Archival Institutions Research Articles

Fate of nondiagnostic thyroid fine needle aspirations.

Thyroid nodules may be detected during the workup of thyroid hormone abnormalities and as incidental findings during unrelated imaging studies. The diagnosis of a thyroid nodule is mainly established by performing fine needle aspiration (FNA) under ultrasound guidance. Thyroid nodules are classified as nondiagnostic, defined in the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology as samples with excess blood, cyst fluid only, and lack of thyroid follicular cells. The current study evaluates a series of nondiagnostic FNAs to assess whether repeat sampling improves yield and what patient management, and outcomes are after a nondiagnostic FNA. Thyroid FNAs from 2016 to 2023 were retrieved from our institution archives. All cases were performed under ultrasound guidance and with rapid on-site evaluation. Cases were assigned the Bethesda System Category. Nondiagnostic FNAs were further reviewed for repeat FNA procedures, potential molecular testing, or diagnostic resections. In total 3104 thyroid FNAs were reviewed, with 153 (4.9%) being nondiagnostic. Of the 154 FNAs, there were 129 patients with an average age of 60 and a male-to-female ratio of 1:3.2. Of the 130 patients, there were 50 patients who underwent 55 repeat FNAs. Thirty-seven (67%) of the repeats were benign, 13 (24%) were nondiagnostic again, and 5 (9%) were atypia of undetermined significance (AUS). Molecular testing was performed on repeat FNAs diagnosed AUS. Four cases showed no mutations and had a high likelihood of being benign. One case did have an NRAS Q61R mutation, and resection revealed a noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features. Seventeen (13% of all cases) with nondiagnostic FNA were resected. Twelve (71%) thyroidectomies showed benign adenomatous nodules. The remainder showed incidental papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (0.1 cm), an infarcted follicular adenoma, a noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features, and metastatic renal cell carcinoma (2×). Thyroid nodules with nondiagnostic cytology are reassuring of being highly likely a benign nodule. Only 5 of the 55 (9%) repeat FNAs yielded abnormalities, with only one of those being truly a follicular neoplasm (confirmed by molecular testing and resection). No primary thyroid malignancies have been identified in follow-up (repeat FNA or surgery). Clinical and ultrasound follow-up may be more appropriate management for nondiagnostic thyroid FNAs.

Deep learning classification of pediatric spinal radiographs for use in large scale imaging registries.

The purpose of this study is to develop and apply an algorithm that automatically classifies spine radiographs of pediatric scoliosis patients. Anterior-posterior (AP) and lateral spine radiographs were extracted from the institutional picture archive for patients with scoliosis. Overall, there were 7777 AP images and 5621 lateral images. Radiographs were manually classified into ten categories: two preoperative and three postoperative categories each for AP and lateral images. The images were split into training, validation, and testing sets (70:15:15 proportional split). A deep learning classifier using the EfficientNet B6 architecture was trained on the spine training set. Hyperparameters and model architecture were tuned against the performance of the models in the validation set. The trained classifiers had an overall accuracy on the test set of 1.00 on 1166 AP images and 1.00 on 843 lateral images. Precision ranged from 0.98 to 1.00 in the AP images, and from 0.91 to 1.00 on the lateral images. Lower performance was observed on classes with fewer than 100 images in the dataset. Final performance metrics were calculated on the assigned test set, including accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score (the harmonic mean of precision and recall). A deep learning convolutional neural network classifier was trained to a high degree of accuracy to distinguish between 10 categories pre- and postoperative spine radiographs of patients with scoliosis. Observed performance was higher in more prevalent categories. These models represent an important step in developing an automatic system for data ingestion into large, labeled imaging registries.

PRAME Expression in Merkel Cell Carcinoma.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive neuroendocrine tumor of the skin. Risk factors include extensive sun damage, infection with Merkel cell polyomavirus, and an immunocompromised state. PRAME, also known as preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma, is a cancer-testis antigen recently found to be a useful diagnostic tool in the workup of melanocytic neoplasms. However, the expression pattern of PRAME in Merkel cell carcinoma is unknown. In this study, we examine PRAME expression in Merkel cell carcinoma and explore its prognostic implications. The institutional archives at the University of Virginia were used to search for tumors classified as Merkel cell carcinoma from 2004 to 2022. All potential cases were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis, and electronic medical records were searched for clinical and demographic data. Tumors were subsequently immunostained for PRAME and Merkel cell polyomavirus. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate relative (all-cause) survival of PRAME positivity and MCPyV positivity in our study as well as MCC-specific survival of PRAME positivity. Univariate and multivariable models were created for each outcome related to all-cause survival. A total of 39 cases were included in the study. Twenty-eight percent (11 cases) demonstrated strong PRAME expression, and 27% of cases were positive for Merkel cell polyomavirus. There was no statistically significant correlation between PRAME expression and virus positivity. With respect to PRAME, the adjusted all-cause mortality hazard ratio was 11.4 (95% CI: 1.8, 70.8). The unadjusted MCC-specific hazard ratio was 4.6 (95% CI: 0.8, 27.5). The adjusted hazard ratio pertaining to Merkel cell polyomavirus infection was 0.25 (95% CI: 0.02, 2.96). In this limited cohort, PRAME expression appears to correlate with worse outcomes in Merkel cell carcinoma.

PROCESSAMENTO TÉCNICO DOS ACERVOS AUDIOVISUAIS NO ARQUIVO NACIONAL

It analyzes the technical processing of these audiovisual documents at the National Archives, the main archival institution in Brazil. The general objective was to prepare an archival diagnosis on the technical processing of audiovisual archival documents at the National Archives, with three specific objectives: to conceptually discuss audiovisual documents and their insertion in the universe of archives; problematize the technical processing of audiovisual documents in archives; identify the profile of the National Archives’ audiovisual collection and its forms of entry; and map the stage of organization, level of description and digitization of the National Archives' audiovisual collection. The research contributes to improving technical treatment practices for audiovisual documents at the National Archives, providing a detailed diagnosis of the current situation. The methodology used involved the collection and analysis of documents, as well as the exploration of the National Archives Information System (SIAN) and research instruments developed by the institution's technical team. The results indicate the importance of a comprehensive and critical study on the treatment of audiovisual documents in the archival context, suggesting the need for innovative approaches to the access and preservation of audiovisual documents in archival institutions.

REFLECTIONS IN THE FIELD OF INFORMATION SCIENCE ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF SOCIAL MEMORY IN DIGITAL NETWORKS

Researchers in the field of Information Science have made efforts to understand the processes of construction of social memory in the context of social networks, resulting in research with multiple perspectives and differentiated areas, which have great scientific and social relevance. Having said that, the objective was to analyze the frequency of the approach to the concept of social memory in digital networks and the issues related to this theme that are of interest to researchers in this science. This is an exploratory research of a qualitative and quantitative nature, using the content analysis technique as inspiration for the composition of the methodology, and, thus, for the creation of analysis categories so that it was possible to identify variations in terms used for the concepts “patrimony” and “memory”, and also making it possible to understand how these concepts have been debated by Information Science researchers. Studies were found that address different variations of the concepts of memory and patrimony in contemporary times and reflect on the informational phenomena that permeate the construction of social memory in digital media. The availability of information through the sharing of digital collections from libraries, museums, personal, public and institutional archives are constituents of digital heritage and emerge as channels for maintaining social memory and building knowledge. Faced with this, it explains the need to preserve digital heritage and improve content description mechanisms, implement metadata standards in the processes of describing and retrieving information in digital media. It also addresses the survey of ethical issues such as the social responsibility of citizens in the production and sharing of information on the web, much of which still needs to be discussed. Keywords: memory; social memory; patrimony; social networks.

PD-L1 and CD8+ T cell evaluation in breast cancers and their correlation with clinicopathological parameters.

To determine the immunohistochemical expression of Programmed cell Death Ligand 1 and intratumoural cluster of differentiation-8-positive T lymphocyte count in primary breast cancer cases, and to ascertain their association with different clinicopathological parameters. The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Pakistan Navy Station Shifa Hospital, Karachi, from January 2020 to December 2021, and comprised patients of breast cancer regardless of age. Representative tissue blocks, both prospective and from the 2019 institutional archives, were exposed to immunohistochemical staining with Programmed cell Death Ligand 1 and intratumoural cluster of differentiation-8-positive T lymphocyte antibodies. Pathological and clinical records were used for assessing clinicopathological parameters. Data was analysed using SPSS 23. Of the 70 women with mean age 52.04±12.54 years, 30(42.9%) expressed high Programmed cell Death Ligand 1 positivity, and 55(78.6%) revealed low intratumoural cluster of differentiation-8-positive T lymphocyte count, while 23 (32.9%), had both Programmed cell Death Ligand 1 high positivity and low intratumoural cluster of differentiation-8-positive T lymphocyte count. The association between Programmed cell Death Ligand 1 and intratumoural cluster of differentiation- 8-positive T lymphocytes was not significant (p=0.813). A strong significant association was observed between Programmed cell Death Ligand 1 expression and progesterone receptor negative status (p=0.008). No significant association was observed with any other clinicopathological parameter. Programmed cell Death Ligand 1 high positivity and low intratumoural cluster of differentiation-8-positive T lymphocyte count were together observed in one-third of the breast cancer cases. A strong significant association existed between Programmed cell Death Ligand 1 high positivity and progesterone receptor negative status.

Mixed adenoma-neuroendocrine tumor of the stomach: analysis of nine cases with literature review.

Mixed adenoma-neuroendocrine tumor (MANET) comprises adenoma and well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor (NET) components. Given the limited information on this due to its rarity, we aimed to clarify the clinicopathologic features and optimal management of gastric MANETs in a case series and literature review. Nine patients with gastric MANETs, including eight male and one female patient (mean age, 72years), were identified from the institutional pathology archive. Endoscopically, the tumors appeared as flat elevated lesions with sizes ranging from 0.8 to 4.4cm. One patient had familial adenomatous polyposis, and no patient had autoimmune gastritis. All MANETs developed in the gastric body mucosa exhibiting chronic metaplastic atrophic gastritis. The glandular components were intestinal-type low-grade adenoma, and focal high-grade dysplasia was also recognized in three cases. The NET component was in middle/deep lamina propria in six cases and confined to deep lamina propria in the remaining three cases. Minimal cytologic atypia was found in the NET component, with no recognizable mitosis and a Ki-67 labeling index of < 2%. The NET component mostly showed diffuse positivity for serotonin and CDX2, suggesting that it consists of enterochromaffin cells. Diffuse p53 immunostaining was observed only in the high-grade adenomatous component of one case. No recurrence was observed during the follow-up period of 2-94months. Correct distinction between the NET and poorly differentiated carcinoma components is crucial to prevent overtreatment of gastric MANETs. Considering its indolent nature, endoscopic resection is the primary recommendation for gastric MANETs as well as for pure adenomas.

Building bridges and preserving voices: key factors in community oral history stewardship

PurposeThe study aims to enhance our understanding of shared community oral history stewardship by exploring its practices and challenges from the perspectives of the stakeholders involved.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed in-depth semi-structured interviews with community oral history stewards. Each interview focused on their experiences and perspectives regarding community-based oral history projects. The interview data were transcribed and analyzed using a grounded theory approach.FindingsCommunity oral history stewards found oral history stewardship entails substantial effort, long-term commitment, and challenges. They concurred on the importance of partnerships between communities and archives in preserving community stories, with institutional archives providing valuable support, resources, and engagement beyond mere preservation platforms. Establishing trust between communities and archives emerged as a fundamental requirement for fruitful collaboration.Originality/valueCommunity oral history has stood out as the prevailing form within the theory and practice of oral history, but its shared stewardship practices have not been thoroughly explored from the stakeholders' viewpoints.

Toward an Auditory Virtual Observatory

The large ecosystem of observations generated by major space telescope missions can be remotely analyzed using interoperable virtual observatory technologies. In this context of astronomical big data analysis, sonification has the potential of adding a complementary dimension to visualization, enhancing the accessibility of the archives, and offering an alternative strategy to be used when overlapping issues are found in purely graphical representations. This article presents a collection of sonification and musification prototypes that explore the case studies of the MILES and STELIB stellar libraries from the Spanish Virtual Observatory and the Kepler and TESS light curve databases from the Space Telescope Science Institute archive. Using automation and deep learning algorithms, it offers a “palette” of resources that could be used in future developments oriented toward an auditory virtual observatory proposal. The work includes a user study with quantitative and qualitative feedback from specialized and nonspecialized users analyzing the use of sine waves and musical instrument mappings for revealing overlapped lines in galaxy transmission spectra, confirming the need for training and prior knowledge for the correct interpretation of accurate sonifications, and providing potential guidelines to inspire future designs of widely accepted auditory representations for outreach purposes.

Clinical implication of PRAME immunohistochemistry in differentiating melanoma in situ and dysplastic nevus in non-acral nevus-associated melanoma in situ: An institutional experience and meta-analysis.

PReferentially expressed Antigen in MElanoma (PRAME) has shown utility in differentiating benign from malignant melanocytic neoplasms. In this study, we investigated the clinical significance of PRAME expression in dysplastic nevi (DN) and nevus-associated melanoma in situ (MIS). We included 172 DN and 38 nevus-associated MIS from our institutional archive. PRAME positive expression was defined as nuclear staining in at least 75% of melanocytes. In addition, relevant studies from PubMed and Web of Science were incorporated into a meta-analysis using the random-effects model to assess PRAME expression in MIS and DN. Our institutional data revealed that 71.1% of nevus-associated MIS cases exhibited positive PRAME expression in the MIS components, whereas all DN components were negative for PRAME. 5.7% of cases diagnosed as DN in our cohort demonstrated diffuse positivity for PRAME. Notably, MIS associated with DN displaying epidermal and dermal components displayed a higher likelihood of PRAME positivity compared to those arising on a background of DN with solely epidermal (junctional) components (84% vs. 46%, p = 0.024). The meta-analysis indicated that the pooled PRAME positivity in MIS and DN was 54.5% and 1.9%, respectively. PRAME is a valuable immunohistochemical marker for differentiating MIS from DN, particularly in the context of nevus-associated MIS.

Our Heritage, Our Stories: developing AI tools to link and support community-generated digital cultural heritage

PurposeCommunity-generated digital content (CGDC) is one of the UK’s prime cultural assets. However, CGDC is currently “critically endangered” (Digital Preservation Coalition, 2021) due to technological and organisational barriers and has proven resistant to traditional methods of linking and integration. The challenge of integrating CGDC into larger archives has effectively silenced diverse community voices within our national collection. Our Heritage, Our Stories (OHOS), funded by the UK’s AHRC programme Towards a National Collection, responds to these urgent challenges by bringing together cutting-edge approaches from cultural heritage, humanities and computer science.Design/methodology/approachExisting solutions to CGDC integration, involving bespoke interventionist activities, are expensive, time-consuming and unsustainable at scale, while unsophisticated computational integration erases the meaning and purpose of both CGDC and its creators. Using innovative multidisciplinary methods, AI tools and a co-design process, previously unfindable and unlinkable CGDC will be made discoverable in our virtual national collection.FindingsThere currently exists a range of disconnected, fragile and under-represented community-generated heritage which is at increasing risk of loss. Therefore, OHOS will work to ensure the survival and preservation of these nationally important resources, for the future and for our shared national collection.Originality/valueAs we dissolve barriers to create meaningful new links across CGDC collections and develop new methods of engagement, OHOS will also make this content accessible to new and diverse audiences. This will facilitate a wealth of fresh research while also embedding new strategies for future management of CGDC into heritage practice and training and fostering newly enriching, robust connections between communities and archival institutions.

O uso da Malva no Brasil

The article delves into the historical trajectory of mallow (Urena lobata L.) utilization in Brazil, a plant indigenous to the national flora and a perfect analogue to jute (Corchorus olitorius L. and Corchorus capsularis L.), an exotic plant. The objective of the article is to generate insights into the process of mallow utilization aimed at fiber production for the crafting of sacks used in packaging agricultural products, as well as for other weaving purposes. To achieve this, we analyze the historical context in which the first attempts at mallow cultivation in Brazil occurred, spanning from the late 19th century to the early decades of the 20th century. Additionally, we examine the current cultivation context of this plant, particularly in the Amazon. In this region, there is primarily the collection and/or cultivation of mallow for seed production in the northeastern region of Pará, while in the neighboring state of Amazonas, cultivation is aimed at fiber production. The methodology employed was documentary research, conducted in the archives of significant agricultural research institutions in the country. The relevance of the topic lies in the fact that mallow has practically replaced jute in the Amazon, not due to disparities in the production process or the efficacy and quality of its fibers, but rather because of the abandonment of jute-related research in the region and the availability of seeds. This oversight has led to a scarcity in production and seed supply, causing riverside communities to now predominantly cultivate mallow.

Usando direitos para aprofundar a democracia

In this text we will describe the historical path of use, in Brazil, of mallow (Urena lobata L.), a plant found in the national flora that is the perfect counterpart to jute (Corchorus olitorius L. and Corchorus capsularis L.), an exotic plant. The objective of this article is to produce knowledge about the process of using mallow to produce fibers intended for making bags for packaging agricultural products, as well as for other uses in weaving. To do this, we analyzed the historical context in which the first attempts to cultivate mallow took place in Brazil, which took place between the end of the 19th century and the first decades of the 20th century. We also analyze the current context of cultivation of this plant, carried out in the Amazon. In this region, there is, fundamentally, the collection and/or cultivation of mallow for seed production in the northeast of Pará and, in the neighboring state of Amazonas, cultivation takes place for the production of fibers. The methodology used was documentary research, carried out in the archives of important agricultural research institutions in the country. The relevance of the topic lies in the fact that mallow practically replaced jute in the Amazon, not because there were differences in the production process or in the efficiency and quality of its fibers, but rather because of the abandonment of research linked to jute in the region and seed availability. This omission led to a reduction in the production and supply of seeds, causing riverside dwellers to now almost exclusively cultivate mallow.

Digitisasi arsip dan doktrin religius pada komunitas Kristen Mormon

Introduction. This research examines two questions: first, what is the relationship between archive digitalization and religious doctrines within the Mormon Christian Community? Second, how do these implications affect the interpretation of archival spirituality? The Mormon Christian Community has developed archival institutions as one of the early organizational units and established the world's largest digital genealogical archive site. This site is open and accessible to anyone. However, studies on the connection between archive digitalization and Mormon religious doctrines are still relatively scarce. Data Collection Methods. The research used a qualitative method based on archival research and was conducted in Indonesia from July to October 2022. Data Analysis. The researchers used technical data analysis techniques such as selection, reduction, categorization, and conceptualization. Results and Discussion. The familysearch.org site is a digital genealogical archive portal developed by the Mormon Christian Community. This portal evidences that archival spirituality within this community encompasses the comprehensive management of archives legitimized and oriented toward religious doctrines. Conclusion. Archive digitalization is a part of sacred practices. In this context, archival spirituality occurs as archive management receives legitimacy and orientation from religious doctrines. Therefore, religious communities can advance archive digitalization by employing religious doctrines as a basis.

The interpenetration of Politics and Culture in Education on the Holocaust.

A monument - metal chairs from Plac Bohaterów Getta in Kraków, Poland, symbolize the absence of millions of Jews in Poland due to the Holocaust. But in Poland, there is a more horrifying symbol of the Holocaust, and that is Auschwitz. Knowledge of the uniqueness of Nazi genocide against the Jews in Auschwitz has been obvious since 1945, but the People’s Republic of Poland’s historical policy has blurred it and presented it in the context of the extermination of millions of people from different countries.[1] The fact that Auschwitz is the symbol of the Holocaust is attributable to the USA, and the President's [Carter] Commission, which gave rise to the US Holocaust Memorial Museum.[2] The article aims to compare Polish [1]J. Huener, Auschwitz, Poland, and the politics of commemoration, 1945-1979 (Ohio 2003), pp. 123-127. [2] Report to the President. President’s Commission on the Holocaust, September 1979., The USHMM Institutional Archives, accession no. 2001.165.

Land, indigeneity and archaeological ruins in Ottoman Palestine: the people of Beit Jibrin and the Palestine Exploration Fund

ABSTRACT Palestinian nationalism and visions of Palestine as a nation have, since the loss in 1948 of 78% of Mandate Palestine to the newly founded State of Israel, focused on notions of rootedness and connection to the land. However, as a result of the disruptions to Palestinian culture stemming from the refugee lives of a large proportion of the population, and the loss or fragmentation of many personal and institutional archives, sources for the quotidian details of rural life and how the relationship between land and people played out in different parts of historic Palestine are often scarce. This article experiments with the use of accounts by Western archaeologists as potential repositories of such information. This derives, the author argues, not just from the descriptive features of such writings, which they share with other commonly used sources such as travelogues and the memoirs of missionaries and other temporary residents, but also from the nature of archaeology itself as an activity which intimately, if at times controversially and destructively, engages with land and soil, and in which local people were often hired to carry out excavation on their own lands. While fully acknowledging the many issues raised by the use of imperial documents to consider the lives of indigenous and subaltern peoples, I seek to employ techniques such as reading against the grain to investigate how such archives can contribute granularity and detail to our understandings of rural life in Palestine at the end of the Ottoman period.

Презентація архівів засобами філателії: будівлі архівних установ, храми, замки

Презентація архівів засобами філателії: будівлі архівних установ, храми, замки

Law as Mnemonic Infrastructure: Archival Legal Discourses and Memory Battles in Romania

This article examines law as mnemonic infrastructure, tracing how archival laws and policies in Romania shape the construction of its collective memory of communism and fascism. The four layers analyzed here—archival institutions, norms, processes, and practices—help produce a memory regime characterized by nationalism, the securitization of historical memory, and a selectively amnesic collective memory. Focusing on law as mnemonic infrastructure highlights indirect and structural pathways in the construction of memory regimes, with distinctive, if not always obvious, knowledge and truth effects that help clarify the role of law in promoting or undermining hegemonic memory regimes.

Preserving the Past, Enabling the Future: Assessing the European Policy on Access to Archives in the Digital Age

Abstract In this study we investigate the implementation and challenges of accessing archives in the digital age. Through an online survey and expert interviews, data were collected from archival institutions, professional users, and civil society organizations in all Council of Europe member states. The findings reveal that digitization has had a positive impact on document accessibility, providing convenience, reducing workload, and improving user access. However, only a small portion of archival holdings have been digitized, highlighting the need for further efforts in this area. Data protection and copyright present significant obstacles, with the European General Data Protection Regulation leading to access restrictions and legal uncertainties. Preservation, interoperability, and organization of records pose challenges in the digital realm, and while artificial intelligence shows promise in automating metadata creation and identifying sensitive materials, concerns about algorithmic biases and the need for additional checks are highlighted. To enhance accessibility, user-friendly interfaces, cooperation among memory preserving institution, and outreach to new user groups are crucial, which can ensure the effective preservation and accessibility of digital collections in the digital age. We provide insights for policy-making and archival institutions in navigating the evolving landscape of accessibility.

A contextualised Internationalisation of the curriculum: A case study in China

China is often seen as a home country of international students in higher education internationalisation. Little is known how Chinese institutions actively engage in multi-modal and multi-lateral internationalised practices. This paper offers an updated insight of higher education internationalisation in a context outside the dominant western landscape through a case study set in an international college in China. Making use of the existing frameworks of internationalisation of the curriculum (IoC), the current case study focuses on three key aspects of the curriculum: program development, student experience and staff perspectives. A mixed-method approach was used to collect data from three sources: institutional archives and course materials, and student and staff surveys. Triangulated data show that the curriculum was well aligned within the existing IoC frameworks. The curriculum incorporated international content and comparative approaches. Local socio-cultural values were also embedded in joint programs. Both students and academics’ perspectives of an internationalised curriculum showed a high level of alignment with the western community. Student and staff data also revealed urgent need to enhance the level of internationalisation, including English competence of discipline academics, people-to-people connection between local Chinese students and incoming international students, student and staff mobility opportunities, and teaching and research development for academic staff. This study hopes to contribute to the current knowledge of internationalisation of the curriculum with updated understanding in a Chinese context. This paper also provides insight in internationalisation implemented at the curriculum level in China, a context that presents much difference from but relates closely with the western context.