A review of approaches to 18F radiolabelling affinity peptides and proteins

Affinity peptide and protein‐ (APP) based radiotracers are an increasingly popular class of radiotracer in positron emission tomography (PET), which was once dominated by the use of small molecule radiotracers. Radiolabelled monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are important examples of APPs, yet a preference for smaller APPs, which exhibit fast pharmacokinetics and permit rapid PET aided diagnosis, has become apparent. ¹⁸F exhibits favourable physical characteristics for APP radiolabelling and has been described as an ideal PET radionuclide. Notwithstanding, ¹⁸F radiolabelling of APP is challenging, and this is echoed in the literature where a number of diverse approaches have been adopted. This review seeks to assess and compare the approaches taken to ¹⁸F APP radiolabelling with the intention of highlighting trends within this expanding field. Generic themes have emerged in the literature, namely the use of mild radiolabelling conditions, a preference of site‐specific methodologies with an impetus for short, automated procedures which produce high‐yielding [¹⁸F]APPs.     

Effect of Day Optimizing Throughput (Dot) Knee Software Implementation on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Workflow Efficiency

PurposeAttempts by magnetic resonance (MR) manufacturers to help imaging centres improve patient throughput has led to the development of more automated acquisition. This software is capable of customizing individual scan alignment; potentially improving imaging efficiency and standardizing protocols. However, substantial investments are required to introduce such systems, potentially deterring their widespread application. This study assessed the implementation costs and reduction in examination durations for automated knee MR imaging (MRI) software.Materials and MethodsResearch activities were performed at a community-based academic centre on a 3-Tesla (3-T) system using Siemens' Day Optimizing Throughput (Dot) knee software. Examination acquisition times were extracted from the system before and after software implementation. Fiscal year 2012/13 finances were used to determine the average hourly cost of MRI utilization. Costs associated with automated software implementation were also calculated. Finally, the number of knee scans required to achieve a positive return on investment using the software was established.Results and DiscussionThe mean (standard deviation, sample size) pre- and post-Dot software scan times were 23.20 (4.18, n = 266) and 21.94 (4.51, n = 59) minutes, respectively, for a routine knee scan and 11.88 (1.60, n = 74) and 11.24 (1.51, n = 27) minutes, respectively, for a fast knee scan. The overall weighted average resulted in a 64-second time savings per automated knee examination. This negligible time savings would be extremely difficult to make use of clinically. Dot simplified 29 unique knee protocols to two, improving the consistency of knee examinations. Current Dot software is not compatible with all patients and therefore has limitations that are a concern among MR technologists.ConclusionAdoption of automated knee systems could assist in standardizing protocols; however, the cost of implementation and difficulty in modifying patient scheduling to reflect the minimal time savings would make a financial return unlikely to occur at small- and medium-sized institutions.     

医院科室主任在科室管理中的作用

医院科室主任是医院管理系统中不可缺少的要素，他们是科室的行政负责人，也是科室的学科带头人，科主任的思想素质，业务水平，管理能力，敬业精神，拼搏精神，不仅关系到科室的兴衰，也关系到医院的建设和发展。     

Recent data and their analysis from the Toshiba multiphasic-health-screening centre

An automated multiphasic-health-test system has been opened in Japan for the early detection and treatment of disease in adults. The centre utilises system simulation, digital computation and automated medical equipment, and has made it possible to handle many examinees daily, and to retrieve their data easily. This paper reports many new data and their analysis.     

Rapid genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms using novel minor groove binding DNA oligonucleotides (MGB probes)

Novel fluorescent oligonucleotides that contain a 3' minor groove binding group (MGB) hybridize to single-stranded targets with increased sequence-specificity compared to ordinary DNA probes. This reduces non-specific probe hybridization and results in low background fluorescence during the 5' nuclease PCR assay (TaqMan, Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA). We developed a method for closed-tube genotyping using two allele-specific MGB probes labeled with different fluorophores in one reaction. After PCR, tubes were transported to a fluorescence plate-reader for analysis of fluorescence. Common spreadsheet software was used for automated genotype assignment. As an example, DNA samples from 172 hemochromatosis patients were selected and tested for molecular defects in the HFE gene, i.e., mutations in codon 63 and 282. Tight genotype clusters were observed for both codons and results with MGB probes were identical to conventional genotyping (PCR + restriction-fragment-length-polymorphism). We show that this fast and easy method can be used for large-scale (high-throughput) genetic studies but also for routine molecular diagnostics without post-PCR manipulation of amplicons or the need for real-time quantitative PCR machines. Hum Mutat 19:554-559, 2002.     

对医院办公室工作的思考

面对医疗卫生事业改革的新形势、新任务,医院办公室应该更新观念,树立改革创新意识、大局意识、法制意识、市场竞争意识和以病人为中心的意识;积极参与医院改革、成本核算、组建医疗集团、建立医院信息系统、开拓医疗服务市场、参与市场竞争等医院重点工作;建立和协调好对内对外的关系,在医院改革与发展中发挥积极作用。     

高校校长办公室工作的思考

院长办公室是学校的重要窗口 ,它的服务态度、工作质量和效率直接影响到学校的形象。校长办公室应不断加强自身建设 ,充分发挥参谋和助手作用 ,着力强化协调综合功能 ,脚踏实地开展督促检查 ,使办公室在沟通上下、协调左右、联系内外的过程中 ,不断提高工作质量 ,提升服务水平 ,真正成为校领导指挥全局、运筹决策的参谋部。     

Metaphase quality can be monitored by automatic counting of bands

A high quality of cytogenetic preparations is important for maintaining a high standard in the cytogenetic laboratory. In the past, quality has been assessed by visual counting or estimation of the number of bands on chromosomes. In this paper we have counted bands automatically during karyotyping by using the Magiscan chromosome analysis system. A high correlation between automatic and visual counting was found, the automatic counting was reproducible and count figures were comparable when the karyotyping machines were operated by different technicians. The automatic counting procedure has now been included in our routine for 1 year. The highest numbers of bands were counted on slides from peripheral blood, with fewer bands for amniotic fluid and the lowest number for cells from chorionic villi. All three cell types showed significant variations in band number over time, which may be due to changes in weather conditions and/or the reagents used for cell culture, harvest and staining. It is concluded that the automatic counting procedure may be used to monitor the quality of metaphases over time and to set limits for band number on routine preparations acceptale for analysis.