The functionality and reliability of an Internet interface for assessments of endoscopic still images and video clips: distributed research in gastroenterology.

BACKGROUND: Validation studies of medical images are required before the general use of new imaging techniques, and they necessitate a substantial number of observers. Multicenter studies are desirable but the logistic challenges are considerable. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to develop and test the functionality and reliability of an Internet interface for distributed evaluation of endoscopic still images and video clips. DESIGN: An Internet site for assessment of endoscopic still images and video clips was developed. To avoid limitations of the bandwidth, a solution was developed to launch and score high-quality video clips on digital video disks (DVDs) from the Internet interface. SETTING: Fifty-five observers were enrolled in the randomized, prospective multicenter study of still images. The feasibility study of video clips included 7 observers. PATIENTS: Four patients presenting with various degree of ulcerative colitis, ranging from normal to severe, were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: We tested the reliability of the interface by dual-image assessment, as well as the feasibility of Internet assessment of endoscopic images. We physically distributed high-quality DVD video footage. RESULTS: We recorded 2084 assessments of endoscopic still images and 35 assessments of video clips. The reliability of the Internet interface was confirmed by adequate repeatability and intraobserver agreement of the assessments. Video clips running from a DVD were also successfully shown on the Internet interface. Thus, high-quality video may be assessed independently of the Internet bandwidth. CONCLUSIONS: The present Internet-based tool is functional, efficient, and reliable for high-volume assessment of endoscopic images and video clips.

Some effects of the fungicide propiconazole on cytochrome P450 and glutathione S-transferase in brown trout (Salmo trutta).

The fungicide propiconazole (1-(2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-propyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-ylmethyl) -1H-1,2,4-triazole) induced the hepatic cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) activity towards ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD), the content of CYP1A protein as quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity towards the three commonly used substrates CDNB(1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene), cumene hydroperoxide (CU) and ethachrynic acid (EA) in brown trout (Salmo trutta) depending on dose and body weight. An exponential dose response relationship existed between propiconazole exposure and CYP1A activity. A 2. order polynomial regression of the propiconazole concentration (square root transformed) on the data for CDNB, EU and CU revealed a bell-shaped pattern of the GST induction. Reverse-phase HPLC of the GSH-affinity chromatography purified GST isozymes in trout exposed to respectively 8.3, 23, 93, 313 and 606 microg l(-1) propiconazole in the water indicated that the propiconazole treatment may lead to changes in the composition of the subunits compared to the controls. Thus, propiconazole exposure through the water changed the properties of the brown trout hepatic CYP1A and GST, and these changes may be used as a bioindicator on the molecular level of exposure and effect of propiconazole in controlled experiments. The use in monitoring of propiconazole exposure under natural field conditions is possible, however needs further investigation.

Determination of individual free fatty acids in milk by strong anion-exchange resin and gas chromatography.

A quantitative method for determination of free fatty acids in milk is described. Free fatty acids and some glycerides were extracted from milk in acetonitrile in the presence of sulfuric acid and anhydrous sodium sulfate. The filtered extract was evaporated to dryness. With use of strong anion-exchange resin as heterogeneous basic catalysts, the free fatty acids were methylated directly. The free fatty acids were separated by gas chromatography with a 2000 mm X 2-mm inner diameter glass column packed with 10% SP-2330 on 100/120 mesh Chromosorb W.