Statistical Processing Software Research Articles

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with psoriasis: A hospital-based case control study from a tertiary care center in Andhra Pradesh

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease of skin and joints affecting 1-3% of the population. Psoriasis may act as an external indicator of underlying immunological and metabolic dysregulation. Previous studies found higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with psoriasis, the former being a significant predictor of cardiovascular disease. Aims: We aimed to study the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its individual components in patients with psoriasis and to determine the relationship of disease duration and severity with metabolic syndrome. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based comparative study was conducted involving 100 patients with psoriasis and 100 age- and sex-matched controls. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed by the presence of three or more criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Panel III (ATP III). Statistical analysis of the data was done using statistical processing software (SPSS 17). Results: Metabolic syndrome was significantly more common among patients with psoriasis than among controls [42% vs 22%, odds ratio (OR) = 2.5674, P Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome is more common in patients with psoriasis than in the general population. As most of the studies from India as well as the rest of the world are proving this association, psoriasis can be considered as one of the markers of metabolic syndrome.

Automated analysis of dynamic Ca2+ signals in image sequences.

Intracellular Ca(2+) signals are commonly studied with fluorescent Ca(2+) indicator dyes and microscopy techniques. However, quantitative analysis of Ca(2+) imaging data is time consuming and subject to bias. Automated signal analysis algorithms based on region of interest (ROI) detection have been implemented for one-dimensional line scan measurements, but there is no current algorithm which integrates optimized identification and analysis of ROIs in two-dimensional image sequences. Here an algorithm for rapid acquisition and analysis of ROIs in image sequences is described. It utilizes ellipses fit to noise filtered signals in order to determine optimal ROI placement, and computes Ca(2+) signal parameters of amplitude, duration and spatial spread. This algorithm was implemented as a freely available plugin for ImageJ (NIH) software. Together with analysis scripts written for the open source statistical processing software R, this approach provides a high-capacity pipeline for performing quick statistical analysis of experimental output. The authors suggest that use of this analysis protocol will lead to a more complete and unbiased characterization of physiologic Ca(2+) signaling.

Automated Analysis of Dynamic Ca<sup>2+</sup> Signals in Image Sequences

Intracellular Ca2+ signals are commonly studied with fluorescent Ca2+ indicator dyes and microscopy techniques. However, quantitative analysis of Ca2+ imaging data is time consuming and subject to bias. Automated signal analysis algorithms based on region of interest (ROI) detection have been implemented for one-dimensional line scan measurements, but there is no current algorithm which integrates optimized identification and analysis of ROIs in two-dimensional image sequences. Here an algorithm for rapid acquisition and analysis of ROIs in image sequences is described. It utilizes ellipses fit to noise filtered signals in order to determine optimal ROI placement, and computes Ca2+ signal parameters of amplitude, duration and spatial spread. This algorithm was implemented as a freely available plugin for ImageJ (NIH) software. Together with analysis scripts written for the open source statistical processing software R, this approach provides a high-capacity pipeline for performing quick statistical analysis of experimental output. The authors suggest that use of this analysis protocol will lead to a more complete and unbiased characterization of physiologic Ca2+ signaling.

Factors used by Ghanaian students in determining career options in the tourism and hospitality industry

Purpose – While colleges have perceived the importance and growth within the tourism and hospitality industry, students in the industry have mixed feelings about career options that are available to them. The purpose of this paper is to discuss factors that underpin students ' perception of career options in the tourism and hospitality industry and to make recommendations for other developing countries. Design/methodology/approach – A 21-variable structured questionnaire was used to solicit response from 260 Ghanaian tourism and hospitality students. The data was coded and keyed into MINITAB and SPSS statistical processing software. Various multivariate techniques such as Eigen-analysis, correlation analysis and factor analysis were used to analyze the data. Secondary data was also obtained for student records. Findings – The study revealed that, industry-person congeniality, social benefit factors, opportunity for professional development, and job competitiveness, were crucial in determining students ' choice of career options. Other factors include, career opportunities in tourism and hospitality industry were more easily attainable than in many other sectors of the economy; remuneration in the industry is grossly inadequate. Research limitations/implications – A limitation of the study is the use of HTM students of one university. Therefore, replication of this study in other tourism and hospitality institutions of higher in other developing countries is strongly recommended to harmonize the findings of this study. Practical implications – Several implications were found including: getting students to be made aware of the career and career development opportunities available in each sector; educational institutions should partner with industry to provide internship and employment opportunities, that would encourage students to have a better perception of the industry; curb the escalating trend of “brain drain” away for the industry, while the industry should reorganize itself to correct the negative perception of low wages and high turnover. Originality/value – The study was an original primary study that surveyed students at two tertiary level institutions to determine their perception of the career options available to them. The lessons are of value to stakeholders of Ghana ' s tourism and hospitality industry and relevance to those in other developing countries.

X線CTにおけるDose Index Registryシステムによる Notification Valueの決定過程

A new technical standard for X-ray computed tomography (CT) has been published by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) that allows the Alert Value and Notification Value for cumulative dose to be configurable by CT systems operators in conjunction with the XR-25 (Dose check) standard. In this study, a decision method of the Notification Values for reducing the radiation dose was examined using the dose index registry (DIR) system, during 122 continuous days from August 1, 2012 to November 30, 2012. CT images were obtained using the Discovery CT 750HD (GE Healthcare) and the dose index was calculated using the DoseWatch DIR system. The CT dose index-volume (CTDIvol) and dose-length product (DLP) were output from the DIR system in comma-separated value (CSV) file format for each examination protocol. All data were shown as a schematic boxplot using statistical processing software. The CTDIvol of a routine chest examination showed the following values (maximum: 23.84 mGy; minimum: 2.55 mGy; median: 7.60 mGy; 75% tile: 10.01 mGy; 25% tile: 6.54 mGy). DLP showed the following values (maximum: 944.56 mGy·cm; minimum: 97.25 mGy·cm; median: 307.35 mGy·cm; 75% tile: 406.87 mGy·cm; 25% tile: 255.75 mGy·cm). These results indicate that the 75% tile of CTDIvol and DLP as an initial value proved to be safe and efficient for CT examination and operation. We have thus established one way of determining the Notification Value from the output of the DIR system. Transfer back to the protocol of the CT and automated processing each numeric value in the DIR system is desired.

The Natural History of Cardiac and Pulmonary Function Decline in Patients With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Retrospective review of scoliosis progression, pulmonary and cardiac function in a series of patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). To determine whether operative treatment of scoliosis decreases the rate of pulmonary function loss in patients with DMD. It is generally accepted that surgical intervention should be undertaken in DMD scoliosis once curve sizes reach 35° to allow intervention before critical respiratory decline has occurred. There are conflicting reports, however, regarding the effect of scoliosis stabilization on the rate of pulmonary function decline when compared to nonoperative cohorts. We reviewed spinal radiographs, echocardiograms, and spirometry, hospital, and operative records of all patients seen at our tertiary referral center from July 1, 1992 to June 1, 2007. Data were recorded to Microsoft Excel (Microsoft, Redmond, WA) and analyzed with SAS (SAS Institute, Cary, NC) and R statistical processing software (www.r-project.org). The percent predicted forced vital capacity (PPFVC) decreased 5% per year before operation. The mean PPFVC was 54% (SD = 21%) before operation with a mean postoperative PPFVC of 43% (SD = 14%). Surgical treatment was associated with a 12% decline in PPFVC independent of other treatment variables. PPFVC after operation declined at a rate of 1% per year and while this rate was lower, it was not significantly different than the rate of decline present before operation (P = 0.18). Cardiac function as measured by left ventricular fractional shortening declined at a rate of 1% per year with most individuals exhibiting a left ventricular fractional shortening rate of more than 30 before operation. Operative treatment of scoliosis in DMD using the Luque Galveston method was associated with a reduction of forced vital capacity related to operation. The rate of pulmonary function decline after operation was not significantly reduced when compared with the rate of preoperative forced vital capacity decline.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular atherosclerosis. Metabolic syndrome, a conglomerate of various clinical and biochemical parameters is a significant predictor of atherosclerotic disease and the associated risk for cardiovascular events in such patients. To investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with psoriasis. The study was a prospective, hospital based case-control study involving 150 adult patients with chronic plaque psoriasis and 150 healthy controls. Venous samples were taken at the enrollment visit after the subjects had fasted overnight (at least 8 h). Serum cholesterol and triglycerides were measured with enzymatic procedures. Plasma glucose was measured using a glucose oxidase method. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed by the presence of three or more criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Programme's Adult Panel III (ATP III). Statistical analysis of the data was done using statistical processing software (SPSS-17) and epi-info software. Metabolic syndrome was significantly more common in psoriatic patients than in controls 42(28%) vs 9(6%), odds ratio (OR) = 6.09, P<0.05. Psoriatic patients also had a significantly higher prevalence of hypertriglyceridaemia (73/150 among cases vs 24/150 among controls; P<0.05), arterial hypertension (74/150 among cases vs 24/150 among controls; P<0.05) and impaired fasting plasma glucose levels (27/150 among cases vs 04/150 among controls; P<0.05). Psoriatic patients with metabolic syndrome had mean disease duration of 13.67±11.87 years against 6.46±5.80 years in those without metabolic syndrome. There is a significantly higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome in psoriasis patients as compared to general population and so is the risk of having atherosclerotic adversity. While managing the psoriatic plaques of these patients, concerns should extend to the atherosclerotic plaques as well.

Computerized blood pressure and heart rate recording system interfaces standard chart recorder with any micro-computer

The designed inexpensive blood pressure recording system (BPRS) gives any micro-computer direct on-line blood pressure and heart rate recording capability that will save research time and increase the accuracy of collected data. The data is automatically stored in a file compatible with most graphic and statistical processing software. In vitro testing, over a range of 0–200 mmHg and 0–360 beats per minute showed a 0.999 intraclass correlation. In vivo testing of the BPRS used anaesthetized rats whereby their systolic and diastolic pressures were measured simultaneously with heart rate. The blood pressures and heart rate data, measured by the BPRS demonstrated excellent stability, sensitivity and accuracy when compared to those measured by standard pressure transducers in conjunction with a Grass polygraph and a sphygmomanometer.

Metrological certification and maintenance of software for statistical processing of results of measurements

Metrological certification and maintenance of software for statistical processing of results of measurements