A comprehensive cytogenetics tutorial program, encompassing changeable G-band resolutions

Abstract Chromosome analysis is a basic science with medical implication. Karyotyping is a procedure to study an individual's chromosome make-up. It is time consuming to train students and clinical technologists to recognize patterns of G-banded chromosomes because of the dynamic nature of G-ba...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Computer methods and programs in biomedicine 2010-07, Vol.99 (1), p.66-74
Main Authors: Yang, Xiaoli, Wen, Ding, Wu, Xiang, Zhao, Zhenpeng, Lacny, Jason, Tseng, Charles
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Chromosome
Chromosome Banding - methods
Chromosomes, Human - ultrastructure
Cytogenetics - education
G-band resolutions
Humans
Internal Medicine
Karyotyping
Medical sciences
Metaphase
Other
Radiotherapy. Instrumental treatment. Physiotherapy. Reeducation. Rehabilitation, orthophony, crenotherapy. Diet therapy and various other treatments (general aspects)
Software
Technology. Biomaterials. Equipments. Material. Instrumentation
Virtual reality
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Summary:Abstract Chromosome analysis is a basic science with medical implication. Karyotyping is a procedure to study an individual's chromosome make-up. It is time consuming to train students and clinical technologists to recognize patterns of G-banded chromosomes because of the dynamic nature of G-band resolutions in different metaphase spreads. High resolution G-bands are desirable because they provide detailed information for structural analysis. However, it is challenging to identify chromosomes at higher resolution levels even for many cytogenetics technologists. In response to the need for training students to identify human chromosomes at variable G-band resolutions, we present in this paper an advanced version of virtual reality (VR)-based interactive karyotyping program capable of manipulating G-band resolutions for human cytogenetics education. The program can generate different metaphase spreads ranging from short and well separate chromosomes at low G-band resolutions to long, curved, and overlapped chromosomes at high G-band resolutions. Other features include a scoring system, helping strategies, and the progress reports. The traditional “cut and paste” karyotyping method for chromosome separation is incorporated in the software. This method is compared with the “simple clicking” method which is based on an edge detection technique for outlining each chromosome. The comprehensive program is suitable for in-depth training of advanced students.
ISSN:0169-2607
1872-7565
DOI:10.1016/j.cmpb.2009.12.007