CD-Marker PF

• Abstract:
  CD-Marker PF is a Web-based dynamic database for teaching differential diagnosis of hematopoietic neoplasms using immunophenotyping by flow cytometry. This database is based on the latest World Health Organization (WHO) classification and current data on the incidence of positive and negative results for each neoplasm. This application includes the following modules: differential diagnosis with user's input data; immunophenotyping pattern of hematopoietic neoplasms; and marker information. Relevant data on immunoperoxidase stains and cytogenetics are also incorporated into the diagnostic module.
  
  In the diagnosis of lymphomas and leukemias, flow cytometry has been considered an essential addition to morphology and immunohistochemistry. The interpretation of immunophenotyping results by flow cytometry involves pattern recognition of different hematologic neoplasms that may have similar immunologic marker profiles. An important factor that creates difficulty in the interpretation process is the lack of consistency in marker expression for a particular neoplasm. For this reason, a definitive diagnostic pattern is usually not available for each specific neoplasm. Consequently, there is a need for decision-support tools to assist pathology trainees in learning flow cytometric diagnosis of leukemia and lymphoma.
  
  This database has a knowledge-base containing pattern of 44 markers for 37 hematologic neoplasms. We have obtained immunophenotyping data published in the scientific literature and incorporated them into a mathematical algorithm that is integrated to the database for differential diagnostic purpose. The algorithm takes into account the incidence of positive and negative expression of each marker for each disorder. Validation of this algorithm was performed using 92 clinical cases accumulated from 2 different medical centers. The algorithm developed in this database shows significant improvement in diagnostic accuracy over our previous database prototype. This Web-based database is proposed to be a useful public resource for teaching pathology trainees in flow cytometric diagnosis.
  
  
• Software platforms:
  (1) Microsoft .NET Framework: is a new computing platform that simplifies application development in the highly distributed environment of the Internet. The .NET Framework is designed to fulfill the following objectives:
  - To provide a consistent object-oriented programming environment where object code is Internet-distributed.
  - To provide a code-execution environment that minimizes software deployment and versioning conflicts.
  - To provide a code-execution environment that guarantees safe execution of code, including code created by an unknown or semi-trusted third party.
  - To provide a code-execution environment that eliminates the performance problems of scripted or interpreted environments.
  
  (2) C# (pronounced C sharp): is a new programming language designed for building a wide range of enterprise applications that run on the .NET Framework. An evolution of C and C++, C# is simple, modern, type safe, and object-oriented. C# code is compiled as managed code, which means it benefits from the services of the common language runtime. These services include language interoperability, garbage collection, enhanced security, and improved versioning support.
  
  (3) ASP.NET: is a unified Web development platform that provides the services necessary to build Web applications. While ASP.NET is largely syntax compatible with Active Server Pages (ASP), it provides a new programming model and infrastructure to create a powerful new class of applications. ASP.NET is part of the .NET Framework and allows developers to take full advantage of the features of the common language runtime, such as type safety, inheritance, language interoperability, and versioning.
  
  (4) ADO.NET: ActiveX Data Objects for the .NET Framework (ADO.NET) is a set of classes that expose data access services to the .NET programmer. ADO.NET provides a rich set of components for creating distributed, data-sharing applications. It is an integral part of the .NET Framework, providing access to relational data, XML, and application data. ADO.NET supports a variety of development needs, including the creation of front-end database clients and middle-tier business objects used by applications, tools, languages, or Internet browsers.
  
  
• Publication:
  A. Nguyen, J. De, J. Nguyen, A. Padula, Z. Qu. A Teaching Database for Diagnosis of Hematologic Neoplasms Using Immunophenotyping by Flow Cytometry. Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine. In press (accepted 10/29/07)

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