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Syphilis (T. pallidum) is a systemic and sexually transmitted disease. Over 80 % of syphilis infections are asymptomatic, and some patients tend to conceal high-risk sex histories. Therefore, fast and effective screening of syphilis is crucial to control its spread. In this study, a methodology, combining a luciferase immuno-magnetic separation system (LIMS) with an automated magnetic-processing machine, has been designed to detect syphilis-specific antibodies against TPP17 of T. pallidum. Protein A/G-immobilized magnetic particles captured the antibodies in serum and then were specifically labeled with a chimeric protein of TPP17 with a luciferase hGluc. The magnetic separation was automatically executed. It takes only 25 min from samples to results for 32 samples once. Further, for clinical samples, antibody-negative serum samples from pregnant women were unexpectedly found to have higher bioluminescence than regular sera. Innovatively, two cutoff values were determined. ROC (receiver operating characteristic) analyses showed both the sensitivity and the specificity of 100 % for the regular sera, and the sensitivity and the specificity of 96.5 % and 100 % for the sera during pregnancy. The methodology was 32 times more sensitive than ELISA. The automated platform can potentially be commercialized and would be of great significance in controlling the spread of syphilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A secondary Pb smelter matte with a total Fe grade of ca. 50% (as FeS, Fe 3 O 4 , FeO and metallic Fe), shows good potential for being used as a secondary Fe source. However, requirements for Fe ore are: a total Fe grade >60% and a sulphur content as low as possible. Therefore, further treatment steps are necessary to increase the Fe content in the matte. Dry low intensity, wet low intensity and wet high intensity magnetic separation experiments were performed on different particle size fractions of the matte. Mineral liberation analysis (MLA) was performed to explain different behaviours of Pb in the different size fractions during magnetic separation. Moreover, oxidizing roasting at 600 °C was carried out to transform FeS to Fe 2 O 3 , which is the more prefered form of Fe for pig iron production. Results show that by combining low and high intensity magnetic separation and oxidizing roasting, material with a total Fe grade of 61% (as oxide) can be recovered in the magnetic fraction representing circa 50% of the initial weight of the sample. Moreover, the sulphur content was reduced from initial 20 to 4% in the final magnetic fraction. Further reduction in sulphur content would require an additional desulphurization step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objectives of this case report are as follows: to describe the process of establishing a national laboratory information management system (LIMS) program for clinical and public health laboratories in Vietnam; to evaluate the outcomes and lessons learned; and to present a model for sustainability based on the program outcomes that could be applied to diverse laboratory programs.Methods: This case report comprises a review of program documentation and records, including planning and budgetary records of the donor, monthly reports from the implementer, direct observation, and ad-hoc field reports from technical advisors and governmental agencies. Additional data on program efficacy and user acceptance were collected from routine monitoring of laboratory policies and operational practices.Results: LIMS software was implemented at 38 hospital, public health and HIV testing laboratories in Vietnam. This LIMS was accepted by users and program managers as a useful tool to support laboratory processes. Implementation cost per laboratory and average duration of deployment decreased over time, and project stakeholders initiated transition of financing (from the donor to local institutions) and of system maintenance functions (from the implementer to governmental and site-level staff). Collaboration between the implementer in Vietnam and the global LIMS user community was strongly established, and knowledge was successfully transferred to staff within Vietnam.Conclusion: Implementing open-sourced LIMS with local development and support was a feasible approach towards establishing a sustainable laboratory informatics program that met the needs of health laboratories in Vietnam. Further effort to institutionalize IT support capacity within key government agencies is ongoing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We measured the elemental composition on a sample of Allende meteorite with a miniature laser ablation mass spectrometer. This laser mass spectrometer (LMS) has been designed and built at the University of Bern in the Department of Space Research and Planetary Sciences with the objective of using such an instrument on a space mission. Utilising the meteorite Allende as the test sample in this study, it is demonstrated that the instrument allows the in situ determination of the elemental composition and thus mineralogy and petrology of untreated rocky samples, particularly on planetary surfaces. In total, 138 measurements of elemental compositions have been carried out on an Allende sample. The mass spectrometric data are evaluated and correlated with an optical image. It is demonstrated that by illustrating the measured elements in the form of mineralogical maps, LMS can serve as an element imaging instrument with a very high spatial resolution of µm scale. The detailed analysis also includes a mineralogical evaluation and an investigation of the volatile element content of Allende. All findings are in good agreement with published data and underline the high sensitivity, accuracy and capability of LMS as a mass analyser for space exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We developed a Microsoft® Access-based LIMS (Laboratory Information and Management Systems), γ-LIMS, for the management of our gamma-spectrometry laboratory, in which thousands of routine, but high-quality analyses are performed each year. This paper explains the main features of the γ-LIMS and puts special attention on the interfacing methods and solutions for using the Genie™2000 spectrometry software in conjunction with the EFFTRAN package, which serves for efficiency transfer calculations, coincidence summing corrections and a procedure for uncertainty estimation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is designed considering the need of analytical laboratories to carry out the research in fast, efficient and transparent manner with better accessibility of the instruments. Its development started as an in-house project then moved to custom built solutions followed with open source LIMS, first LIMS were developed in the pharmaceutical and related industries for use as a Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) tool in the early 1980''s by in-house development departments or under contract by external software houses. Further, it is commercially developed by using the latest tools in information technology and based on the need of the laboratory it has got many varieties. Various sectors like agriculture, environmental and water, food and beverage, manufacturing, product quality and cyber forensic analysis etc. uses full-enterprise LIMS in their operations. It was found that the LIMS applications are not running properly due to its limitation such as improper installation, poor implementation, lack of technical access etc. This paper highlights the review of developmental stages of LIMS and some shortcomings for attaining the total quality management in a laboratory that ensure efficiency, enhanced productivity, better utilization of resources and security measures etc. An effective management system totally depends on the laboratory infrastructure. Hence, proper study of the laboratory functionalities is required before going ahead with the solution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Israel Police DNA database, also known as IPDIS (Israel Police DNA Index System), has been operating since February 2007. During that time more than 135,000 reference samples have been uploaded and more than 2000 hits reported. We have developed an effective semi-automated system that includes two automated punchers, three liquid handler robots and four genetic analyzers. An inhouse LIMS program enables full tracking of every sample through the entire process of registration, pre-PCR handling, analysis of profiles, uploading to the database, hit reports and ultimately storage. The LIMS is also responsible for the future tracking of samples and their profiles to be expunged from the database according to the Israeli DNA legislation. The database is administered by an in-house developed software program, where reference and evidentiary profiles are uploaded, stored, searched and matched. The DNA database has proven to be an effective investigative tool which has gained the confidence of the Israeli public and on which the Israel National Police force has grown to rely. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Emergency Response Management System is a customizable laboratory information management system (LIMS) developed to support chemical terrorism emergency response laboratory activities at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Unique features of the LIMS include the following: (1) method profiles that provide an efficient tool for both validation and production experiments, (2) scalability of each assay to accommodate emergency surge-capacity needs, (3) standardized data formats for communicating between different instrument types and vendors, and (4) automated quality assurance communications that allow remote review and approval by CDC statisticians and supervisors. The system has been tested under exercise and real conditions for more than five years and has proved to be robust and effective. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Magnetic agglomeration plays a vital role in enhancing the separation of fine magnetic mineral particles. However, the forces causing magnetic agglomeration in wet low-intensity magnetic separators (LIMS) are poorly understood; this calls for improved understanding of various forces (including magnetic force (F m), magnetic agglomeration force (F mm), gravity (G)) acting on magnetic particles in the LIMS. In this study, a 3D low-intensity magnetic field (LIMF) with uniform gradient was simulated, and the different forces acting on magnetic particles were calculated in the form of F mm / F m and F mm /G by finite element analysis (FEA). Results show that magnetic agglomeration force has a significant competitive effect on magnetic separation. However, there are still some methods to weaken the effect of magnetic agglomeration force. This study not only provides theoretical guidance for the innovative development of LIMS, but also opens a new perspective for the recovery of strong magnetic minerals from ore resources. • A 3D low-intensity magnetic field based on low-intensity magnetic separators (LIMS) was established. • The magnetic force and magnetic agglomeration force in LIMS were accurately calculated using 3D FEA. • Magnetic agglomeration force is much greater than the magnetic force and gravity in LIMS. • Magnetic agglomeration is very common and hardly inevitable in low-efficiency LIMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: On January 1st, 2006, the Swedish legislation on obtaining DNA reference samples from suspects and the recording of DNA profiles in databases was changed. As a result the number of samples analysed at the Swedish National Laboratory of Forensic Science (SKL) increased from about 4500 in 2005 to more than 25,000 in 2006. To meet this challenge, SKL launched a new analysis system to create an unbroken chain, from sampling to incorporation of a profile in the national DNA database and subsequent automatic generation of digitally signed hit reports. The system integrates logistics, digital data transfer, new functions in LIMS (ForumDNA Version 4, Ida Infront AB) and laboratory automation. Buccal swab samples are secured on a FTA® card attached to an identity form, which is barcoded with a unique sample ID. After sampling, the police officer sends a digital request to SKL. The sample is automatically registered in LIMS and processed on delivery. The resulting DNA profiles are automatically classified according to quality using a custom-made expert system. Building the evaluation around mathematical rules makes it reproducible, standardised and minimises manual work and clerk errors. All samples are run in duplicate and the two profiles are compared within LIMS before incorporation in the database. In the first year of operation, the median time for completion of an analysis was 3 days, measured from delivery of the sample to incorporation of the profile in the national DNA database. In spite of the dramatic increase in the number of reference samples there was no backlog. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sequencing of the human genome has opened the way and provided the impetus for building a comprehensive picture of a mammalian cell. Significant efforts are underway in the fields of genomics and proteomics to identify all genes and proteins in a given organism. The goal is a complete map of the genes, gene products, and their interaction networks in a functioning cell. The next step in establishing a comprehensive picture of a cell will be to integrate the cell''s metabolome with the rapidly developing genomic and proteomic maps. A cell''s metabolome, however, is such an enormous and complex entity that characterizing it can only be approached in sections. Our group of laboratories, the LIPID MAPS consortium, has focused on the lipid section of the metabolome. We have implemented a Lipid Metabolites and Pathways Strategy, termed LIPID MAPS, that applies a global integrated approach to the study of lipidomics in cells and tissues. This paper describes key aspects of the design, implementation, and accessibility features of a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) which serves the LIPID MAPS consortium. This software serves as a model system for integrating experimental information obtained by laboratories participating in metabolomics studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Serological surveillance testing for bovine brucellosis, Enzootic Bovine Leukosis, and Warble fly reaches approximately 1.7 million tests every year in the UK. An automated system was developed to improve the quality of data handling for all three surveys. The objectives were to make improvements in efficiency, sample tracking, and test reporting and to develop an epidemiological database. The developed system of bar-coded samples and test plates processed on automated equipment capable of scanning barcodes and transferring information across a computer network met the data objectives. Consolidating and automating the highly repetitive liquid-handling steps met the cost objectives. To reduce the impact of temporary bottlenecks in the system, a philosophy of ‘islands of automation’ was adopted to maximize the throughput. The creation of this system was driven largely by the need to have in place an effective emergency response capability to handle the serological needs of an outbreak of an acute and highly infectious veterinary disease such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in the UK. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An automated platform for low-volume, high-throughput protein crystallization by the sitting drop vapor diffusion has been developed. This platform consists of a novel Society of Biomolecular Screening standard microplate technology, standard automation liquid handling equipment, a software to design customizable, random crystallization buffers, an in-house designed scanner, a crystal recognition software, and Laboratory Information Management Systems. These technologies are designed to eliminate obstacles to the production of protein crystals and to address a number of critical issues faced by crystallography laboratories, namely precision and accuracy, ease of integration and use, speed, and cost. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A simultaneous laser-induced plasma spectrometry/laser ionization mass spectrometry experiment has been used to follow the ion and photon intensity in laser plasmas generated over pure metallic targets as a function of fluence. The excitation conditions have been chosen to cover the range from low fluence levels, where surface desorption and thermoemission are the common processes, to the high fluence regime, characterized by plasma formation. The fluence thresholds for ion formation and plasma formation have been calculated. The dependence of both processes with melting temperature has been demonstrated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fully automating laboratory processes is a nontrivial task made more difficult by a lack of standardization between components. Each device in the system requires custom interfaces and translators to permit sharing of data and remote control by a central protocol. The BioCube System from Protedyne features the LILY data management software that enables communication between external databases, the robot controller, and integrated third-party devices. Data is formatted and passed internally as XML files to provide a generic interface for all the components. The resulting system allows the process to begin with the input of samples, and finish with the automatic export of data to a variety of data management software. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping is a fundamental tool in the rapidly growing area of complex diseases and pharmacogenomics. SNP patterns that correlate with disease or response to treatment, respectively, are identified using bioinformatic techniques. We present an integrated laboratory information and management system (LIMS) for our high-throughput TaqMan™–based SNP genotyping platform. Three new client tools (ProjectManager, AssayManager, OrderTool) for our LIMS improve quality control and workflow management. The programs support organizing multiple genotyping experiments as projects, managing reagents with barcodes, and automation of assay ordering. The tools are freely available at our homepage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A range of analytical techniques are employed in laboratories of the food processing industry and in the laboratory environment the staff must keep track of products, and the samples taken, as well as the test results. The data, which is acquired during analysis, is usually then controlled and managed centrally. This `control'' is usually carried out most effectively through a piece of laboratory software known as a LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System). The automation of techniques (and removal of manual procedures) simplifies the acquisition of data taken from samples of ingredients and intermediates during production of foods and beverages. This paper describes the Laboratory Information Management System that is playing an increasingly important role in the laboratories of food processing factories. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Most of the scheduling software and instrument integration frameworks are written in Visual Basic, C/C++, or the LabView programming environment. A lot of these frameworks are proprietary tools of instrument vendors and are used by these companies during system integration of their instruments. In addition to the closed architecture of these products, the scheduler choice is very limited. ReTiSoft Inc. has created a suite of software products that address these problems. In this article we would like to introduce ReTiSoft''s open-architecture framework for instrument integration, a hybrid scheduler (static and dynamic) and a Web-enabled interface to the automated system. In addition to ReTiSoft''s integration framework (Genera) and the hybrid-scheduling software (Supra), we recently developed a Web-enabled application that allows scientists to log onto the automated system remotely, set up and run assays, examine and analyze the data produced during the experiment. The software is called DataPilot and is comprised of a high-performance database engine and the Apache Web server. In unison with Genera''s and Supra''s open-architecture approach, DataPilot can be modified and customized by system integrators to suit their specific application needs. The application serves as a data repository and adheres to guidelines presented by the Code of Federal Regulations for electronic records and electronic signatures; the guidelines are known as 21 CFR Part 11. This article provides an architectural overview of our software products and justifies its merits in comparison to other technologies commonly used in laboratories. We describe our Genera integration framework, give an overview of our scheduling algorithms, describe a Web-enabled data-tracking software and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA assay), and describe different methods of automated system validation using our software. We also offer some conclusions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This tutorial outlines some of the common risks that may be associated throughout the development and implementation of a laboratory automation project such as a laboratory information management system (LIMS) or another automation project. It presents a scheme for undertaking risk management to help assess and mitigate the degree of risk associated with each of these factors. In the case of high-risk factors, suggestions are presented to manage or help avoid the problem.Risk management is an ongoing process. It begins at the start of a project and should be reassessed at intervals throughout the project to re-evaluate existing risks and to see if any factors have changed or new ones have emerged. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

At NFC the internally developed software for DNA analysis, SlimDna is used. It is complementary to the LIMS and keeps track of samples, sample batches, instrument files and generated data. The system communicates with the LIMS, instruments and other software. SlimDna includes four modules (Analysis, Control, Administration and Frequency calculation) and covers the entire analysis process from DNA extraction to reporting approved STR profiles to the LIMS. SlimDna is built with Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) as application server and the user interface consists of Windows clients. For data storage MySQL is used. The software has been implemented in different packages, STR typing being the latest. The system has streamlined the STR typing by providing, among other functions, automated evaluation of STR profiles, databases for observed variant alleles as well as tracking and logging of negative and positive controls. STR electropherograms from analysis of crime scene samples (around 30 000 per year) are evaluated by SlimDna according to set rules concerning for example stutter ratio, heterozygote balance and number of alleles per marker in order to define the profile as a single source genotype or a mixture. The SlimDna output is compared to a manual evaluation before the results are reported to the LIMS. This process saves nearly one minute hands-on time per sample compared to the previous Excel-based solution. For reference samples, SlimDna evaluates the majority (55%) of the samples without manual revision. SlimDna's automated interpretation has proven to be very accurate and will soon replace more of the manual revisions. In the near future, we aim to develop SlimDna further, with for example a mixture module supporting the reporting officers in analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The need for high-throughput laboratories to comply with regulatory requirements makes data management an important aspect of forensic genetics. A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) enables efficient workflows and ensures traceability if designed and implemented properly. We customized a commercial LIMS to support STR typing of reference samples according to in-house defined requirements. The customization focused on data validity, traceability and automated solutions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We have implemented and validated automated methods for washing FTA Card punches containing buccal samples and subsequent PCR setup using a Sias Xantus automated liquid handler. The automated methods were controlled by worklists generated by our LabWare Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). The protocols were validated according to EN/ISO 17025 for use with STR amplifications kits AmpFℓSTR® Identifiler® and Y-filer® (Applied Biosystems). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The new Swedish DNA legislation resulted in a huge increase in reference samples. In 2006 approximately 25,000 reference samples were received compared to 5000 in 2005. To meet this increase the reference samples had to be handled in a more automatic process than previously. A new module in the LIMS system automatically compares duplicate results and creates confirmed results if the DNA profiles meet the set requirements. Profiles without automatically confirmed results need to be manually investigated. Certain rules and settings in the LIMS sort these samples. Evaluators are able to combine the results to form confirmed results or chose to reanalyse the samples. At a rough estimate, 80% of all FTA samples are automatically assigned confirmed results, without any manual handling. Only 0.09% of the reference samples was terminated without results in every marker. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To increase the validity of laboratory results SampleCheck performs plausibility checks on DNA profiles. The platform independent programme interacts with a database storing DNA profiles and further information. The main function of SampleCheck is to perform plausibility checks on DNA profiles to detect pipetting errors, contaminations with other DNA and if samples during collection or pipetting may have been interchanged. Checks can be performed batchwise and/or against the whole database. Every sample is monitored for correct gender by comparing expected and measured gender. At the same time a comparison of the measured profiles and the profiles of coworkers and positive controls takes place. Additionally, a single sample or the samples of a whole batch can be checked for identical profiles and profiles sharing a common allele on each marker like in father–child and mother–child relations. Allele frequency tables for different populations, mutation rates, coworkers and positive control profiles can be stored. SampleCheck enables the user to import this information from different file formats to the database. LR-values can be calculated using three different methods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: IGNA is the first French laboratory for forensic DNA analysis. IGNA LIMS was developed from the software Microsoft Dynamics NAV which is an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) with a real opened solution for specific development and compatible with a lot of Microsoft applications. Thanks to the LIMS, we assure the traceability of analysis and also administrative process (traceability of letters, quotes or phone calls for each case and registration of actions to be done in a case (call for results …)). For one penal case, we can associate one or more sealed items. The DNA expert indicates the analysis to do on each piece (biological fluid detection, type of extraction, nuclear or mitochondrial DNA analysis …). During the technical process, samples automatically pass from a step to the next. Technicians indicate all the information needed for traceability (consumables lot number, used robots …). At the end of the process, the DNA expert validates his results, which are then directly transferred to the final report. Development of the IGNA LIMS from Microsoft Dynamics NAV allows us to use all specific applications of an ERP such as purchases, marketing, sales, etc. and to assure computerization of all our process, from quote to analysis report. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]