Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Program Efficiency”

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 1,765 records · Page 98Linked to original sources
PubMed1983

Discovering an epidemic before it has reached a certain level of prevalence.

In this communication we calculate the probability of discovering a simple epidemic in a large population before the epidemic has reached a given level of prevalence, by regularly taking a small random sample from the population for microbiological screening. Apart from the general formula which has to be evaluated numerically, we derive various simple approximation formulae which shed light on the properties of various monitoring regimes. These formulae are, moreover, rather robust against deviations from the model specifications. The results are applied to the evaluation of the efficiency of an infection-monitoring program in an animal breeding centre.

Disease Outbreaks↗
PubMed1980

An interactive computer program that accurately estimates the ED50, its standard error and other parameters related to the probit regression line.

A program suitable for terminal, conversational-mode usage was developed in the BASIC language to compute the median effective dose (LD50), various error terms, and confidence intervals. The overall algorithm used in the program was based on a method described by Finney. The accuracy, speed and flexibility of the program makes the terminal approach an efficient alternative to simple graphic methods.

Computers↗
PubMed1995

Prognostic value of p53 in Barrett's oesophagus.

During the last 30 years, the incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma has increased rapidly. Patients with Barrett's oesophagus have an increased risk of developing oesophageal adenocarcinoma and should be kept under surveillance. However, only a subset of Barrett's oesophagus patients will eventually develop malignancy and surveillance programs using endoscopy and histopathology cannot efficiently identify this subgroup. The study of additional prognostic factors is therefore of major importance and the p53 tumour suppressor gene has attracted much attention in this respect. Several investigators have found that p53 alteration is a frequent event in oesophageal adenocarcinomas and is associated with malignant transformation of Barrett's oesophagus. p53 appears to be a promising prognostic marker in Barrett's oesophagus and, as research progresses, possible clinical applications are emerging.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1994

Optimization of CCPD prescription in children using peritoneal equilibration test.

Continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD) is automatically performed by a cycler as a repetition several times per session of the same programmed exchange. We have investigated the efficiency, in terms of ultrafiltration (UF) capacity and solute clearance (phosphate), of an adapted (optimized) CCPD versus a conventional CCPD. Adapted CCPD was performed manually in order to allow a combination of short dwell times (optimal ultrafiltration) and long dwell times (optimal purification). The ratio of ultrafiltration over glucose absorbed (UF/G) was higher with adapted CCPD (5.7 +/- 0.8) compared with conventional CCPD (4.8 +/- 1.3). Phosphate purification was also enhanced with adapted CCPD (0.21 +/- 0.05 versus 0.16 +/- 0.05 mL/min/kg). These results confirm the usefulness of the concept of adapted CCPD with variable dwell times for optimization of peritoneal dialysis performances in children.

Absorption↗
PubMed1994

Marrow transplants from unrelated donors.

It is now possible to access more than 1 million HLA-A, B typed volunteers willing to donate marrow. A preliminary search through the U.S. NMDP provides direct computerized access to the HLA-A, B, DR phenotypes of more than 186,000 registered donors. Fifty-one percent of preliminary searches yield at least one HLA-A, B, DR match, but a disproportional number of successful searches benefit primarily patients of Caucasian origin. Substantially greater recruitment among different racial and ethnic groups must occur if non-Caucasians are to have a better chance of finding an HLA-matched donor. Improved cooperation between registries and transplant networks in different countries remains an important goal. The optimal application of URD transplants may not be possible until an efficient and reliable worldwide marrow donor program has been established. DNA typing and matching for HLA alleles improves the timeliness of the donor search process and the precision of donor selection. HLA mismatching increases the probability and severity of GVHD, but minor mismatches for one HLA-A, B, or D/DRB1 locus does not appear to decrease survival. Although the risk of GVHD in URD transplants remains high and survival currently is not as favorable as HLA identical sibling transplants, better supportive care and GVHD control are providing a gradual improvement in the long-term disease-free survival of URD transplants.

Bone Marrow Transplantation↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Quality assurance programs through the accreditation of hospitals in Latin America and the Caribbean].

The majority of the approximately 14,000 hospitals in Latin America and the Caribbean face enormous challenges to live up to the basic prepositions of quality assurance in health care. If methods of quality control in medical education and hospitals are not implemented soon in Latin America, we will face, in the very near future, the same situation that has marred the quality of medical care in the U.S. This could turn our health care environment in Latin America into a controversial reality, just as vulnerable to malpractice lawsuits. This situation should be avoided at all costs, before the current absence of quality control favors financial external forces over the implementation of self-assessment methods or external control by accreditation commissions. The following conditions are needed for the effective development of quality assurance programs; a) professional technical skills; b) efficient use of resources; c) reduction to a minimum of lesions derived from services; d) patient satisfaction in his requirements, expectations and accessibility to health services, and e) local health systems, where comprehensive outpatient and inpatient services are provided.

Accreditation↗
PubMed1996

Control of efficiency and results, and adverse effects of excess iodine administration on thyroid function.

The control of the efficiency and the results of iodisation programs can be done clinically, biochemically and by monitoring the side-effects. Clinical improvement (disappearance of all the manifestations of iodine deficiency disease) is the most important end-point. However, some manifestations may persist for life, and so clinical improvement may require a long time interval before becoming apparent. For this reason, biochemical control, especially the urinary iodine excretion, is the most important early sign of the success (or not) of the iodisation programs. Side-effects of iodine in general include: 1. Iodine-induced hyperthyroidism. An increase in toxic nodular goitre is probably transient and eventually its incidence is expected to decrease. However, an increased incidence of autoimmune Graves' disease is probably permanent. 2. Iodine-induced hypothyroidism. 3. Iodine-induced autoimmunity, both of the Hashimoto and of the Graves types. 4. An increase in the incidence of papillary cancers, probably with a decrease in the more aggressive types. In any case, the benefits of iodisation programs far outweigh the risks, provided they are implemented and monitored carefully.

Drug Overdose↗
PubMed1998

Ab initio electronic structure calculation of a new gene system using the negative factor counting method.

We report a calculation of the electronic structure (density of states and molecular orbitals) of a new gene system-the plasmid shuttle vector pCRR1-performed at the ab initio Hartree-Fock level. To deal with the aperiodicity of the biopolymer, a vectorized version of a negative factor counting (NFC) program has been implemented. With this efficient tool, DNA molecules of up to 100 deoxynucleotides (approximately 10,000 basis functions at the ab initio level) can be calculated routinely. In our calculation the base sequence of the plasmid is explicitly taken into account and a standard helical structure is assumed. Minimum as well as 6-31G basis sets are used in the calculation, and solvation effects are explicitly included. The calculation shows that solvation does not have a significant effect on the electronic structure of the biopolymer. It is found that the frontier orbitals (HOMO and LUMO) are highly localized on the bases. The interpretation of this result in terms of the frontier molecular orbital theory is that the attack of radiation-induced radicals is mainly on the base moieties.

Models, Genetic↗
PubMed1998

The Mof2/Sui1 protein is a general monitor of translational accuracy.

Although it is essential for protein synthesis to be highly accurate, a number of cases of directed ribosomal frameshifting have been reported in RNA viruses, as well as in procaryotic and eucaryotic genes. Changes in the efficiency of ribosomal frameshifting can have major effects on the ability of cells to propagate viruses which use this mechanism. Furthermore, studies of this process can illuminate the mechanisms involved in the maintenance of the normal translation reading frame. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae killer virus system uses programmed -1 ribosomal frameshifting to synthesize its gene products. Strains harboring the mof2-1 allele demonstrated a fivefold increase in frameshifting and prevented killer virus propagation. In this report, we present the results of the cloning and characterization of the wild-type MOF2 gene. mof2-1 is a novel allele of SUI1, a gene previously shown to play a role in translation initiation start site selection. Strains harboring the mof2-1 allele demonstrated a mutant start site selection phenotype and increased efficiency of programmed -1 ribosomal frameshifting and conferred paromomycin sensitivity. The increased frameshifting observed in vivo was reproduced in extracts prepared from mof2-1 cells. Addition of purified wild-type Mof2p/Sui1p reduced frameshifting efficiencies to wild-type levels. Expression of the human SUI1 homolog in yeast corrects all of the mof2-1 phenotypes, demonstrating that the function of this protein is conserved throughout evolution. Taken together, these results suggest that Mof2p/Sui1p functions as a general modulator of accuracy at both the initiation and elongation phases of translation.

Alleles↗
PubMed1990

Effect of basic drive cycle length on the yield of ventricular tachycardia during programmed ventricular stimulation.

The yield of sustained, monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) induced by programmed ventricular stimulation was compared, using basic drive trains of 400 ms, 600 ms and sinus rhythm, to identify the most efficient sequence of basic drive trains to use during programmed stimulation. Fifty-five patients with coronary artery disease and inducible sustained monomorphic VT not requiring countershock to terminate underwent 81 electrophysiology tests in which 1 to 3 extrastimuli were introduced during sinus rhythm and after basic drive trains of 600 and 400 ms. In 72 electrophysiology tests, sustained, monomorphic VT was induced at the right ventricular apex. The yield of VT using a drive cycle length of 400 ms was 63 of 72 (88%), compared to 46 of 72 (64%) when the drive cycle length was 600 ms, and 23 of 72 (32%) when the extrastimuli were introduced during sinus rhythm (p less than 0.001 for all pairwise comparisons). In 14 electrophysiology tests in which VT was not induced using a 400 ms basic drive cycle length at the apex, the yield of VT was higher using a 400 ms drive cycle length at a second right ventricular site (12 of 14) than with a 600 ms drive cycle length (3 of 12) or sinus rhythm (4 of 12) at the apex (p less than 0.05). The yield of sustained, monomorphic VT induced by 1 to 3 extrastimuli increases as the basic drive cycle length shortens. Whereas programmed stimulation is conventionally started during sinus rhythm or with a drive cycle length of 600 ms, the present results suggest that starting with a drive cycle length of 400 ms may be more efficient.

Cardiac Pacing, Artificial↗
PubMed2000

Environmental practices for biomedical research facilities.

As a result of the Leadership Conference on Biomedical Research and the Environment, the Facilities Committee focused its work on the development of best environmental practices at biomedical research facilities at the university and independent research facility level as well as consideration of potential involvement of for-profit companies and government agencies. The designation "facilities" includes all related buildings and grounds, "green auditing" of buildings and programs, purchasing of furnishings and sources, energy efficiency, and engineering services (lighting, heating, air conditioning), among other activities. The committee made a number of recommendations, including development of a national council for environmental stewardship in biomedical research, development of a system of green auditing of such research facilities, and creation of programs for sustainable building and use. In addition, the committee recommended extension of education and training programs for environmental stewardship, in cooperation with facilities managers, for all research administrators and researchers. These programs would focus especially on graduate fellows and other students, as well as on science labs at levels K--12.

Biomedical Technology↗
PubMed1997

Development and implementation of a perioperative autologous service program.

Several months after we initiated our PAS program, the AABB scrutinized our policy and procedure manual. At the same time, the JCAHO conducted an inspection of our blood bank and its standards. Both reviews were positive, which provided all of us involved in the PAS program with a tremendous sense of accomplishment. Each PAS team member played a significant role in the development and implementation of our PAS program. Thanks to the energy, enthusiasm, and support of perioperative nurses, surgeons, and hospital administrators, our PAS program has evolved into a high quality, efficient alternative to homologous blood transfusions in the perioperative setting.

Blood Banks↗
PubMed1999

Strategic Planning of Recycling Drop-Off Stations and Collection Network by Multiobjective Programming.

/ Effective planning of solid-waste recycling programs is a substantial challenge to the current solid-waste management systems in Taiwan. Due to the rapid depletion of landfill space and the continuing delay in construction programs of municipal incinerators, solid-waste management strategies have to be reorganized in light of the success of recycling, recovery, and reuse of secondary materials. One of these efforts is how to effectively allocate recycling drop-off stations of appropriate size and how to design efficient collection-vehicle routing and scheduling programs in the solid waste collection network. This management strategy is particularly important in the privatized system with recycling containers and material recovery facilities (MRFs) owned by one agency. This research seeks multiobjective evaluation of the trade-off between the number and size of drop-off stations, the population covered in the service network, the average walking distance to drop-off stations by the population, and the distance traveled by collection vehicles. It also illustrates the use of the multiobjective nonlinear mixed integer programming model to achieve such goals that are solved by the genetic algorithms (GA) in a geographical information system (GIS) platform. The case study shows the application potential of such a methodology in the city of Kaohsiung in Taiwan.KEY WORDS: Optimization analysis; Recycling; Solid waste managementhttp://link.springer-ny.com/link/service/journals/00267/bibs/24n2p247.html

Journal Article↗
PubMed1999

"Cell paralysis" as an intermediate stage in the programmed cell death of epiphyseal chondrocytes during development.

The efficient elimination of apoptotic cells depends on heterophagocytosis by other cells, which is difficult or impossible when the dying cells are embedded in an extracellular matrix. This situation is exemplified by the epiphyseal chondrocytes during the development of the chondroepiphyses of long bones. A detailed ultrastructural study identified an unusual type of epiphyseal chondrocyte which contained a very dark nucleus with irregular patches of condensed chromatin and a crenated nuclear membrane. The cytosol consisted of excessively expanded endoplasmic reticulum lumen, containing "islands" of cytoplasm and organelles. Since these cells appeared to be "in limbo," neither viable nor dead, they are referred to as "paralyzed" cells. By studying cells of intermediate morphologies, we were able to demonstrate the sequence of events leading to cell paralysis. It is proposed that the paralysis represents an intermediate state in the physiological cell death of epiphyseal chondrocytes in which destruction is orderly and avoids a inflammatory, potentially locally destructive, reaction. The cell is rendered paralyzed in terms of function but impotent in respect of damaging consequences. Paralysis is compared and contrasted with apoptosis, autophagocytosis, and necrosis and may represent another mode of programmed cell death in situations where cells are immature and/or where phagocytosis by neighboring cells is difficult.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

The effectiveness of screening programs based on high-risk characteristics in early identification of hearing impairment.

Prompt identification of educationally significant hearing loss is yet an unattained goal. However, there is some evidence that the ability to identify and diagnose hearing loss at an early age has been significantly improved through the use of carefully designed screening protocols such as birth certificate-based high-risk registries. To evaluate the efficiency of birth certificate-based screening programs, 70 parents and guardians of 6- to 9-yr-old children with significant sensorineural losses were surveyed regarding their child's identification history. Each of these children was born in the state during the time a birth certificate-based screening program was in full operation. Results indicate that children with at least one risk factor for hearing impairment were identified an average of 7.7 mo earlier than children with no risk history. However, only 50% of the children with sensorineural hearing losses exhibited any of the risk factors and a significant number of children with risk factors were missed by the system. Had admission to a neonatal intensive care unit been considered a risk factor, 63% of the children would have exhibited at least one risk factor. More extensive implementation of high-risk registries in conjunction with more widespread education of parents and primary care providers regarding early behavioral indicators of hearing loss, procedures for referral, and appropriate intervention and management services needs to be considered.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1992

Effects of Duroc, Meishan, Fengjing, and Minzhu boars on productivity of mates and growth of first-cross progeny.

Meishan, Fengjing, Minzhu, and Duroc boars were mated by AI to crossbred gilts to compare the sire breeds for effects on productivity of their mates and performance of their progeny. Gilts were derived from a four-way cross of Chester White, Landrace, Large White, and Yorkshire. At weaning, litters sired by Meishan boars averaged 1.69 and 1.32 more pigs than those sired by Duroc and Minzhu boars, respectively (P less than .05). Pigs sired by Meishan and Fengjing boars averaged 1.2 to 1.8 more nipples than pigs sired by Duroc and Minzhu boars (P less than .05). Minzhu-sired pigs had a lower (P less than .05) survival rate to 14 and 28 d of age than did those sired by Meishan, Fengjing, and Duroc. Fengjing-sired pigs were heavier than Minzhu-sired pigs at birth and heavier than Minzhu- and Duroc-sired pigs at 14, 28, and 56 d of age (P less than .05). At 70 d of age, Meishan-sired pigs were heaviest, followed in order by Fengjing-, Duroc-, and Minzhu-sired pigs. At 98 d of age, Meishan-sired pigs were significantly heavier than all other breed groups and Duroc-sired pigs were significantly heavier than Minzhu-sired pigs. At 126 and 154 d of age, Duroc-sired pigs were heaviest, followed in order by Meishan-, Fengjing-, and Minzhu-sired pigs; all differences were significant. Average backfat thickness of gilts at 99.7 kg was least for Duroc-sired gilts and highest for Meishan-sired gilts. Sire breed groups did not differ significantly in feed efficiency from 70 to 98 d of age. Duroc-sired pigs were the most efficient (P less than .05) from 98 to 126 and 126 to 154 d of age. Results indicate that use of these Chinese breeds in crossbreeding programs will decrease performance traits. This decrease would have to be offset by increases in reproductive efficiency of Chinese sows, use of repartitioning agents, or other management techniques if Chinese pigs are to improve overall production efficiency of a crossbreeding program.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Novel computer program for fast exact calculation of accessible and molecular surface areas and average surface curvature.

New computer programs, SurfRace and FastSurf, perform fast calculations of the solvent accessible and molecular (solvent excluded) surface areas of macromolecules. Program SurfRace also calculates the areas of cavities inaccessible from the outside. We introduce the definition of average curvature of molecular surface and calculate average molecular surface curvatures for each atom in a structure. All surface area and curvature calculations are analytic and therefore yield exact values of these quantities. High calculation speed of this software is achieved primarily by avoiding computationally expensive mathematical procedures wherever possible and by efficient handling of surface data structures. The programs are written initially in the language C for PCs running Windows 2000/98/NT, but their code is portable to other platforms with only minor changes in input-output procedures. The algorithm is robust and does not ignore either multiplicity or degeneracy of atomic overlaps. Fast, memory-efficient and robust execution make this software attractive for applications both in computationally expensive energy minimization algorithms, such as docking or molecular dynamics simulations, and in stand-alone surface area and curvature calculations.

Algorithms↗