Optimization of PACS data persistency using indexed hierarchical data.

We present a new approach for the development of a data persistency layer for a Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM)-compliant Picture Archiving and Communications Systems employing a hierarchical database. Our approach makes use of the HDF5 hierarchical data storage standard for scientific data and overcomes limitations of hierarchical databases employing inverted indexing for secondary key management and for efficient and flexible access to data through secondary keys. This inverted indexing is achieved through a general purpose document indexing tool called Lucene. This approach was implemented and tested using real-world data against a traditional solution employing a relational database, in various store, search, and retrieval experiments performed repeatedly with different sizes of DICOM datasets. Results show that our approach outperforms the traditional solution on most of the situations, being more than 600 % faster in some cases.

Portuguese food composition database quality management system.

BACKGROUND: The harmonisation of food composition databases (FCDB) has been a recognised need among users, producers and stakeholders of food composition data (FCD). To reach harmonisation of FCDBs among the national compiler partners, the European Food Information Resource (EuroFIR) Network of Excellence set up a series of guidelines and quality requirements, together with recommendations to implement quality management systems (QMS) in FCDBs. The Portuguese National Institute of Health (INSA) is the national FCDB compiler in Portugal and is also a EuroFIR partner. INSA's QMS complies with ISO/IEC (International Organization for Standardisation/International Electrotechnical Commission) 17025 requirements. The purpose of this work is to report on the strategy used and progress made for extending INSA's QMS to the Portuguese FCDB in alignment with EuroFIR guidelines. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A stepwise approach was used to extend INSA's QMS to the Portuguese FCDB. The approach included selection of reference standards and guides and the collection of relevant quality documents directly or indirectly related to the compilation process; selection of the adequate quality requirements; assessment of adequacy and level of requirement implementation in the current INSA's QMS; implementation of the selected requirements; and EuroFIR's preassessment 'pilot' auditing. RESULTS: The strategy used to design and implement the extension of INSA's QMS to the Portuguese FCDB is reported in this paper. The QMS elements have been established by consensus. ISO/IEC 17025 management requirements (except 4.5) and 5.2 technical requirements, as well as all EuroFIR requirements (including technical guidelines, FCD compilation flowchart and standard operating procedures), have been selected for implementation. The results indicate that the quality management requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 in place in INSA fit the needs for document control, audits, contract review, non-conformity work and corrective actions, and users' (customers') comments, complaints and satisfaction, with minor adaptation. Implementation of the FCDB QMS proved to be a way of reducing the subjectivity of the compilation process and fully documenting it, and also facilitates training of new compilers. Furthermore, it has strengthened cooperation and trust among FCDB actors, as all of them were called to be involved in the process. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of our practical results, we can conclude that ISO/IEC 17025 management requirements are an adequate reference for the implementation of INSA's FCDB QMS with the advantages of being well known to all members of staff and also being a common quality language among laboratories producing FCD. Combining quality systems and food composition activities endows the FCDB compilation process with flexibility, consistency and transparency, and facilitates its monitoring and assessment, providing the basis for strengthening confidence among users, data producers and compilers.

Excitatory amino acid receptor blockade within the caudal pressor area and rostral ventrolateral medulla alters cardiovascular responses to nucleus raphe obscurus stimulation in rats.

Pressor responses elicited by stimulation of the nucleus raphe obscurus (NRO) depend on the integrity of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM). Therefore, to test the participation of excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptors in the cardiovascular responses evoked by NRO stimulation (1 ms, 100 Hz, 40-70 microA, for 10 s), the EAA antagonist kynurenic acid (Kyn) was microinjected at different sites in the ventrolateral medullar surface (2.7 nmol/200 nl) of male Wistar rats (270-320 g, N = 39) and NRO stimulation was repeated. The effects of NRO stimulation were: hypertension (deltaMAP = +43 +/- 1 mmHg, P<0.01), bradycardia (deltaHR = -30 +/- 7 bpm, P<0.01) and apnea. Bilateral microinjection of Kyn into the RVLM, which did not change baseline parameters, almost abolished the bradycardia induced by NRO stimulation (deltaHR = -61 +/- 3 before vs -2 +/- 3 bpm after Kyn, P<0.01, N = 7). Unilateral microinjection of Kyn into the CVLM did not change baseline parameters or reduce the pressor response to NRO stimulation (deltaMAP = +46 +/- 5 before vs +48 +/- 5 mmHg after Kyn, N = 6). Kyn bilaterally microinjected into the caudal pressor area reduced blood pressure and heart rate and almost abolished the pressor response to NRO stimulation (deltaMAP = +46 +/- 4 mmHg before vs +4 +/- 2 mmHg after Kyn, P<0.01, N = 7). These results indicate that EAA receptors on the medullary ventrolateral surface play a role in the modulation of the cardiovascular responses induced by NRO stimulation, and also suggest that the RVLM participates in the modulation of heart rate responses and that the caudal pressor area modulates the pressor response following NRO stimulation.

Excitatory amino acid receptor blockade within the caudal pressor area and rostral ventrolateral medulla alters cardiovascular responses to nucleus raphe obscurus stimulation in rats

Pressor responses elicited by stimulation of the nucleus raphe obscurus (NRO) depend on the integrity of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM). Therefore, to test the participation of excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptors in the cardiovascular responses evoked by NRO stimulation (1 ms, 100 Hz, 40-70 æA, for 10 s), the EAA antagonist kynurenic acid (Kyn) was microinjected at different sites in the ventrolateral medullar surface (2.7 nmol/200 nl) of male Wistar rats (270-320 g, N = 39) and NRO stimulation was repeated. The effects of NRO stimulation were: hypertension (deltaMAP = +43 ± 1 mmHg, P<0.01), bradycardia (deltaHR = -30 ± 7 bpm, P<0.01) and apnea. Bilateral microinjection of Kyn into the RVLM, which did not change baseline parameters, almost abolished the bradycardia induced by NRO stimulation (deltaHR = -61 ± 3 before vs -2 ± 3 bpm after Kyn, P<0.01, N = 7). Unilateral microinjection of Kyn into the CVLM did not change baseline parameters or reduce the pressor response to NRO stimulation (deltaMAP = +46 ± 5 before vs +48 ± 5 mmHg after Kyn, N = 6). Kyn bilaterally microinjected into the caudal pressor area reduced blood pressure and heart rate and almost abolished the pressor response to NRO stimulation (deltaMAP = +46 ± 4 mmHg before vs +4 ± 2 mmHg after Kyn, P<0.01, N = 7). These results indicate that EAA receptors on the medullary ventrolateral surface play a role in the modulation of the cardiovascular responses induced by NRO stimulation, and also suggest that the RVLM participates in the modulation of heart rate responses and that the caudal pressor area modulates the pressor response following NRO stimulation

Optical coherence tomography of bleb-like subretinal lesions after retinal reattachment surgery.

PURPOSE: To report the optical coherence tomographic characteristics of persistent bleb-like subretinal lesions after retinal reattachment surgery, including scleral buckling and cryopexy. METHODS: Case reports. RESULTS: In two eyes of two patients yellow to yellowish-orange bleb-like lesions were found in the posterior pole after retinal reattachment surgery. The common aspects of the surgery were scleral buckling procedures and cryopexy. There were subretinal precipitates in some of the lesions. The lesions showed no associated leakage during fluorescein or indocyanine green angiography. Optical coherence tomography demonstrated that the bleb-like lesions were tiny retinal detachments. CONCLUSION: Optical coherence tomography examination of bleb-like subretinal lesions showed that they were actually retinal detachments. Our patients and previously reported patients developed these lesions after scleral buckling and cryopexy. These lesions may represent persistent retinal detachment because of the presence of protein in the subretinal fluid.

Combined hamartoma of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium associated with juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma.

PURPOSE: To report a patient who had concomitant combined hamartoma of the retinal pigment epithelium and retina and juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. METHOD: Case report. RESULTS: An 18-year-old man presented with a juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma and a combined hamartoma of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium in the ipsilateral eye. The diagnosis of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma was confirmed by histopathology, and the diagnosis of combined hamartoma was established by typical ophthalmoscopic and fluorescein angiographic findings. CONCLUSION: Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma may be associated with combined hamartoma of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium.

Pressor effects elicited by stimulation within the medullary raphe nuclei of the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus).

The medullary raphe nuclei are involved in central autonomic regulation. In all species investigated, electrical stimulation of the raphe nuclei causes cardiovascular responses, although, these changes vary between species. The present study was designed to investigate the participation of these nuclei in cardiovascular regulation in the guinea pig. We studied the effects on arterial blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) of electrical stimulation (isolated cathodal square wave pulses for 10 s at 100 Hz, 40-100 microA and 1-ms pulse duration) within the medullary raphe nuclei in urethane-anesthetized (1.2 g/kg, i.p.) guinea pigs (400-600 g, either sex). Electrical stimulation of the same sites was performed on a group of paralyzed (Flaxedil, 1 mg/kg, i.v.) and artificially ventilated animals. Stimulation sites were histologically defined and maps of the stimuli were obtained for the effect of electrical stimulation on arterial blood pressure. In another series of experiments L-glutamate (0.2 M) was microinjected (75 to 150 nl) into the nucleus raphe obscurus. Electrical stimulation of the raphe nuclei produced predominantly pressor responses (delta = +15 to +100 mmHg; 43% of the stimulated sites). Hypotension (delta = -10 to -25 mmHg, 24% of the stimulated sites), biphasic responses (2%) or no change in BP (31%) were evoked from fewer stimulation sites. Pressor responses were also predominant in paralyzed animals (delta = +15 to +95 mmHg; 47% of the stimulated sites), and after microinjection of L-glutamate into the raphe obscurus (A = +20 to +45 mmHg). The present results demonstrate that in the guinea pig the stimulation of these nuclei evokes mainly pressor responses. These responses are similar to those obtained in the rat and hamster but opposite to those observed in the cat and rabbit.

Pressor effects elicited by stimulation within the medullary raphe nuclei of the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus)

The medullary raphe nuclei are involved in central autonomic regulation. In all species investigated, electrical stimulation of the raphe nuclei causes cardiovascular responses, although, these changes vary between species. The present study was designed to investigate the participation of these nuclei in cardiovascular regulation in the guinea pig. We studied the effect on arterial blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) of electrical stimulation (isolated cathodal square wave pulses for 10 s at 100 Hz, 40-100 muA and 1-ms pulse duration) within the medullary raphe nuclei in urethane-anesthetized (1.2g/kg, i.p.) guinea pigs (400-600g. either sex). Electrical stimulation of the same sites was performed on a group of paralyzed (Flaxedil®, 1 mg/kg, i.v.) and artificially ventilated animals. Stimulation sites were histologically defined and maps of the stimuli were obtained for the effect of electrical stimulation on arterial blood pressure. In another series of experiments, L-glutamate (0.2 M) was microinjected (75 to 150 nl) into the nucleus raphe obscurus. Electrical stimulation of the raphe nuclei produced predominantly pressor responses (delta= +15 to +100 mmHg: 43 percent of the stimulated sites). Hypotension (delta= -10 to -25 mmHg, 24 percent of the stimulated sites), biphasic responses (2 percent) or no change in BP (31 percent) were evoked from fewer stimulation sites. Pressor responses were also predominant in paralyzed animals (delta= +15 to +95 mmHg; 47 percent of the stimulates sites), and after microinjection of L-glutamate into the raphe obscurus (A= +20 to +45 mmHg). The present results demonstrate that in the guinea pig the stimulation of these nuclei evokes mainly pressor responses. These responses are similar to those obtained in the rat and hamster but opposite to those observed in the cat and rabbit.

Pressor effects elicited by stimulation within the medullary raphe nuclei of the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus).

The medullary raphe nuclei are involved in central autonomic regulation. In all species investigated, electrical stimulation of the raphe nuclei causes cardiovascular responses, although these changes vary between species. The present study was designed to investigate the participation of these nuclei in cardiovascular regulation in the hamster. We studied the effect on arterial blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) of electrical stimulation (isolated cathodal square wave pulses for 10 sec at 100 Hz, 40-100 microA and 1-msec pulse duration) within the medullary raphe nuclei in urethane-anesthetized (1.2 g/kg, iv, after ether induction) golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus, 130 to 150 g, either sex). Electrical stimulation of the same sites was performed on a group of paralyzed (Flaxedil, 1 mg/kg, iv) and artificially ventilated animals. Stimulation sites were histologically defined and maps of the stimuli were obtained for the effect of electrical stimulation on arterial blood pressure. In another series of experiments L-glutamate (0.18 M) was microinjected (75 to 150 nl) into the nucleus raphe obscurus. Electrical stimulation of the raphe nuclei produced predominantly pressor responses (delta = +12 to +100 mmHg; 49.3% of the stimulated sites). Hypotension (delta = -5 to -20 mmHg; 14.6% of the stimulated sites) and no change in BP (35.3%) were evoked from fewer stimulation sites. Pressor responses were also predominant in paralyzed animals (delta = +15 to +95 mmHg; 62.5% of the stimulated sites), and after microinjection of L-glutamate into the raphe obscurus (delta = +35 to +135 mmHg). The present results demonstrate that in the hamster the stimulation of these nuclei evokes mainly pressor responses. These responses are similar to those obtained in the rat and guinea pig but opposite to those observed in the cat and rabbit.

Pressor effects elicited by stimulation within the medullary raphe nuclei of the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus)

The medullary raphe nuclei are involved in central autonomic regulation. In all species investigated, electrical stimulation of the raphe nuclei causes cardiovascular responses, although these changes vary between species. The present study was designed to investigate the participation of these nuclei in cardiovascular regulation in the hamster. We studied the effect on arterial blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) of electrical stimulation (isolated cathodal square wave pulses for 10 sec at 100 Hz, 40-100 muA and 1-msec pulse duration) within the medullary raphe nuclei in urethane-anesthetized (1.2 g/kg, iv, after ether induction) golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus, 130 to 150 g, either sex). Electrical stimulation of the same sites was performed on a group of paralysed (Flaxedi1(, 1 mg/kg, iv) and artificially ventilated animals. Stimulation sites were histologically defined and maps of the stimuli were obtained for the effect of electrical stimulation on arterial blood pressure. In another series of experiments L-glutamate (0.18 M) was microinjected (75 to 150 nl) into the nucleus raphe obseurus. Electrical stimulation of the raphe nuclei produced predominantly pressor responses (delta =+ 12 to + 100 mmHg; 49.3 per cent of the stimulated sites). Hypotension (delta =-5 to -20 mmHg; 14.6 per cent of the stimulated sites) and no change in BP (35.3 per cent) were evoked from fewer stimulation sites. Pressor responses were also predominant in paralysed animals (delta =+ 15 to + 95 mmHg; 62.5 per cent of the stimulated sites), and after microinjection of L-glutamate into the raphe obscurus (delta = +35 to + 135 mmHg). The present results demonstrate that in the hamster the stimulation of these nuclei evokes mainly pressor responses. These responses are similar to those obtained in the rat and guinea pig but opposite to those observed in the cat and rabbit.

A comparison of the effects of eserine sulfate on the activity of medullary raphe neurons in the anesthetized rabbit and rat.

1. Medullary raphe neurons are involved in the control of sympathetic activity during desynchronized sleep (DS). Eserine sulfate induces a state with the somatic and visceral signs of DS in decerebrate animals. The rabbit and rat display diverse hemodynamic patterns during DS. 2. To determine whether eserine sulfate provokes different responses in the medullary raphe neuron population of these different species, the drug (100 mg/kg, i.v.) was administered to urethane-anesthetized (1.2 g/kg, i.v.) rabbits (1.5-3.0 kg) and rats (Wistar, 260-310 g). 3. Extracellular activity was recorded from 66 neurons in 30 rats. Cholinergic stimulation provoked an increase in discharge rate (DR) in 45 neurons (68%), a decrease in 8 neurons (12%) and no change in 13 neurons (20%). Recordings were obtained from 30 neurons in 11 rabbits. Stimulation of these cells provoked an increase in DR in 17 neurons (57%), a decrease in DR in 7 neurons (23%) and no change in 6 neurons (20%). Interspike interval and auto-correlation analysis was performed on 28 rat and rabbit neurons. No significant difference was found between the rat and the rabbit with respect to the number of the neurons which were either inhibited or excited by cholinergic stimulation (P > 0.05). Similarly, unit response to eserine was not related to whether the unit displayed regular or irregular DR. 4. Therefore, we suggest that the diverse hemodynamic patterns during DS and the distinct cardiovascular responses to raphe nuclei stimulation are not due to differences in the organization of the raphe nuclei themselves but to differences in their axonal projections or in the postsynaptic receptors activated in the intermediolateral cell column or other postsynaptic targets.

A comparison of the effects of eserine sulfate on the activity of medullary raphe neurons in the anesthetized rabbit and rat

1. Medullary raphe neurons are involved in the control of sympathetic activity during desynchronized sleep (DS). Eserine sulfate induces a state with the somatic and visceral signs of DS in decerebrate animals. The rabbit and rat display diverse hemodynamic patterns during DS. 2. To determine whether eserine sulfate provokes different responses in the medullary raphe neuron population of these different species, the drug (100 mg/kg, i.v.) was administered to urethane-anesthetized (1.2 g/kg, i.v.) rabbits (1.5-3.0 kg) and rats (Wistar, 260-310 g). 3. Extracellular activity was recorded from 66 neurons in 30 rats. Cholinergic stimulation provoked an increase in discharge rate (DR) in 45 neurons (68), a decrease in 8 neurons (12) and no change in 13 neurons (20). Recordings were obtained from 30 neurons in 11 rabbits. Stimulation of these cells provoked an increase in DR in 17 neurons (57), a decrease in DR in 7 neurons (23) and no change in 6 neurons (20). Interspike interval and auto-correlation analysis was performed on 28 rat and rabbit neurons. No significant difference was found between the rat and the rabbit with respect to the number of the neurons which were either inhibited or excited by cholinergic stimulation (P > 0.05). Similarly, unit response to eserine was not related to whether the unit displayed regular or irregular DR. 4. Therefore, we suggest that the diverse hemodynamic patterns during DS and the distinct cardiovascular responses to raphe nuclei stimulation are not due to differences in the organization of the raphe nuclei themselves but to differences in their axonal projections or in the postsynaptic receptors activated in the intermediolateral cell column or other postsynaptic targets.

Responses of neurons of the nucleus raphe obscurus to noxious stimuli.

Extracellular recordings were made from neurons located in the nucleus raphe obscurus (NRO), raphe magnus (NRM), and raphe pallidus (NRP) of urethane-anesthetized rats. Noxious cutaneous stimuli had excitatory, inhibitory or no effect on neurons of the raphe nuclei. Most of the neurons were excited by noxious stimuli. The distribution of responses of noxiously activated units in the NRO is similar to that observed in the NRM. It is suggested that the NRO is also a component of the endogenous pain suppression system that originates in the NRM.

Participation of nucleus raphe obscurus in the control of sympathetic activity in the anesthetized rat.

The medullary raphe nuclei are involved in the control of sympathetic activity during desynchronized sleep and in the modulation of nociceptive sensory inputs. To determine the participation of cholinergic and opiate mechanisms in the control of sympathetic activity, we microinjected eserine, morphine and naloxone into the nucleus raphe obscurus (NRO) of urethane-anesthetized rats. Arterial blood pressure (BP) and renal nerve activity (RN) were recorded. Eserine and morphine induced significant reductions of RN and BP, while naloxone had no effect. It is suggested that cholinergic and opiate mechanisms participate in the control of sympathetic activity by the NRO.

Participation of nucleous raphe obscurus in the control of sympathetic activity in the anesthetized rat

The medullary raphe are involved in the control of sympathetic activity during desynchonized sleep and in the modulation of nocicepotive sensory inpts. To determine the particpation cholinergic and opiate mechanisms in the control of sympathetic activity, we microinjected eserine, morphine and naloxone into the nucleus raphe obscurus (NRO) of urethane-anesthetized rats. Arterial blood pressure (BP) and renal nerve activity (RN) were recorded. Eserine and morphine induced significant reductions of RN and BP, while naloxone had no effect. It is suggested that cholinergic and opiate mechanisms particpate in the control of sympathetic activity by th NRO

Responses of neurons of the nucleus raphe obscurus to noxious stimuli

Extracellular recordings were made from neurons located in the nucleous raphe obscurus (NRO), raphe magnus (NRM), and raphe pallidus (NRP) of urethane-anesthetized rats. Noxious cutaneous stimuli had excitatory, inhibitory or no effect on neurons of the nuclei. Most of the neurons were excited by noxious stimuli. The distribution of responses of noxiously activated units in the NRO is similar to that observed in the NRM. It is suggested that the NRO is also a component of the endogenous pain suppression system that originates in the NRM

Effects of physostigmine on the activity of medullary raphe neurons in anesthetized rats.

Medullary raphe neurons are involved in the control of sympathetic activity during desynchronized sleep. To determine if cholinergic stimulation of these sites has any effect on raphe unit activity, we administered physostigmine to urethane-anesthetized rats. Most of the neurons (68%) were excited by physostigmine, suggesting the existence of cholinergic synapses which are excitatory for the majority of medullary raphe neurons.