Computerized determination of proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression in meningiomas. A comparison with non-automated method

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression has been proven to be a significant marker of cell proliferation in meningiomas, which correlates with growth rate and, as shown by several authors, possibly provides prognostic information concerning biologic behavior. However, the current method for determining PCNA labeling index (LI) is tedious and time consuming like all the nonautomated methods for evaluating cell kinetics, presenting high interobserver and interlaboratory variability and low reproducibility. In the present study, we introduce a semi-automated computer-assisted image analysis method for determining PCNA LI in 38 meningiomas, in parallel with the current nonautomated method. Image analysis technique permits unbiased cell counting, standardizes the degree of staining intensity and provides instant results. By calculating coefficient of variability, the method proved to be highly reproducible. The correlation between the results provided by the nonautomated and the semiautomated image analysis method showed a high agreement between them, with a correlation coefficient, r, of 0.82. In conclusion, we consider that image analysis contributes to the accuracy, reproducibility, and practicality of PCNA LI determination so that along with other useful parameters this significant marker may serve to predict the clinical behavior in meningiomas.     

Diagnostic captioning: a survey

Knowledge and Information Systems - Diagnostic captioning (DC) concerns the automatic generation of a diagnostic text from a set of medical images of a patient collected during an examination. DC...     

Laser action from two dipyrrinone dyes under flash-lamp pumping

Two quasi-aromatic compounds, namely, two dipyrrinone dyes (Xanthoglow and Kryptoglow), exhibited strong fluorescence. Therefore they were tested for laser action under flash-lamp pumping. These two dyes outperformed Coumarin 540A and exhibited a high degree of photostability when dissolved in 1,4-dioxane. However, in all other solvents used, considerable photodecomposition was observed.     

From the mouse to the mass spectrometer: detection and differentiation of the endoproteinase activities of botulinum neurotoxins A-G by mass spectrometry

We have developed an assay (Endopep-MS) that detects the specific endoproteinase activities of all seven BoNT types by mass spectrometry (MS). Each BoNT type cleaves a unique site on proteins involved in neuronal transmission. Target peptide substrates based on these proteins identify a BoNT type by its enzymatic action on the substrate and the production of two peptide products, which are then detected by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight MS or liquid chromatography electrospray ionization MS/MS. We showed the ability to detect all seven toxin types in a multiplexed assay format. The detection limits achieved range from 0.039 to 0.625 mouse LD(50)/mL for toxin types A, B, E, and F in a buffer system. The Endopep-MS assay is the first to differentiate all seven BoNT types, is sensitive, specific, and has the potential to quantify toxin activity.     

Analysis of the FIC detector data at the n_TOF facility

Fission cross-section measurements with the Fast Ionization Chamber (FIC) at the CERN n_TOF facility were challenged by intense signals due to γ-rays and ultra-relativistic particles from the impact of the 20 GeV proton pulses on the neutron spallation target. A method for analyzing the data taken with Flash Analog to Digital Converters (FADC) was developed to treat these problems in an automated way to provide a reliable background subtraction and a fit routine for identifying fission events even at high energies. The analysis is illustrated at the example of the fission cross-section of ²³⁸U relative to that of ²³⁵U in the energy range from 40 keV to 300 MeV.     

Primary Sj?gren''s syndrome complicated by hemolytic uremic syndrome

A primary plasmacytoma of the testis is an extremely rare tumor. To date less than 10 cases have been published. Typically a firm mass of the testis or also of the epididymis is found. Histologically, infiltration can be seen with atypical plasma cells compressing the seminiferous tubuli. Immunohistochemical examination shows a PAS-positive reaction. Monoclonality can be confirmed by identification of the IgA lambda chain. Therapy of choice is the radical orchiectomy. The prognosis of primary plasmacytoma of the testis seems to be good. Nevertheless, a follow-up of some years is necessary to detect possible intramedullar manifestations.     

Test results of a BaF2 calorimeter tower with a wire chamber readout

The results from a calorimeter tower consisting of BaF₂ crystals coupled to photosensitive, low-pressure wire chambers are presented. The longitudinal and lateral shower development is shown. The results for 108 MeV and 200 MeV electrons yield an energy resolution of

Full-size image (<1K)

.     

Pulsed Laser Deposition of YBa2Cu3O7 Superconducting Film on MgO Templates Spray Pyrolyzed on Hastelloy C276

Pulsed laser deposition (PLD) was used to deposit YBCO on MgO-buffered C276 substrates in order to evaluate the quality of the deposited MgO films which were deposited by spray pyrolysis. The characterization of the thin films was done using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, electron backscattered diffraction, X-ray diffraction 2??-scans, rocking curve (??-scans), phi scan, pole-figure measurements, and AC susceptibility. It was found that c-axis oriented YBCO films were grown on c-axis oriented MgO films which confirm that the deposited YBCO films copied the out-of-plane texture of the spray pyrolyzed MgO buffer. However, MgO and YBCO films have a very weak in-plane texture. The AC susceptibility measurements show that the YBCO films have a broad superconducting transition temperature which may be attributed to the weak in-plane texture.     

Designing and implementing the transition to a fully digitalhospital

The increase in the number of examinations performed in modern healthcare institutions in conjunction with the range of imaging modalities available today have resulted in a tremendous increase in the number of medical images generated and has made the need for a dedicated system able to acquire, distribute, and store medical image data very attractive. Within the framework of the Hellenic R&D program, we have designed and implemented a picture archiving and communication system for a high-tech cardiosurgery hospital in Greece. The system is able to handle in a digital form images produced from ultrasound, X-ray angiography, γ-camera, chest X-rays, as well as electrocardiogram signals. Based on the adoption of an open architecture highly relying on the DICOM standard, the system enables the smooth transition from the existing procedures to a fully digital operation mode and the integration of all existing medical equipment to the new central archiving system     

A PC data-base with analytical applications for evoked potentials

Visual Evoked Potentials (VEPs) are gaining ground in the research for diagnosis of neurological disorders and visual defects, as a non-invasive diagnostic tool. Yet, the methods used towards these goals are not universal and far from able to provide a common ground among researchers in collecting, analyzing and comparing their results. This paper is an attempt to close the gap. We have developed a PC data-base and a set of analysis programs with graphic capabilities, frequency analysis, as well as an objective way of describing the signals obtained during VEP experiments.