- Home
- /
- Researchers
- /
- < Back To Data Management Resource
- /
- DMR Updates & Release Notes
DMR Updates & Release Notes
The DMR often releases new features/functionality, performs security & bug fixes, and deploys other critical updates to ensure the system is meeting end user needs. Get familiar with DMR system updates by reading the release notes below.
DMR Release May-2020
Release Date: May 9, 2020
Code Version: 6.0.0
New Features & Functionality
- Hiding certain PII/PHI values in the system
- In an effort to be more compliant with HIPAA policy and changing research standards, data associated with individual participant AgeYrs and VisitDate values will be converted and/or hidden in the system.
- AgeYrs values will be converted from absolute values to a numeric range (e.g. 65 = 60 – 69) and study participants with an age equal to or greater than 90 will be aggregated into a “90+” category. Changes will be reflected for both current and future data in the DMR.
- VisitDate values will be hidden from the Query Tool and removed from the download package when exporting data from the DMR.
- In an effort to be more compliant with HIPAA policy and changing research standards, data associated with individual participant AgeYrs and VisitDate values will be converted and/or hidden in the system.
- Query Tool Updates
- New ‘Row Count’ column and column/view “freeze/lock” capability.
- New ‘Row Count’ column and column/view “freeze/lock” capability.
- Transition of the Download Tool from a Java Webstart to a Javascript application *Beta Version*
- Ability to launch the download tool functionality directly from the browser, as opposed to downloading, installing, and launching the java webstart version. New feature also accounts for usability and users/organizations that do not support deprecated Java versions and software. Note: This is a beta version of the application and the existing Java Web Start version will be available to use. It is recommended that for large dataset downloads or datasets that include multiple file attachments, you continue to use the Java Web Start version.
- Ability to launch the download tool functionality directly from the browser, as opposed to downloading, installing, and launching the java webstart version. New feature also accounts for usability and users/organizations that do not support deprecated Java versions and software. Note: This is a beta version of the application and the existing Java Web Start version will be available to use. It is recommended that for large dataset downloads or datasets that include multiple file attachments, you continue to use the Java Web Start version.
- Updates to the Biosample Catalog API
- Addition of a new form data element to capture the PDBP Study ID in order to distinguish samples collected for participants enrolled in multiple studies.
- New translation feature to convert and add STEADY-PD3 samples into the Biosample Catalog.
- ProFoRMS Enhancements
- Various data tables have been updated to display both the GUID and Subject ID for faster reference and GUID to participant association.
- Various data tables have been updated to display both the GUID and Subject ID for faster reference and GUID to participant association.
- Replacement of the current data transfer process (Mirth) to a new, more efficient web-service.
- Effort makes the transfer of data from ProFoRMS to the Data Repository more efficient. Custom notifications have been added along with end-to-end transactional status updates and indicators for better oversight of data migration.
- Effort makes the transfer of data from ProFoRMS to the Data Repository more efficient. Custom notifications have been added along with end-to-end transactional status updates and indicators for better oversight of data migration.
- Ability for users to renew expiring accounts and/or DMR privileges directly in the DMR
- Currently, users request a renewal of privileges by email to the PDBPOps Support email.
- Currently, users request a renewal of privileges by email to the PDBPOps Support email.
New Form Structures
- PDBP Special Attributes – Captures genes/mutations of interest: https://dictionary.pdbp.ninds.nih.gov/portal/dictionary/dataStructureAction!view.action?dataStructureName=PDBP_Special_Attributes
- NINDS Biorepository PDBP Biosample Catalog - Updated version which includes the new PDBPStudyID data element
- PDBP Imaging PET – Positron Emission Tomography imaging information specific for PDBP: https://dictionary.pdbp.ninds.nih.gov/portal/dictionary/dataStructureAction!view.action?dataStructureName=PDBP_ImagingPET
- Updates to the PDBP Next-Generation Sequencing Dataset (PDBP_NGS_Data_Set) and PDBP SNP Array Data Set (PDBP_SNP_Array_Data_Set) forms - inclusion of protocol file upload data elements
Bug & Defect Fixes
- Public Site - Summary Graph Corrections
- Biosample graphs display total samples available as opposed to unique GUIDs
- LBD NPI summary chart - total participant quantity updates
DMR Release November-2019
Release Date: November 20, 2019
Code Version: 5.0.0
New Features & Functionality
- Query Tool - Advanced Search Capabilities
- Inclusion of boolean search and additional search operators
- Inclusive/Exclusive
- Exact search text criteria
- AND, OR, NOT
- Default full-outer join for queried data and form joins (previously set to a default left-outer join)
- Real-time SQL script creation
- Ability to configure returned data by: 1) Permissible Value Descriptions (PVDs) or 2) Permissible Value output code(s)
- Inclusion of boolean search and additional search operators
- DMR Genomics DUC Workflow
- New workflow to automate the PDBP DMR Genomics DUC renewal process. Users requesting access to PDBP Genomics data must provide an institutional signature via the Genomics DUC. Access to PDBP Genomics data is reviewed on an annual basis and requires an updated Genomics DUC.
- New workflow to automate the PDBP DMR Genomics DUC renewal process. Users requesting access to PDBP Genomics data must provide an institutional signature via the Genomics DUC. Access to PDBP Genomics data is reviewed on an annual basis and requires an updated Genomics DUC.
- Highlight of MDS-UPDRS Rescored Data
- Due to inner-rater reliability issues at the Penn State site, the MDS-UPDRS Pt. III data were re-scored by the site’s expert rater for a subset of patients at their months 12-18 visits. These new scores can be found by querying the "PDBP MDS-UPDRS_Penn State Rescored" form structure and are indicated in red font. Note that rigidity scores could not be reevaluated and are left blank here. Users can query the rescored separately or join the recored data with the existing MDS-UPDRS study data for comparison.
- Due to inner-rater reliability issues at the Penn State site, the MDS-UPDRS Pt. III data were re-scored by the site’s expert rater for a subset of patients at their months 12-18 visits. These new scores can be found by querying the "PDBP MDS-UPDRS_Penn State Rescored" form structure and are indicated in red font. Note that rigidity scores could not be reevaluated and are left blank here. Users can query the rescored separately or join the recored data with the existing MDS-UPDRS study data for comparison.
- 64-bit Implementation of the Submission Tool
- A new, 64-bit version of the DMR Submission Tool is available for data upload to the Data Repository. Note: Users should have the 64-bit version of Java installed prior to running this version of the tool
Bug & Defect Fixes
- Removal of the Biorepository Subject ID
- Field and associated data (PII/PHI) has been removed from ProFoRMS
- Field and associated data (PII/PHI) has been removed from ProFoRMS
- Updated LBD Biosample Inventory Graph
- Updates to the LBD Biosample Inventory graph on the PDBP public website. Graph and query has been modified to accurate display DNA samples, which are only collected at baseline for LBD studies
DMR Release June-2019
Release Date: June 22, 2019
Code Version: 4.0.0
New Features & Functionality
- 21 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 11 Compliance
- The PDBP DMR is fully certified and subsequently electronic records and electronic signatures within BRICS are considered trustworthy, reliable, and equivalent to paper records: 21CRFPart11 Certification
- 21 CRF part 11 - eSignature: The user account creation process includes new functionality for acknowledging/signing a the new electronic signature policy
- 21 CRF part 11 - system auditing: Improved user activity logging, capturing: 1) when a user has/is logged into the DMR; 2) how long the user is logged into the system; and 3) when the user is logged out. Access logs are available for review and download by system administrators in the Accounts Module
- 21 CRF part 11 - ProFORMS Module updates: New "save & lock" eSignature acknowledgements, modifications to the collection audit log, mandatory write-up for change in collection/eForm, and capture of exact user name for locked forms in ProFoRMS to the Data Repository.
- New Neuropathology Data Set (NACC Form Structure)
- Addition of the NACC-Neuropathology Form Structure for brain data collection in the DMR Data Dictionary. To access the Form Structure, Click here. The Form is based on version 10 of the form. Note: This form is available for data collection in ProFoRMS. Users must submit data to this form using the Submission Tool available in the Data Repository.
- Addition of the NACC-Neuropathology Form Structure for brain data collection in the DMR Data Dictionary. To access the Form Structure, Click here. The Form is based on version 10 of the form. Note: This form is available for data collection in ProFoRMS. Users must submit data to this form using the Submission Tool available in the Data Repository.
- PDBP GUID Migration
- As part of the centralized GUID solution, a collaborative effort between PDBP, NINDS, and NIA, all PDBP GUIDs (GUIDs & Pseudo-GUIDs) have been officially migrated to the centralized server. This allows for the potential of GUID sharing/visibility across PDBP, NINDS, and NIA, pending user permissions.
- As part of the centralized GUID solution, a collaborative effort between PDBP, NINDS, and NIA, all PDBP GUIDs (GUIDs & Pseudo-GUIDs) have been officially migrated to the centralized server. This allows for the potential of GUID sharing/visibility across PDBP, NINDS, and NIA, pending user permissions.
- Query Tool - Performance Improvements
- Improvements to the Query Tool Module include:
- Significant performance improvements for data querying and form joins: system returns a 5-form join with approx. 1M records in ~20 seconds
- Transition the Query Tool data-table to a Virtual Table to improve data rendering performance
- Improvements to the Biosample Ordering process, allowing for a "select all" control for all or filtered biospecimen records
- Replace data-table pagination with a single page view
- Improvements to the Query Tool Module include:
- Replacement of Mirth Web-services
- Replacement of the older web-service (Mirth) that submitted ProFoRMS data to the Data Repository on a nightly basis to a newer, more efficient service
Bug & Defect Fixes
- ProFoRMS Admin Privilege Removal
- A status of "Active-Expiring Soon" caused ProFoRMS admin privileges to be removed from the Account Module
- A status of "Active-Expiring Soon" caused ProFoRMS admin privileges to be removed from the Account Module
- ProFoRMS - eForm retrieval issue
- Permissions related to user access to the Data Dictionary and being able to retrieve/add eForms to a visit type
- Permissions related to user access to the Data Dictionary and being able to retrieve/add eForms to a visit type
- Number keypad disabled in GUID Module
- Number pad on keyboard did not work with the GUID module. Attempting to interact with the GUID client and input participant information using the number pad was disabled
DMR Release March-2019
Release Date: March 16, 2019
Code Version: 3.6
New Features & Functionality
- GUID Client Transition to JavaScript
- Refactor of the current Java web-start client to a browser based, JavaScript application. This new feature will allow users the ability to generate GUIDs online The current Java (.jnlp file) application will be replaced, removing the need for users to download and install the GUID client each time they want to generate a GUID. The JavaScript version will load directly on the users page, allowing for faster, more efficient interactions with the GUID client. The GUID JavaScript application is supported on all browsers (Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Internet Explorer v10 and higher). All functionality from the previous webstart version is maintained
- Refactor of the current Java web-start client to a browser based, JavaScript application. This new feature will allow users the ability to generate GUIDs online The current Java (.jnlp file) application will be replaced, removing the need for users to download and install the GUID client each time they want to generate a GUID. The JavaScript version will load directly on the users page, allowing for faster, more efficient interactions with the GUID client. The GUID JavaScript application is supported on all browsers (Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Internet Explorer v10 and higher). All functionality from the previous webstart version is maintained
- 5-Form Join Performance Improvements
- Effort includes enhancing the speed and overall perform of returned queries for large form joins and resolving issues with large data packages being sent to the Download Tool
- Effort includes enhancing the speed and overall perform of returned queries for large form joins and resolving issues with large data packages being sent to the Download Tool
- OpenJDK Alternative to Oracle Java
- The inclusion of OpenJDK is intended to mitigate any potential issues regarding Oracle and Java license fees and/or support. OpenJDK will ensure that users are able to continue using BRICS webstarts (Download Tool, Submission Tool, MIPAV, etc.). For additional details on how to download and install OpenJDK, Click here.
- The inclusion of OpenJDK is intended to mitigate any potential issues regarding Oracle and Java license fees and/or support. OpenJDK will ensure that users are able to continue using BRICS webstarts (Download Tool, Submission Tool, MIPAV, etc.). For additional details on how to download and install OpenJDK, Click here.
- Manage Protocol Using GUID or Subject ID
- Allow protocol coordinators the ability to change GUID to Subject ID in Manage Protocols section in ProForms
Bug & Defect Fixes
- Removal of Users from Account Permission Groups
- Permission violation issue resolved for user account being removed from permissions groups
- Permission violation issue resolved for user account being removed from permissions groups
- PDBP Public Site Anchors
- Resolution of multiple URL anchors on the pdbp public site
- Resolution of multiple URL anchors on the pdbp public site
- PDBP Public Site - PubMed API
- Refactor of the NHLBI PubMed API to automatically retrieve PDBP specific publications
DMR Release December-2018
Release Date: December 1, 2018
Code Version: 3.5
New Features & Functionality
- Flag GUIDs with a Change in Diagnosis
- This feature will highlight any/all GUIDs (records) in the Query Tool for subjects that have been identified as having a change in diagnosis. The process surveys the PDBP Change in Diagnosis form structure and highlights all GUIDs where the 'Change in Diagnosis' data element's permissible value is equal to "Yes." RDFGen has been modified to automate the highlight, removing the dependency on querying the specific PDBP Change in Diagnosis form structure and/or 'Change in Diagnosis' data element.
- This feature will highlight any/all GUIDs (records) in the Query Tool for subjects that have been identified as having a change in diagnosis. The process surveys the PDBP Change in Diagnosis form structure and highlights all GUIDs where the 'Change in Diagnosis' data element's permissible value is equal to "Yes." RDFGen has been modified to automate the highlight, removing the dependency on querying the specific PDBP Change in Diagnosis form structure and/or 'Change in Diagnosis' data element.
- Query Tool 5-Form Join
- This feature allows users the ability to join up-to five (5) form structures in the query tool. The previous configuration allowed for a maximum of three forms to be joined.
- This feature allows users the ability to join up-to five (5) form structures in the query tool. The previous configuration allowed for a maximum of three forms to be joined.
- Multi-Tenant GUID Solution
- This feature allows for the recognition and sharing of GUIDs across participating BRICS instances. Users can now 'link' GUID permissions across multiple instances and/or view 'matching' GUIDs across all instances. Pending permissions, users will be able to view the GUID along with specific meta-data including: Registered User; Registered Entity; and Date Registered. Further, this new feature has allowed for new, advanced database technologies to be incorporated (mongoDB), ensuring that the solution is scalable and secure.
- This feature allows for the recognition and sharing of GUIDs across participating BRICS instances. Users can now 'link' GUID permissions across multiple instances and/or view 'matching' GUIDs across all instances. Pending permissions, users will be able to view the GUID along with specific meta-data including: Registered User; Registered Entity; and Date Registered. Further, this new feature has allowed for new, advanced database technologies to be incorporated (mongoDB), ensuring that the solution is scalable and secure.
- Account Module Security Updates
- In order to make the publicly available portions of BRICS more secure, additional controls are being added which include:
- File upload limit - one file per upload type
- File upload types - a restriction on file types (e.g. .pdf, .doc, etc.)
- Implementation of reCAPTCHA to ensure requests are legitimate and being submitted by an actual user
- In order to make the publicly available portions of BRICS more secure, additional controls are being added which include:
- jQuery Datatable Updates
- Updating all BRICS data-tables and making them consistent across all modules. This release focused on the following modules/data-tables:
- ProFoRMS - Reports tab (all), Collect Data tab (all), and Manage Protocol tab (all)
- Biosample Order section (all)
- Updating all BRICS data-tables and making them consistent across all modules. This release focused on the following modules/data-tables:
Bug & Defect Fixes
None