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A pilot study in medical education using interactive television.

Medical students in the United Arab Emirates do not receive postmortem teaching. This is because postmortems are not normally carried out, for cultural reasons. In order to address this problem a collaborative project was established between the medical schools of Aberdeen University and the United Arab Emirates University to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of telepathology teaching. A videoconferencing link was established between the UK and the Middle East using ISDN at a transmission speed of 384 kbit/s. Although some technical problems relating to line continuity were encountered, the results relating to feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness were very positive. Although expensive, this form of teaching may still be cost-effective in relation to the benefits.

Autopsy↗

Tissue microarrays: applications in genomic research.

The widespread application of tissue microarrays in cancer research and the clinical pathology laboratory demonstrates a versatile and portable technology. The rapid integration of tissue microarrays into biomarker discovery and validation processes reflects the forward thinking of researchers who have pioneered the high-density tissue microarray. The precise arrangement of hundreds of archival clinical tissue samples into a composite tissue microarray block is now a proven method for the efficient and standardized analysis of molecular markers. With applications in cancer research, tissue microarrays are a valuable tool in validating candidate markers discovered in highly sensitive genome-wide microarray experiments. With applications in clinical pathology, tissue microarrays are used widely in immunohistochemistry quality control and quality assurance. The timeline of a biomarker implicated in prostate neoplasia, which was identified by complementary DNA expression profiling, validated by tissue microarrays and is now used as a prognostic immunohistochemistry marker, is reviewed. The tissue microarray format provides opportunities for digital imaging acquisition, image processing and database integration. Advances in digital imaging help to alleviate previous bottlenecks in the research pipeline, permit computer image scoring and convey telepathology opportunities for remote image analysis. The tissue microarray industry now includes public and private sectors with varying degrees of research utility and offers a range of potential tissue microarray applications in basic research, prognostic oncology and drug discovery.

Animals↗

[The impact of technology in Pathological Anatomy and the contribution of this speciality to technological development].

It is obvious that technology has contributed throughout history to the development of the different sciences. In this article, we define the concept of Pathology as a medical speciality, and we explain its influence in a hospital, considering very different fields such as education, research, quality control, hospital information, and patient care. This speciality has undergone a considerable evolution, to which technological innovation has undoubtedly contributed. As a basic discipline, it is of great importance in pre and post-graduate training, in the medical education at the hospital or outside it, and in the fields previously mentioned. Its relation with other disciplines such us Chemistry, (fixation and dyeing), Physics (mechanical devices), Mathematics (algorithms, morphometry, statistics...) and Telecommunications (telepathology, image analysis...) is examined and their contribution to Pathology is evaluated. We are also aware of contributions made by Pathology to technological innovation in the evaluation of different diagnostic methods or in the recent therapeutic technologies based on Radiotherapy, Hyperthermia, laser, prothesis, etc.; where histological examination provides accurate information about the therapeutic capacity or side-effects, or the rejection reactions caused, aiding the research to obtain adequate results.

English Abstract↗

The role of technology in the clinical laboratory of the future.

Advances in automation and informatics will drive the implementation of new technology as we enter the 21st century. Five technologies which will have the greatest impact on the practice of laboratory medicine during the next decade include molecular diagnostics, near patient testing, image analysis, robotics, and information management. The list of molecular pathology tests with potential clinical utility expands daily. Some, such as tests for human immune deficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus, already are available as commercial kits. Quality assessment and proficiency testing programs still are evolving. DNA tests in oncology, such as T- and B-cell gene rearrangements and t(9;22) translocation, have proven useful in detecting small numbers of tumor cells and have demonstrated clinical utility in some circumstances. Tests for monogenetic diseases, such as sickle cell disease, are useful in planning antenatal management of mothers at risk. Screening tests for the genetic predisposition for certain forms of colon and breast cancer and Alzheimer's Disease are now possible. This suggests the potential for large scale screening of populations at risk. Continued improvements in biosensor technology and miniaturization will increase the ability to test for many analytes at or near the patient. The generally increased cost per test must be reconciled with the potential to decrease the overall cost of care by improved turnaround time. Computerized image analysis will radically change, and in some cases eliminate, manual clinical microscopy in urinalysis, hematology, immunohistochemistry, and cytology. Robotics will greatly decrease personnel requirements for repetitive tasks, such as specimen transport, processing, and aliquoting. We will process many specimens from start to finish without human intervention. Image management systems will allow archiving of diagnostic gross and microscopic images along with the traditional text descriptions and diagnosis. Telepathology will link smaller centers with expert consultants in tertiary centers. Voice recognition systems will obviate the need for transcriptionists. Modern database architectures will allow the clinical laboratory to measure performance effectiveness and clinical outcomes and will place laboratorians at the forefront of outcomes research. Hand-held devices will allow physicians to conveniently order laboratory tests and retrieve results, further decreasing the functional turnaround time for laboratory testing. All of these technologies will be expensive to implement, but well-planned deployment will both decrease cost and improve the quality of medical care.

Autoanalysis↗

[Quo vadis telemedicine?].

INTRODUCTION: Telemedicine, i.e. the set of diagnostic, terapheutic or social medicine actions, done using electronic transmission methods, is thieving and shows an amazing and disquieting near future. Let us review the actual situation and analyze the future perspectives. DEVELOPMENT: It is now a reality in different scopes and centres such as Teleradiology, Telepathology, Teleophthalmology, and so, and terms like Telepresence or Robotic Surgery, are making its way. Meanwhile, by now, Internet doesn't support critical applications where the patient's life is at risk, the boom of telecommunications at planetary level is changing our habits and rhythms, ... our lifes. It's the immediate transmission of information without intermediaries being able of manipulate it, it's the universal, easy, free and immediate communication between persons. A media without government, without censure, hard to legislate, that implies the fading out of diverse social beings that are nowadays under constraints of time and space, and the fading in of new beings free of that sort of constraints. We are seeing the born and growing up of a new culture that will impose itself-it is already doing so-like it has happened before with the press, or vaccines. It is in our hands to cooperate in the positive development of these new technologies, of this new culture, and to protect it from irresponsible governments, from unscrupulous commercials, and from the people trying to convert it in new social barriers. But we have reasons to be optimist, one of them is the existence of a lot of intelligent, passionated, usually very young people, extremely experts in computer science and communications, that are working hard in these fields, knowing that the ones who have the control of communications will rulethe future world. CONCLUSIONS: It is important that telemedicine helps improving medical sciences, the patients, the doctor and the society and we can-we must-work to this end.

Forecasting↗

Telemedicine: the state of the art and current issues.

Telemedicine is the application of modern telecommunications to the practice of medicine. Telemedicine is particularly appealing to rural and under served areas. Applications of telemedicine include administrative videoconferences between a central headquarters and remote branches; network CME including instruction in sophisticated procedures formerly not possible; video-consultations permitting examination, diagnosis, and treatment of a remote patient; teleradiology; telepathology; patient medical records; medical data banks; and many more. There is some reluctance on the part of physicians to make use of telemedicine. There are also barriers established by individual state licensing laws, confidentiality concerns, and malpractice worries. Reimbursement policies remain unsettled.

Confidentiality↗

[Creating low-power photomicrographs by digital scanning of histological sections].

The recent introduction of digital film scanners in the medical-scientific field provided everyone dealing with light-microscopy an easy method to obtain low-power photomicrographs from entire histological sections. Direct scanning of the common microscope slide allows the easy creation of high quality images. The digital images obtained may be improved or retouched using dedicated software and then printed on paper or film. The required instrumentation is relatively unexpensive and neither skilled staff nor expertise of photographic techniques is required. This reduces costs and saves time. The obtained images may be employed in histopathology, embryology, histochemistry, image analysis and telepathology, and are suitable for scientific papers, educational purposes and lecturing, as well as for daily reporting. The authors bring their personal experience in this field, making also a complete literature review on the topic.

Histological Techniques↗

[Telemedicine and telematics in medical education].

Health telematics is a composite term for health-related activities, services and systems carried out over a distance by means of information and communications technologies, for the purposes of global health promotion, disease control and health care, as well as education, management, and research for health. The concept of health telematics encompasses the following functional areas: --tele-education;--telemedicine;--telematics for health research;--telematics for health services management. Communications technologies are rapidly revolutionizing health care. For example, electronic communications support diagnosis and treatment of disease. TeleMedicine is an umbrella term for growing disciplines such as TeleRadiology. TelePathology. TeleCardiology, TelePsychiatry and TeleEducation. TeleMedicine is a component of TeleHealth, which includes the use of telecommunications technology and services for the surveillance and control of diseases and education. In this article authors describes the role of telemedicine and telematics in medical education and medical praxis.

Management Information Systems↗

Prototype Web-based continuing medical education using FlashPix images.

Continuing Medical Education (CME) is a requirement among practicing physicians to promote continuous enhancement of clinical knowledge to reflect new developments in medical care. Previous research has harnessed the Web to disseminate complete pathology CME case studies including history, images, diagnoses, and discussions to the medical community. Users submit real-time diagnoses and receive instantaneous feedback, eliminating the need for hard copies of case material and case evaluation forms. This project extends the Web-based CME paradigm with the incorporation of multi-resolution FlashPix images and an intuitive, interactive user interface. The FlashPix file format combines a high-resolution version of an image with a hierarchy of several lower resolution copies, providing real-time magnification via a single image file. The Web interface was designed specifically to simulate microscopic analysis, using the latest Javascript, Java and Common Gateway Interface tools. As the project progresses to the evaluation stage, it is hoped that this active learning format will provide a practical and efficacious environment for continuing medical education with additional application potential in classroom demonstrations, proficiency testing, and telepathology. Using Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 and above, the working prototype Web-based CME environment is accessible at http://telepathology.upmc.edu/WebInterface/NewInterface/welcome.html.

Cell Biology↗

[Use of telematics in emergency medicine].

Health telematics is a composite term for health-related activities, services and systems carried out over a distance by means of information and communications technololgies, for the purposes of global health promotion, disease control and health care, as well as education, management, and research for health. The concept of health telematics encompasses the following functional areas:--tele-education;--telemedicine;--telematics for health research;--telematics for health services management. Communications technologies are rapidly revolutionizing health care. For example, electronic communications support diagnosis and treatment of disease. TeleMedicine is an umbrella term for growing disciplines such as TeleRadiology, TelePathology, TeleCardiology, TelePsychiatry and TeleEducation. TeleMedicine is a component of TeleHealth, which includes the use of telecommunications technology and services for the surveillance and control of diseases and education. In this article authors describes the role of telemedicine and telematics in medical education and medical praxis.

Emergency Medicine↗

The Croatian telemedicine.

Telemedicine developed in Croatia in two phases. The first phase during the 1970s was limited because of insufficient technology and scarce resources. But that phase was important as a learning process and the preparatory stage for the promising future. The communications infrastructure was heavily destroyed during the 1991-92 war but it was reconstructed and rebuilt as a modern technology based on optical fibres. The new technical and technological infrastructure was the base for the development of CARNet (Croatian Academic and Research Network). CARNet was linked to the Internet and enabled the international exchange of information for the scientific community. Telemedicine projects started firstly as pilot projects around the same time as in other countries. They were financially covered mostly by the Ministry of Science either directly or through the CARNet. The telemedicine projects, like telepathology, teleradiology, teleneurosurgery, teleeducation, developed in a very sophisticated way and are now in the phase of implementation into the routine health practice. Some projects are still in the pilot phase, but thanks to highly trained professionals, they are promising and it can be expected that with the growing economic stuation they will be implemented soon.

Computer Communication Networks↗

Content-based retrieval of breast cancer biopsy slides.

The Biopsy Analysis Support System (BASS), previously used for image analysis of immunohistochemically stained sections of breast carcinoma, has been extended to include indexing and content-based retrieval of biopsy slide images from a database of 57 captured cases. Images from histopathological biopsy slides are described and these are accessed in terms of the properties of either individual nuclei or groups of cell nuclei present in the slide. Visual similarity of cases is specified in terms of a diagnostic index, commonly known as the H-score, which incorporates the heterogeneity of nuclear staining intensity, as well as the percentage of nuclei staining at specific intensities. The system provides a platform that can be exploited in telepathology and teleconsultation, but further research is needed to explore its full potential and accuracy in a diagnostic clinical environment.

Breast Neoplasms↗

[Basic directions in pathologoanatomic diagnosis of human tumors].

The paper deals with basic lines in the development of oncomorphology, such as electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and telepathology. Under the present conditions, a pathologist's capacities to diagnose tumors and to elucidate their histogenesis are shown to be greatly expanded due to advances in genetics, immunology, and a number of other biological disciplines. Introduction of methods of molecular pathology can establish a relationship of multiple primary tumors of the similar histological structure of both nodes, predict a disease, and define drug tumor sensitivity. The above shows an increasing role of pathologists in diagnosis and choice of treatments in cancer patients. The author presents his experience in these areas as a practical cancer pathologist at the Department of Pathology, N. N. Blokhin Russian Cancer Research Center, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences.

Humans↗

[The pathology department].

The evolution of the Laboratory of Pathology at Erasmus Hospital is directly related to the morphological diagnosis integration in the medico-surgical organization of the Hospital. Such integration is based on the creation of links between the Laboratory of Pathology and the clinical departments and necessitates permanent adaptations to new complementary technology. Immunohistochemical methods were gradually included in the surgical morphological diagnosis. Currently, new markers from molecular biology are needed to obtain accurate pathological diagnosis. We observe an increasing hyperspecialization of the morphological classification with complete integration of such biological markers leading to the necessity of carrying out collegial diagnosis. The development of the telepathology technology permits international collegial diagnosis. According to its central position the Laboratory of Pathology plays an important part in the development of the clinical and fundamental research. The research subjects of the Laboratory of Pathology concern diagnostic and prognostic evaluation in colic cancers, sarcomas, brain tumors and HPV related tumors endometriosis.

Belgium↗

Oral medicine and oral pathology--the impact of electronic information.

This paper discusses recent advances in electronic information, with particular reference to Oral Medicine and Oral Pathology. Email has become the norm for professional communication; Medline is freely accessible; content alerts can be established to alert the subscriber to new publications; evidence-based practice is emerging with the development of the Cochrane library and numerous other databases are also available for a variety of purposes. Conferences are moving to use electronic information as the medium for dissemination of proceedings. Bulletin boards provide a forum for interchange of ideas and opinions in both Oral Medicine and Oral Pathology and electronic data transfer can be used in various applications in telemedicine, telepathology and teleradiology. Without doubt these mechanisms will be further developed and refined in the present century.

Congresses as Topic↗

Medico-legal aspects of histopathology practice.

Medico-legal problems experienced by histopathologists differ from those of other clinicians as they are rarely in direct contact with patients. Nevertheless, the pathologist owes a duty of care to the patient and is liable for medical negligence. In the absence of local guidelines, it is prudent to follow guidelines published by learned Colleges elsewhere. This is also true when delegating duties to non-pathologists, technical and other support staff. Errors in diagnosis and documentation pose the most common problems in histopathology. In this, liability also depends on many factors including the provision of adequate clinical information by clinicians and competence of laboratory staff. Clinicopathological discussions, participation in quality assurance programmes and adherence to standard operating procedures are important audit activities to minimize and detect errors as well as prevent grievous outcome to patients. Issues also arise over the retention of specimens and reports. In general, wet, formalin-fixed tissues should be kept until histopathological assessment is finalized and preferably after clinicopathological sessions, and even longer if there is potential litigation. Reports should be archival. Paraffin blocks should be kept for at least the lifetime of the patient, and histology slides for at least 10 years, to facilitate review and reassessment. Despite adverse publicity in the foreign press over the use of human organs and tissues for research and education, it is accepted that processed tissues can be used for research and educational purposes provided the patient's identity is kept confidential. Nevertheless, it would be prudent to revise consent forms for surgery and autopsies to include the possibility that tissues removed can be stored or used for research and education. Good medical practice in pathology encourages a willingness to consult colleagues when in doubt, but advises that the treating clinician be informed if histopathological material is referred away for a second opinion. The Telemedicine Act of Malaysia (1997) requires practitioners outside Malaysia providing diagnosis through telepathology to hold a certificate to practice telemedicine issued by the Malaysian Medical Council. It is likely that the medico-legal scene in histopathology will change in the coming years with the advent of other new ancillary investigative techniques.

Diagnostic Errors↗

[Use of telecommunications in pathology and anatomy services].

Telepathology comprises the transmission of microscopic images via the telecommunications network. This paper describes the first experiences from this new technology in Norway. These include teleconferences based on showing histologic slides from the Department of Pathology at the University Hospital in Tromsø to clinicians at local hospitals. A frozen section service to Kirkenes Hospital, based on remote control of a robotic microscope and transmission of high quality video images of the slide, has also been successfully established.

Computer Communication Networks↗

Quantitative DNA analysis: a comparison of conventional DNA ploidy analysis and teleploidy.

JPEG compression can be used on images for DNA ploidy analysis if careful consideration is given to the level of compression used for file storage. The amount of JPEG compression possible may vary depending on the type of tissue analyzed, however, a compromise may be reached for all types of tissue. JPEG compression should not go over a level of 70 for DNA analysis as this would result in possibly erroneous IOD calculation and erroneous DNA ploidy analysis. Also, the resulting file quality is so poor that even visual analysis is not possible. With careful training of personnel in cell selection, remote DNA ploidy analysis would be an effective tool for standardization and quality control in the pathology laboratory. By using remote DNA ploidy analysis, it is possible for hospitals to consolidate their workload, and make DNA ploidy analysis by image cytometry a cost effective test in the laboratory. Proficiency testing would also become possible as all laboratories performing DNA ploidy analysis would receive the same fields of view for testing. DNA ploidy analysis by image cytometry using stored images could be a versatile tool for the telepathology community.

Animals↗