Choosing the right software for electrophysiological studies can be challenging not only due to the complexity of the experiments, but also to the enormous amount of information collected: These volumes of data have a huge impact on data storage and analysis. In my lab, I study the pharmacological effects of various protein phosphorylation regulators on the depression of synaptic transmission. To assess neurotransmission, I record, measure and analyze excitatory postsynaptic potentials, both spontaneous and those evoked by stimulation at various frequencies. I used various programs such as Scope for Windows® v3.6.10 program (AD Instruments, Pty Ltd, Castle Hill, NSW, Australia), Chart for Windows® v4.2 program (AD Instruments, Castle Hill, NSW, Australia) and Mini Analysis Program v6.01 (Synaptosoft, Decatur, GA, USA) and more recently tried the Study Advantage™ Program from Study Advantage™, Philadelphia, PA.
Study Advantage™ is a browser-based software program for data collection and analysis. Even though the program was initially developed for animal cancer studies, it can be used in the design of any biological studies including plants, fungi, etc. Moreover, it leverages study design by allowing rapid application of the initial design to subsequent studies. It also allows quick randomization of samples into protocol groups according to specific parameters such as age, body weight, height, tumor volume or area, etc . and automatic generation of a test administration schedule. Furthermore, Study Advantage™ supports a wide range of lab instruments such as electronic balances, calipers, chip readers and imaging devices for quick and accurate data acquisition with no manual transcription.
Study Advantage™ was designed to allow for multi-site studies conducted by large organizations in order to allow collaboration between scientists and technicians. However, the program is also very useful on a smaller scale, and will run on a single machine for use by a small group. It provides immediate access to the study information, no matter when and where the study takes place.
Results and data from the lab are immediately available and errors that might otherwise jeopardize the study can be detected earlier and avoided. For example, Study Advantage™ alerts both the technician and study director if test article dosages have not been administered in a timely fashion. Also, Study Advantage™ permits comparison of measurements to allowable ranges, catching possible data acquisition errors before they become a problem.
The readily accessible database is also extremely important in collaboration studies. If required, the results can be shared at the owner’s discretion or the investigator can get assistance with the study design from multiple scientists collaborating on a particular study. The number of studies and users per study is practically unlimited. However, the study director controls access to data and results by determining who has permission to the view aspects of the study. As the data is stored on a server within a particular organization, only authorized users have access to it.
All study information is well-organized in a central database and analysis of results is extremely simple and rapid. The program performs statistical analyses such as standard descriptive stats, Duncan’s, Dunnett’s, Kruskal-Wallis, t-tests and more. Study Advantage™ also generates pre-defined reports such as Protocol, Raw Data, Body Weights, Dosing and Clinical Observations. Custom reports are easily generated. Reports and data can be exported in a variety of file formats including MS Word, Excel, ASCII, PDF, HTML, etc.
The graphs of study data are instantly generated from results and updated as new data comes in. A feature that I found extremely helpful is the possibility to export results and reports in a variety of formats including Excel, Prism, Word, PDF and other favorite formats and analysis applications.
A useful and interesting feature is the search capabilities. Study Advantage™ allows the search on various parameters such as test article, scientist’s name, cell lines, etc. and review studies that contain these parameters. That way, results from previous studies are easily accessed, eliminating duplication of effort, among other benefits.
Study costs can be monitored and billed to the client at the conclusion of the study, as Study Advantage™ includes a client information screen and cost tracking.
Another important advantage of this software is that being browser-based, there is no special software to install on the desktop as long as one has access to Internet Explorer or other web browsers. One may use Study Advantage™ with any network including an organization’s internal LAN, Intranet or the Internet.
Minimal or no support from IT staff is needed; even when software upgrades are required, they are performed on only one computer and everyone enjoys the upgrade without the need to go desktop to desktop. The software architecture is flexible and easily customized to meet specific needs.
Postdoc
Physiology Department
University of Toronto