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At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed2007

[Manipulator assisted endoscope guidance in functional endoscopic sinus surgery: proof of concept].

BACKGROUND: Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is characterized by single-handed preparation and guidance of the endoscope by the nondominant hand. This results in an additional extension of operation time by up to 15% and ergonomic deficits. The aim of this study is the conception of an automated assistance system for FESS in view of the following questions: (1) Which degree of surgical automation is suitable for FESS? (2) Which design is suitable? (3) What are the properties of the technical system (planning, time, accuracy, precision) of the selected system? (4) Does the system offer potential for a clinical application? METHODS: In all 49 FESS were analyzed for surgical workflows. Measurement of the maximum forces within FESS was performed with 40 trials on an anatomical model. Three different mechanical systems were used in ten FESS and evaluated using the ICCAS Human-Machine Evaluation Scale. For realization of automated endoscope guidance an engine-driven and -braked manipulator (PA10-6c, Mitsubishi, Japan) was used. The technical parameters determined were expenditure of time for the preoperative planning of workspace, surgical accuracy and precision of the intraoperative endoscope positioning, maximal forces, and time. RESULTS: Concept-conditioned instrument changes amount to an average of 41.1 and 18.9% (5.21 min) time requirement for each FESS side. Maximum forces on the mucous membrane during a conventional FESS were measured at 9.8 N (5.9-9.8). Usability of the mechanical endoscope holder was estimated in 18 of 20 cases to be inferior to the standard procedure. The time needed for segmenting the intranasal workspace was 15.2 min (10.0-23.0). The maximum deviation of the automatically driven endoscope from a planned position amounted to 0.85 mm (manually 4.64 mm). The maximum force was measured with 1.1 N in the z direction (manually 9.8 N). Automated guidance of the endoscope to an intranasal position needed 7.25 s (6.4-7.9); manually 12.64 s (5.9-43.0). CONCLUSION: Guidance of the endoscope for FESS by an automated motor-driven system is possible. The conception which is based on workflow analysis favors a system with automatic definition of the workspace and a manual movement of the endoscope. The examined system offers a potential for clinical application. Definition of the automation level and development of a man-machine interface is more important than selection or reconstruction of a special manipulator for endoscope guidance in FESS from a surgical point of view.

Endoscopes↗
PubMed2006

Changing medical group behaviors: increasing the rate of documentation of quality assurance events using an anesthesia information system.

In the United States, quality assurance (QA) documentation is required by numerous agencies for each anesthetic performed. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of several interventions on the voluntary completion rate of QA documentation. We hypothesized that optimizing workflow integration would increase both QA completion rates and complication capture rates and promote long-term successful changes in reporting behavior. Whereas electronic scanning of anesthetic records may automate some aspects of QA, there will continue to be a need for anesthesiologists to enter QA documentation that cannot be automated. Starting from a baseline completion rate of 48%, we instituted a series of interventions. We successively increased the completion rate to 55% (education), 68% (workflow integration), and 78% (individual feedback). Each intervention increased the completion rate from the previous intervention (P < 0.001). The increased completion rate suggests better overall data capture, because the percentage of "no complication" entries decreased. After the study period, the completion rate increased to 94%, principally because of the improved workflow integration. As implementation of anesthesia information systems increases, attention to user interface design may be a key component in the functionality and utility of these systems.

Anesthesia↗
PubMed2002

Accelerating drug discovery by integrative implementation of laboratory automation in the work flow.

Acceleration of the drug discovery process in pre-clinical pharmaceutical research is a highly desirable goal and combinatorial chemistry united with automation technology promised to accomplish this task. Through the accumulation of experience with automated devices over time it became evident that only by harmonisation and streamlining of work-flow procedures the efficiency of the overall process can be improved. An open architecture of efficient data management and appropriate utilisation of automated laboratory protocols provides the opportunity to react in a flexible and advisable way. Only an integrative workflow concept promotes the enhancement of the overall performance. However, the foundation of any efforts towards the accelerated synthesis of new and desired compound arrays lies in the development of reliable chemistry protocols amenable to solid- and solution phase chemistry.

Automation↗
PubMed2026

MHASS: Microbiome HiFi Amplicon Sequencing Simulator.

SUMMARY: Microbiome HiFi Amplicon Sequence Simulator (MHASS) creates realistic synthetic PacBio HiFi amplicon sequencing datasets for microbiome studies, by integrating genome-aware abundance modeling, realistic dual-barcoding strategies, and empirically derived pass-number distributions from actual sequencing runs. MHASS generates datasets tailored for rigorous benchmarking and validation of long-read microbiome analysis workflows, including ASV clustering and taxonomic assignment. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: Implemented in Python with automated dependency management, the source code for MHASS is freely available at https://github.com/rhowardstone/MHASS along with installation instructions. Our code is also published on Zenodo at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17486364. The data underlying this article are available on GitHub at https://github.com/rhowardstone/MHASS_evaluation/.

Software↗
PubMed2024

Integrative Multi-PTM Proteomics Reveals Dynamic Global, Redox, Phosphorylation, and Acetylation Regulation in Cytokine-Treated Pancreatic Beta Cells.

Studying regulation of protein function at a systems level necessitates an understanding of the interplay among diverse posttranslational modifications (PTMs). A variety of proteomics sample processing workflows are currently used to study specific PTMs but rarely characterize multiple types of PTMs from the same sample inputs. Method incompatibilities and laborious sample preparation steps complicate large-scale physiological investigations and can lead to variations in results. The single-pot, solid-phase-enhanced sample preparation (SP3) method for sample cleanup is compatible with different lysis buffers and amenable to automation, making it attractive for high-throughput multi-PTM profiling. Herein, we describe an integrative SP3 workflow for multiplexed quantification of protein abundance, cysteine thiol oxidation, phosphorylation, and acetylation. The broad applicability of this approach is demonstrated using cell and tissue samples, and its utility for studying interacting regulatory networks is highlighted in a time-course experiment of cytokine-treated &#x3b2;-cells. We observed a swift response in the global regulation of protein abundances consistent with rapid activation of JAK-STAT and NF-&#x3ba;B signaling pathways. Regulators of these pathways as well as proteins involved in their target processes displayed multi-PTM dynamics indicative of complex cellular response stages: acute, adaptation, and chronic (prolonged stress). PARP14, a negative regulator of JAK-STAT, had multiple colocalized PTMs that may be involved in intraprotein regulatory crosstalk. Our workflow provides a high-throughput platform that can profile multi-PTMomes from the same sample set, which is valuable in unraveling the functional roles of PTMs and their co-regulation.

Proteomics↗
PubMed2006

Battling bad debt.

Automated revenue cycle tools are giving hospitals the power to identify bad debt and charity cases as they access a facility and to dictate the appropriate course of action and workflow. To be successful, these tools must be regulatorily compliant and easily upgradeable, and should be accompanied by: Extensive staff training. An adjustment in workflow to match patient payment probability. Support of revenue cycle staff and physicians.

Automation↗
PubMed1996

Workflow computing. Improving management and efficiency of pathology diagnostic services.

Traditionally, information technology in health care has helped practitioners to collect, store, and present information and also to add a degree of automation to simple tasks (instrument interfaces supporting result entry, for example). Thus commercially available information systems do little to support the need to model, execute, monitor, coordinate, and revise the various complex clinical processes required to support health-care delivery. Workflow computing, which is already implemented and improving the efficiency of operations in several nonmedical industries, can address the need to manage complex clinical processes. Workflow computing not only provides a means to define and manage the events, roles, and information integral to health-care delivery but also supports the explicit implementation of policy or rules appropriate to the process. This article explains how workflow computing may be applied to health-care and the inherent advantages of the technology, and it defines workflow system requirements for use in health-care delivery with special reference to diagnostic pathology.

Ambulatory Care↗
PubMed2005

Automatic analysis of multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification products (exemplified by a commercial kit for prenatal aneuploidy detection).

For use in routine prenatal diagnostics, we developed software and methods for automatic aneuploidy detection based on a commercial multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) kit. Software and methods ensure a reliable, objective, and fast workflow, and may be applied to other types of MLPA kits. Following CE of MLPA amplification products, the software automatically identified the peak area for each probe, normalized it in relation to the neighboring peak areas of the test sample, computed the ratio relative to a reference created from normal samples, and compensated the ratio for a side effect of the normalization procedure that scaled all chromosomally normal DNA peak areas slightly up or down depending on the kind of aneuploidy present. For the chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, and Y, probe reliability weighted mean ratio values and corresponding SDs were calculated, and the significance for being outside a reference interval around ratio 1.0 was tested. p < or = 1% suggested aneuploidy and 1 < p < or = 5% suggested potential aneuploidy. Individual peaks, where the normalized area was situated more than 4 SD from the corresponding reference, suggested possible partial deletion or gain. Sample quality was automatically assessed. Control probes were not required. Having used the software and methods for two years, we conclude that a reliable, objective, and fast workflow is obtained.

Aneuploidy↗
PubMed2003

Automation of gross photography using a remote-controlled digital camera system.

CONTEXT: Conventional gross photography requires a series of tedious and time-consuming steps, including taking, developing, labeling, sorting, filing, and tracking numerous photographs. OBJECTIVE: To describe how to automate the gross photographic process by way of controlling a digital camera remotely. DESIGN: After defining the requirements of automation regarding gross photography, a remote control board, foot switch, barcode system, and image retrieval system were devised. SETTING: The surgical pathology laboratory of a university medical center with a commercially available megapixel digital camera. RESULTS: The digital camera zoom and shutter were controlled remotely by a foot switch. A large portion of the gross photographic process, including specimen number labeling, image downloading, labeling, sorting, filing, and tracking, were automated. In addition, the elimination of several manual specimen-processing steps, along with not having to wait for the developing and mounting of conventional 35-mm film, reduced the entire time span required in conventional gross photography from 2 to 5 days, to a few minutes. It was also possible to review the gross images at the time of microscopic sign-out. CONCLUSIONS: The automation of gross photography using a remote-controlled digital camera changes the conventional gross workflow markedly. We found use of a remote-controlled gross photography system to be practical, convenient, and efficient.

Cost-Benefit Analysis↗
PubMed1994

Automated Speech-recognition Anatomic Pathology (ASAP) reporting.

Artificial intelligence speech-recognizers integrated with Laboratory information and Telefaxcommunication Systems have allowed for totally automated surgical pathology reporting. Automated Speech-Recognition Anatomic Pathology (ASAP) reporting improves the speed, text accuracy, comprehensiveness, and workflow management of diagnostic reports while eliminating support personnel. Healthcare reform goals of increased productivity and economy are furthered. Reports are rendered "as soon as possible" (ASAP) expediting appropriate clinical management and decreased length of stay and hospital costs.

Artificial Intelligence↗
PubMed2006

Requirements specification for automated fall and injury risk assessment.

Fall and injury prevention continues to be a challenge in the acute care environment. Identification of patients at risk can guide preventive care for these individuals. The following study employed usability engineering methods via a series of focus groups, to specify functional and design requirements for an automated Fall-Injury Risk Assessment Instrument. Focus groups were held with interdisciplinary decision makers and end-users to identify functional and design specifications for the automated instrument. The results were mapped to usability heuristics, which were used to guide design decisions. The main elements identified were data completeness, workflow processes, resource access, and cognitive burden. The main usability factors identified were efficiency of user, match with real world, error prevention, recognition not recall and minimalist design. Focus groups are a useful methodology to specify requirements for healthcare applications. Outcomes evaluation of the automated instrument is in process.

Academic Medical Centers↗
PubMed2002

High-throughput approaches for the discovery and optimization of new olefin polymerization catalysts.

The discovery of new olefin polymerization catalysts is currently a time-intensive trial-and-error process with no guarantee of success. A fully integrated high-throughput screening workflow for the discovery of new catalysts for polyolefin production has been implemented at Symyx Technologies. The workflow includes the design of the metal-ligand libraries using custom-made computer software, automated delivery of metal precursors and ligands into the reactors using a liquid-handling robot, and a rapid primary screen that serves to assess the potential of each metalligand-activator combination as an olefin polymerization catalyst. "Hits" from the primary screen are subjected to secondary screens using a 48-cell parallel polymerization reactor. Individual polymerization reactions are monitored in real time under conditions that provide meaningful information about the performance capabilities of each catalyst. Rapid polymer characterization techniques support the primary and secondary screens. We have discovered many new and interesting catalyst classes using this technology.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1998

Concepts for the third generation of laboratory systems.

This paper briefly describes the history of laboratory systems and discusses some of the recent concepts. The third generation of laboratory systems, which appeared around 1990, encompasses most of the pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical procedural steps of the laboratory workflow, thus eliminating much of the so-called "3 D tasks" (dull, dirty, dangerous). These automation systems enable humans to focus on work of higher value such as result validation or development of tests in emerging areas. The new development started in Japan in 1981 and reached the Western hemisphere around 1995. Currently there are between 800 and 900 installations world-wide that meet the above criteria. The majority of them automate hematology, whereas systems that automate more complex areas such as clinical chemistry, immunochemistry, coagulation and urinalysis, represent only about one third. More than 60% of the world-wide system base has been installed in Japan. Future growth in the West and high market saturation in Japan are likely to decrease this percentage during the next few years. The two key concepts of third generation systems are "consolidation" and "integration". The following definitions are suggested: * Consolidation: Combining different analytical technologies or strategies on one instrument or on one group of connected instruments. * Integration: Linking analytical instruments or groups of instruments with pre- and post-analytical devices. Examples for the technical realization of both concepts and practical aspects of how to apply them in an individual laboratory are given. Components, which are specifically new in the context of laboratory automation, are conveyor belts, stationary and floor-running robots, and software for process control. The most attractive options to be considered when automating a laboratory are primary tube sorting and the use of secondary samples to increase speed and to avoid sample carryover. Other applications include automatic centrifugation (esp. for hospital laboratories), decapping (esp. for clinical chemistry), automatic loading and unloading of analyzers (esp. for large laboratories), automatic rerun and reflex testing as well as computer-based sample retrieval, result validation, and interpretation. Specific recommendations for automation planning include the need to see and discuss working installations either during site visits or via video documentations, and to conduct computer simulation experiments on the basis of a "virtual laboratory" model.

Automation↗
PubMed2005

Automated Synthesis and Purification at Bayer CropScience Chemistry Frankfurt.

The Automated Synthesis and Purification team at Bayer CropScience in Frankfurt provides services and support in the areas of synthesis and post synthesis activities for chemists. This article describes our workflow and the special robotic systems used. We produce small to medium sized compound libraries using liquid phase techniques. An example of a compound library taken from the herbicide area is given.

Agrochemicals↗
PubMed2006

SIBAS: a blood bank information system and its 5-year implementation at Macau.

Automation systems and information technology can greatly help medical facilities to improve their working efficiency and optimize the whole workflow. This article surveys electronic information management in blood donation and transfusion service, and explores the rationale and archetype of blood bank information systems, then exemplifies a successful in-running system-Sistema Integrado de Bancos de Sangue (SIBAS), which is developed by the Institute of Systems and Computer Engineering of Macau (INESC-Macau) in cooperation with the Macau Blood Transfusion Center (CTS-Macau). Its implementation and the related lessons are briefly introduced too. In essence, this article is oriented to serve as a reference of contemporary blood bank information systems.

Blood Banks↗
PubMed2003

A rapid microwave protocol for Heck vinylation of aryl chlorides under air.

In modern high-throughput chemistry, the overall workflow is a crucial factor and much work is devoted to speeding up the process of chemistry development. Since automated microwave-based synthesizers are known to streamline the compound production and to accelerate slow organic transformations, this technology was implemented for Heck reactions with sluggish aryl chlorides. Furthermore, homogeneous palladium-catalyzed Heck vinylations of aryl chlorides can be performed under air under optimized conditions. Based on this finding, controlled microwave heating was utilized to accelerate model reactions down to 30 min employing a mixture of ionic liquid and 1,4-dioxane as solvent.

Chemistry, Organic↗
PubMed2025

MetaChrome: An Open-Source, User-Friendly Tool for Automated Metaphase Chromosome Analysis.

DNA Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) is an essential technique to study chromosome biology and genetics, enabling precise visualization of specific genomic loci to study structural abnormalities, gene mapping, and chromosomal rearrangements. High-Throughput Imaging (HTI) can automate the analysis of DNA-FISH chromosome images, but the accurate and automated segmentation of mitotic chromosomes and simultaneous colocalization of FISH signals remains a challenge. While several commercial automated karyotyping tools partially solve these issues, open-source software that effectively combines robust chromosome segmentation with comprehensive colocalization analysis capabilities remains necessary. To address this unmet need, we developed MetaChrome, an open-source software platform built around a graphical user interface and explicitly designed for automated metaphase chromosome analysis. MetaChrome leverages fine-tuned deep learning models to automate metaphase chromosome segmentation, together with colocalization analysis of chromosome-specific FISH probes and immunofluorescent-labeled proteins. Importantly, MetaChrome achieves enhanced segmentation accuracy compared to traditional image processing methods by adopting a Cellpose segmentation model fine-tuned with manually annotated metaphase chromosome datasets. The fine-tuned model ensures precise assignment of DNA-FISH spots to individual chromosomes in an automated manner. This facilitates rapid identification of chromosomal abnormalities, reduces human error, and advances high-throughput chromosome analysis workflows, addressing a key bottleneck in chromosome biology research.

Chromosome segmentation↗