user interaction in setting initial parameters. Single and connected centerlines along neurites are extracted. The computerized method can also generate branching and end points. Owing to its multi-scale flexibility, both thick and thin neurites are simultaneously detected. RESULTS: We employ the relative neurite length difference (defined as the difference between the lengths obtained by automated and manual analysis divided by the total length of the latter) and neurite centerline deviation (defined as the area of the regions enclosed by different paths between automated and manual analysis divided by the total length of the former) to evaluate the performance of our algorithm, which is of great interest in neurite analysis. The average of the relative length difference is about 0.02, while the average of the centerline deviation is about 2.8 pixels. The probabilities of the distributions being the same from the Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) test of the automatic and manual results are 99.79%. The KS test also shows no significant bias between different observers based on the proposed new validation scheme. CONCLUSIONS: With the accurate and automated extraction of neurite centerlines and measurement of neurite lengths, the proposed method, which greatly reduces human labor and improves efficiency, can serve as a candidate tool for large-scale neurite analysis beyond the capability of manual tracing methods.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2003

Improvement of the Kleihauer-Betke test by automated detection of fetal erythrocytes in maternal blood.

BACKGROUND: Reliable detection and quantification of fetal red cells in maternal blood is important in routine obstetric practice. The manual Kleihauer-Betke test (KBT) is widely used, but it is imprecise and subjective. This study investigated whether automated readout of the KBT could improve sensitivity and accuracy. METHODS: Glass slides containing dilutions of fetal red cells in adult blood were prepared and stained by using acid elution. Standard manual evaluation of the KBT was performed for all slides by one investigator. In addition, automated microscopy and image analysis of the same slides were performed, whereby detected fetal cells were reviewed by two independent investigators. RESULTS: Ten replicate measurements of fetal cell numbers showed high reproducibility and very small interobserver and intraobserver variabilities. Typical coefficients of variation were 3-4% for concentrations ranging from 0.001% to 0.1%. The automated KBT showed strong correlation between theoretical and detected concentrations of fetal cells (r2 = 0.999). In the range from 0.0001% to 0.001%, the standard KBT underestimated the fetal cell percentage, whereas the automated KBT was very precise. The correlation between methods was good (r2 = 0.999). CONCLUSION: Automated readout of the KBT improved accuracy of fetal cell detection in the range from 0.0001% to 1% fetomaternal hemorrhage, particularly when larger numbers of cells were analyzed.

Female↗
PubMed2003

Automated chip-based nanoelectrospray-mass spectrometry for rapid identification of proteins separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis.

We report a method using a fully automated chip-based nanoelectrospray system for two-dimensional (2-D) gel sample analyses with mass spectrometric detection. The automated nanoelectrospray system, consisting of the NanoMate and electrospray ionization (ESI) chip, serves as both an autosampler and nanoESI source. This infusion system aspirates samples from a 96-well plate using disposable pipette tips and then delivers these samples sequentially to an ESI chip. This chip is a fully integrated monolithic device consisting of a 10x10 array of nozzles. The automated nanoelectrospray system is easily controlled through software, permitting the user to select the number of samples to be analyzed, the volume of sample to aspirate, the spray voltage, and analysis time. The system offers all the advantages of conventional nanoelectrospray plus automated, high-throughput analyses without analyte carryover. The system was used for a protein identification study of 2-D gel spots of both Escherichia coli and yeast crude cell extracts. The identification of 50 spots from E. coli crude cell extract and 27 spots from yeast extract is presented, demonstrating the powerful combination of the automated nanoESI system, the Thermo Finnigan LCQ Deca ion-trap mass spectrometer, and SEQUEST search software. In addition, the effects of silver staining and colloidal Coomassie blue staining of 2-D gel spots on the detection sensitivity and protein sequence coverage are compared and discussed. Furthermore, the comparison results using the multiwell microscale preparation kit versus manual extraction for in-gel samples are presented.

Animals↗