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At least 253 records · Page 14Linked to original sources

[The PACS model plan at the Freiburg University Clinic. A first step toward a radiologic picture archiving and communication system].

In a study performed at several clinical departments of the University of Freiburg, West Germany, it was found that approximately 180,000 patient examinations based on computed tomography, magnetic resonance, nuclear medicine, ultrasound as well as digital and conventional radiography, produce over 1,000,000 pictures. It was assumed that modern technologies can greatly facilitate the handling of such a quantity of images. This applies to diagnosis and therapy planning as well as to communication and archiving of this large amount of data. The study also assumes that the technologies to be considered, e.g. fiber optical networks, optical archives and medical work stations, which represent the main components of PACS, should be introduced in a stepwise manner following a clear overall conception. As the first step the implementation of a local area network (LAN) in the departments of radiology and general surgery is planned. Important criteria for the selection of these particular departments are improvements in health care for a maximum number of patients and in the working profiles for the greatest possible number of physicians and assistant personnel. A cost reduction as compared to the present system through more efficient communication and archiving of the digital images is expected. New perspectives for medical research as well as for medico-technical developments are also expected. Examples are the 3-D representations of human anatomy and the manufacturing of custom-designed prothetic devices. Scheduling and budgetary plans for equipment and manpower are further study results for the Freiburg PACS-Project.

Germany, West↗

[Integrated imaging of the breast. Use of a hypermedia program and multimedia archives for teaching purposes].

This paper deals with the results obtained with a computerized senology system developed at the Institute of Radiology of "La Sapienza" University in Rome. The system combines a hypermedia program with a multimedia didactic archive integrated with the radiologic information system. These programs have been developed on Macintosh computers: the hypermedia one on a Macintosh IIfx with 160-Mb hard disk and 8-Mb RAM and a Supercard software, the multimedia archive on Macintosh IIvx, IIvi and Quadra 650 units, connected with an Ethernet network to a server Quadra 950 (RAM: 20 Megabytes; optical disk: 1 Giga) and using the 4th Dimension as software. The basics of breast anatomy, radiologic semiology and breast diseases are illustrated with the hypermedia program: such a system has many advantages to teach the basics requiring just a process of learning by heart. The multimedia archive allows to classify a large number of difficult and uncommon clinical cases, according to the ACR code. Thus, it is useful also to teachers to study particular subjects, including anatomical variants and uncommon conditions. In conclusion, we believe these systems to be valuable tools in the formation and update of the physicians devoted to the study of breast diseases.

Breast↗

[Digital picture archiving, processing and communication in diagnostic imaging with a Siemens Network (SIENET): initial results].

The concept of Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) in digital imaging offers substantial advantages: better data security, faster access to archived images, simultaneous availability of images at different sites, minimal space demand for archive medium, retrospective image post-processing opportunities and lower costs resulting from reduced film consumption and length of stay. However, practical experiences concerning reliability and efficiency of real PAC networks in radiological departments have to be made yet in order to improve network structure, software design and hardware performance. The ongoing stepwise installation and test of a Siemens PACS (SIENET) at the Department of Radiology at the Medical University of Lübeck will support the introduction of PACS concept into radiological practice.

Computer Communication Networks↗

Characterization of DNA extracted from archival celloidin-embedded human temporal bone sections.

The focus of the present investigation was to study, via molecular biology techniques, the character of the DNA present in individual archival celloidin-embedded human temporal bone sections. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of 92 base pair (bp), 121 bp, and 471 bp regions of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) extracted from a single archival celloidin-embedded human temporal bone section was used to assess the length of the template DNA extracted. The effects of digestion time and sample motion during the extraction method on DNA concentration was also studied. These data are crucial to determine the limits of applying PCR technology to amplify specific genomic DNA targets located within the human inner ear. Further development of these methods will allow additional molecular temporal bone pathologic studies to be completed and, more specifically, hypotheses regarding the molecular etiopathogenesis of many auditory, vestibular, and facial nerve disorders, such as autoimmune hearing loss, congenital hearing losses, Meniere's disease, otosclerosis, or Bell's palsy could be tested. The results described should be of great value to those investigators extracting DNA from archival individual human temporal bone sections for PCR assays of specific genetic alterations or infectious agents associated with temporal bone pathologies.

Base Sequence↗

The use of archival frozen tumor tissue imprint specimens for fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization for the detection of gene amplification or deletion has great promise as a method of providing diagnostic or prognostic information from tumor specimens. Fine needle aspiration samples or tumor tissue imprints are much easier to use and provide better results than paraffin sections, however, these materials are rarely archived and it may take many months to accumulate enough specimens for a study. Archival breast carcinoma tumor tissue samples, some stored frozen for several years, were used to prepare tumor tissue touch imprints on glass microscope slides. The imprints were subjected to fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses utilizing a biotin-dUTP-labeled genomic DNA probe for the cyclin D1 gene (CCND1/PRAD1) and a digoxygenin-labeled chromosome 11 alpha-satellite probe to control for chromosomal copy number. Amplification of CCND1 was easily detectable in frozen tissue imprints. The results indicate that both cytologic morphology and hybridization capacity are well preserved in archived frozen tissue and easily permit its use for in situ hybridization experiments. The ability to use stored frozen tumor tissue for molecular morphologic analysis should allow more rapid assessment of fluorescence in situ hybridization as a potential adjunct for tumor analysis by the surgical pathologist.

Biopsy↗

Analysis of estrogen receptor messenger RNA in breast carcinomas from archival specimens is predictive of tumor biology.

As the size of breast tumors continues to decrease, it has become more difficult to obtain adequate tumor tissue for molecular studies. We have used the estrogen receptor (ER) gene as a model to study the ability to perform a quantitative analysis of ER mRNA extracted from archival breast carcinoma specimens using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Based upon ER mRNA abundance, tumors were characterized as having low, medium, or high ER mRNA expression. These data were compared with ER and progesterone receptor (PR) status determined by enzyme immunoassay, tumor histology, and Bloom-Richardson grade. Comparing the low and high ER mRNA groups, there were statistically significant differences in ER-positive status (10% versus 95%; P = 0.0001), PR-positive status (10% versus 90%; P = 0.0001), and tumor grade (2.67 +/- 0.12 versus 2.09 +/- 0.14; P = 0.0025). Of the 28 tumors in the high ER mRNA group, 5 (18%) were invasive lobular carcinomas whereas all 24 tumors with low ER mRNA were invasive ductal carcinomas. These data demonstrate that archival breast tumor specimens can be characterized for ER mRNA abundance. In addition, we conclude that the mechanisms regulating ER gene transcription influence the phenotype of breast carcinomas. These results also suggest that this technique can be designed to provide a quantitative analysis of gene expression for any gene of interest utilizing archival tumor specimens.

Blotting, Southern↗

Introduction of an ultrasound picture archiving and communication system: experience in the first year.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the authors' first year's experience with a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) for the management and storage of ultrasound images and to discuss the financial impact of the system in terms of costs of purchase, installation and operation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Toronto Hospital, General Division, performs more than 30000 ultrasound studies each year. On June 27, 1994, an Ultra PACS (ALI Technology Incorporated, Richmond, BC) was introduced as the only method of image storage and archiving in the Ultrasound Division. RESULTS: After structural renovations and a detailed work flow analysis, the Ultrasound Division converted from film to the PACS over a single weekend with no back-up. The advantages to date include consistently high-quality images; rapid image retrieval (images from the same day [online], 0 to 45 seconds; archived images [online], 3 to 5 minutes; images in storage [offline], 3 minutes); no loss of images; more efficient patient through-put, which allows the division to handle the same number of patients in 20% less operational time (change from a 10-hour day to an 8-hour day, over a 5-day week); less end-of-day overtime; and an improved work environment. There has been no change in the division's complement of full-time equivalent technologists, the number of film librarians has been reduced by 1, and physician service time has decreased by 20%. There has been no significant impact on overall operational financial status. CONCLUSION: The PACS has proved an efficient method for managing large numbers of ultrasound images in a cost-effective and technically sound manner. Its installation provides the basis for meeting the Ultrasound Division's next objective, to eliminate paper as the primary method of managing patient information and reports.

Computer Communication Networks↗

Cine film replacement: digital archival requirements and remaining obstacles.

The acceptance of the Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine (DICOM) standard and the Compact Disk-Recordable (CD-R) as the interchange medium have been critical developments for laboratories that need to move forward on the cine replacement front, while at the same time retain a means to communicate with other centers. One remaining essential component which has not been satisfactorily addressed is the issue of how digital image data should be archived within an institution. Every laboratory must consider the diverse issues which affect the choice of a digital archiving system. These factors include technical and economic issues, along with the clinical routines prevailing in their laboratory. A complete understanding of the issues will lead to the formulation of multiple options which may prove acceptable and will help to overcome the last obstacle which remains for the complete replacement of cine film in the cardiac catheterization laboratory.

Archives↗

Single cell PCR from archival stained bone marrow slides: a method for molecular diagnosis and characterization.

Molecular analysis of isolated single cells is a powerful tool for clarifying issues of cell origin and clonality. Previous reports have described PCR amplifications from total DNA and RNA extracted from archival bone marrow and peripheral blood smears and have also shown the feasibility of amplifications from single cells, microdissected from stained histological sections. In this study, a method is described for performing PCR from morphologically defined single cells isolated from archival May-Gruenwald-Giemsa-stained bone-marrow and blood smears. Using three DNA extraction procedures, the organic lysis showed reproducible high efficiencies of amplifications. With this method, we were able to amplify long range amplicons up to 14.5 kb from mitochondrial DNA as well as PCR products of conventional length. The usability of such products for molecular diagnosis is demonstrated by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)characterization of a mitochondrial disorder. In conclusion, this method has the power to perform molecular diagnosis and characterization of diseases on the single cell level, and should provide valuable information to aid disease treatment and prognosis of hematological disorders.

Adult↗

The evolution of a functional real-time laboratory records retrieval and archival system.

The vast flood of information resulting from medical record keeping in a clinical laboratory must be cataloged and archived. To deal with this problem we designed an approach employing automated report generation by a laboratory computer, data base management of patient laboratory results, and automated microform generation via computer output microform (COM). This paper documents the steps that led to the system we are currently employing. The system described maintains the availability of current patient laboratory data, creates a microform archive and an on-line index, and serves as the data base for research inquiries. In addition, we have experienced a cost savings over manual procedures and now possess the capability of expansion without the costly addition of personnel.

Archives↗

CDtool-an integrated software package for circular dichroism spectroscopic data processing, analysis, and archiving.

CDtool is a software package written to facilitate circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopic studies on both conventional lab-based instruments and synchrotron beamlines. It takes format-independent input data from any type of CD instrument, enables a wide range of standard and advanced processing methods, and, in a single user-friendly graphics-based package, takes raw data through the entire processing procedure and, importantly, uses data-mining techniques to retain in the final output all the information associated with the processing. It permits the facile comparison of data obtained from different instruments without the need for reformatting and displays it in graphical formats suitable for publication. It also includes the ability to automatically archive the processed data. This latter feature may be especially useful in light of recent funding institution directives with regard to data sharing and archiving and requirements for "good practice" and "traceability" within the pharmaceutical industry. In addition, CDtool includes a means of interfacing with protein data bank coordinate files and calculating secondary structures from them using alternate definitions and algorithms. This feature, along with a function that permits the facile production of new reference databases, enables the creation of specialized databases for secondary structural analyses of specific types of proteins. Thus the CDtool software not only enables rapid data processing and analyses but also includes many enhanced features not available in other CD data processing/analysis packages.

Archives↗

Computer methods in child language research: four principles for the use of archived data.

With the increasing use of computers in language research, there is a need for caution concerning several new issues of data accountability. This paper presents four principles for archive-based language research: Maximum Readability and Minimum Bias; Consistent Encoding for exhaustive computer search; Systematic Contrastiveness; and Data Comparability in elicitation, transcription and coding. These and related principles are illustrated by examples from existing computer archives, and strategies are suggested for minimizing detrimental effects of violations. Finally, the paper describes some implications of the principles for properties of a field-wide and international standard of transcription of language data.

Archives↗

SPINS: standardized protein NMR storage. A data dictionary and object-oriented relational database for archiving protein NMR spectra.

Modern protein NMR spectroscopy laboratories have a rapidly growing need for an easily queried local archival system of raw experimental NMR datasets. SPINS (Standardized ProteIn Nmr Storage) is an object-oriented relational database that provides facilities for high-volume NMR data archival, organization of analyses, and dissemination of results to the public domain by automatic preparation of the header files required for submission of data to the BioMagResBank (BMRB). The current version of SPINS coordinates the process from data collection to BMRB deposition of raw NMR data by standardizing and integrating the storage and retrieval of these data in a local laboratory file system. Additional facilities include a data mining query tool, graphical database administration tools, and a NMRStar v2. 1.1 file generator. SPINS also includes a user-friendly internet-based graphical user interface, which is optionally integrated with Varian VNMR NMR data collection software. This paper provides an overview of the data model underlying the SPINS database system, a description of its implementation in Oracle, and an outline of future plans for the SPINS project.

Archives↗

Optimizing gene expression analysis in archival brain tissue.

Analysis of gene expression in the brain is a valuable tool to study the function of the brain under normal and pathological conditions. Although there are many techniques used to measure gene expression the validity of any such experiment is directly related to the quality of the RNA in the samples. The most readily available source of human brain tissue is post-mortem and while frozen tissue is sometimes available, most archived tissue is fixed and paraffin-embedded. The use of fixed tissue for expression analysis introduces variables, which must be considered in the experimental design. In addition, factors associated with clinical variability of the patient and with tissue procurement can affect RNA transcript levels. In order to illustrate the effects of two common tissue fixatives, formalin and ethanol, on the quality of RNA for expression analysis we compare RNA extracted from these fixed tissues to the gold standard, flash-frozen tissue. We describe RNA extraction from fixed tissue and ways to assess the quality or intactness of the RNA using reverse transcription combined with polymerase chain reaction amplification. An advantage of using archived tissue is the ease with which single cells or subpopulations of cells can be obtained by laser microdissection. The successful isolation of RNA from microdissected cells is also presented. From our results and a review of the literature we conclude that RNA from fixed tissues is a viable source of RNA for expression analysis which should enable new experimental approaches and discoveries as long as attention is given to variables that can affect RNA at all levels of analysis.

Archives↗

Molecular genetic analysis of archival gliomas using diagnostic smears.

Investigation of the clinical significance of genetic alterations in gliomas requires molecular genetic analysis using samples from retrospective or prospective clinical studies. However, diagnostic tissue is often severely limited and because of fixation, paraffin-embedded tissues (PET) contain degraded DNA. Intra-operative cytological preparations (smears) archived after diagnosis may represent an additional source of clinical material for genetic analysis. In this study, tissue samples were obtained by precision microdissection of archived diagnostic smears from 20 cases (1961-1999). All samples produced polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products for the beta globin gene, but the most recent samples amplified best and gave longer amplimers. For six cases, direct comparison was made between samples microdissected from smears and the corresponding PET. Samples from smears showed improved PCR performance and similar alleles on microsatellite marker analysis. One case, with smears of uninvolved cortex and tumour tissue available for microdissection, showed allelic imbalance at 10q23 on the basis of the smear results alone. PCR products from smears were shown to be suitable for direct sequence analysis (p53 gene). A PTEN mutation, found previously in an anaplastic astrocytoma by analysis of PET, was detected in the corresponding diagnostic smear. The results of this study indicate that tissue samples microdissected from diagnostic intra-operative cytological preparations may be suitable for molecular genetic analysis of gliomas.

Archives↗

Laser microdissection and gene expression analysis on formaldehyde-fixed archival tissue.

BACKGROUND: Analysis of renal biopsies is currently based on histological recognition of typical structural patterns and immunohistological detection of protein expression alterations. Both can be performed using formaldehyde as the tissue fixative. As a consequence of recent advances in molecular medicine, mRNA expression analysis may offer an attractive option to obtain functionally relevant information. However, quantification of mRNA expression in human renal biopsies thus far has not been possible in formaldehyde-fixed tissue. METHODS: The present study evaluated a recently reported mRNA extraction protocol. Using this approach gene expression analysis could be performed on formaldehyde-fixed archival renal tissues by laser microbeam microdissection, laser pressure catapulting and real time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: For an initial feasibility study, the expression of two chemokines (IP-10 and RANTES) in renal transplant rejection was examined. Induction of protein expression in allografts undergoing rejection was demonstrated for both chemokines by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA expression alterations in the defined renal compartments of glomeruli, vessels and tubulointerstitium were quantified using laser microdissection from formaldehyde-fixed, paraffin-embedded or frozen tissue sections. A pronounced increase of mRNA expression compared to controls was demonstrated for IP-10 as well as RANTES with both tissue-processing protocols. CONCLUSIONS: Using formaldehyde as the tissue fixative, information on the disease process can now be obtained by histological, immunohistochemical and gene expression techniques. In the future this may allow the study of activated molecular programs in routine renal biopsies as well as archival tissue samples.

Adolescent↗

Down syndrome and cell-free fetal DNA in archived maternal serum.

OBJECTIVE: Increased levels of cell-free fetal DNA (f-DNA) in the maternal circulation are a potential noninvasive marker for fetal Down syndrome. Our objectives were to (1) determine whether f-DNA could be quantified by using archived serum and amniotic fluid, (2) examine whether serum f-DNA levels are elevated in Down syndrome pregnancies in a case-control series matched for gestational age and duration of sample storage, and (3) determine whether f-DNA levels are elevated in the amniotic fluid of Down syndrome fetuses. STUDY DESIGN: Eleven serum and six amniotic fluid samples previously collected and stored at -20 degrees C from gravid women carrying a 47,XY,+21 fetus were each paired with five matched control samples of identical specimen type from gravid women carrying a presumed euploid male fetus. f-DNA concentration was quantified blindly by real-time polymerase chain reaction amplification for a Y-chromosome sequence. Matched rank-sum analysis and analysis of variance were used for analysis. RESULTS: The mean observed rank of 5.0 in the Down syndrome group was significantly higher than expected (P </=.005). Adjusted mean serum f-DNA concentrations were 41.2 genomic equivalents (GE) per milliliter for the Down syndrome cases and 24.2 GE/mL for the euploid controls (P =.002). Differences among amniotic fluid samples were not statistically significant. There was a suggestion of a sample storage effect on f-DNA concentration on the order of -0.66 GE/mL per month (P =.071). CONCLUSION: Down syndrome pregnancies exhibit 1.7-fold higher levels of maternal serum cell-free f-DNA compared with matched controls. No such association is observed in amniotic fluid. Archived serum appears to be a useful source of clinical material for retrospective analyses but may require controlling for the duration of sample storage.

Amniotic Fluid↗

A brief history of brain archiving.

This paper narrates the history of the conservation of the human brain, tracking techniques of brain archiving from the first experiments in the preservation of soft tissue in spirits of alcohol to the latest refinements in cryogenic technology. It traces the changing social and legal conditions that permitted the collection of post mortem human tissue, as well as the increasingly sophisticated technologies that allowed for the preservation and storage of this material. This preliminary survey of brain archiving uses examples of specific collections in order to discuss changes in the techniques, goals and achievements of neural tissue collecting from the mid-eighteenth to the late twentieth centuries.

Archives↗