Software system for biological signal processing and risk evaluation in pediatrics

The serum gastrin (GT) data from 18 children were coded and analyzed on a minicomputer by linear least-squares procedures. Circadian rhythm parameters were computed for each individual series by the single cosinor fit of a 24-h cosine curve. The analysis of those data reveals a statistically significant circadian rhythm as the principal spectral feature. A circadian parameter comparison of data from the two genders indicates a similar MESOR (midline-estimating statistic of rhythm M ; P=0.308), amplitude (A; P=0.523) and acrophase (Φ; P=0.485) for both groups. It is concluded that the assessment of chronobiologic characteristics of GT and other related variables by a properly designed software system refines and renders rigorous any biomedical comparison, e.g. for groups of children, whether one's interest relates to gender, age, ethnicity, or the risk of developing diseases