Digital Pathology Blog

2012 Pathology Visions Keynote Speaker Announcement

2012-05-25T08:00:00-04:00

PIONEER, EDUCATOR, AUTHOR & LEADER

Dr. John Tomaszewski announced as Pathology Visions 2012

Keynote Presenter

Dr. John Tomaszewski, a pioneer, educator, author and leader in the pathology field, has been announced as the Keynote Presenter for Pathology Visions 2012. Pathology Visions is the annual conference of the Digital Pathology Association (DPA), a non-profit organization that promotes education and awareness of digital pathology applications. Pathology Visions will be held at the Baltimore Hilton in Baltimore, Maryland October 28-31, 2012.

Tomaszewski’s topic for his keynote presentation is “Data Fusion and 21st Century Diagnostics”. His knowledge in the field of genitourinary pathology and versatile skill set has earned him awards and recognition worldwide. Tomaszewski currently serves as Professor and Chair of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences at the University of Buffalo. With over 30 years of experience in pathology, Tomaszewski’s keynote presentation will be extremely insightful.

Before Tomaszewski worked at the University of Buffalo, he served a 28-year tenure at the University of Pennsylvania as a professor and held numerous leadership positions there. The research he conducts focuses on the application of quantitative image analysis, computer vision, and machine learning to diagnostic problems in prostate and other cancers. He sees the field of “integrated diagnostics” with the fusion of large quantitative high resolution imaging and molecular data sets as the paradigm for the new 21st century diagnostics. Tomaszewski will touch on this and more in his keynote presentation. This research has resulted in the publication of over 250 peer-reviewed manuscripts, over 40 published reviews, book chapters, editorials, and books, and numerous awards.

To read the full release on Dr. Tomaszewski please click here.

To learn more about Pathology Visions 2012 please click here.

STILL ACCEPTING ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS

The DPA is currently accepting oral presentation abstracts and poster presentation abstracts. The oral abstracts, submissions which provide researchers the opportunity to present for 30 minutes on a topic related to digital pathology, will be due on June 1, 2012. The poster presentation abstracts, allowing attendees the opportunity to display a poster for two days during Pathology Visions, will be due August 1, 2012.

Submitted abstracts will be reviewed by the Pathology Visions Program Committee and chosen presenters will be provided a conference registration pass (valued at $699), economy class round trip airfare, and lodging expenses for a maximum of 3 nights (October 28 - 31) at the host hotel.

Accepted presenters will be notified by June 15, 2012. To submit your abstract please now please click here. For more information regarding Pathology Visions please click here.

PathConsult Real Time Telepathology HD video imaging now available!

2012-05-23T15:03:21-04:00

Took a look at this a couple of weeks ago and incredible how easy to connect and review images quickly (real time) with high quality. My camera phone shots would not do the images respect but for a demonstration or to test ease of connection, I suggest you reach out to Meyer Instruments and see for yourself.

A recent breakthrough in technology has just made it possible to transmit in REAL TIME 30 frames per second, 1920 x 1080 P HD color video across internet lines. Using a high performance custom designed 3 chip HD video camera and proprietary codec, it is now possible to consult, teach and record images in true real time from one site to another. As long as your internet upload speed is 5 megabytes or faster, perfect image streaming is now possible. There is virtually no more pixelization, packet loss or frame latency lag. Perfect color and clarity using even 100x oil immersion images is now possible in real time.

This new system has to be seen to be believed! For years, this broadcast capability was simply not possible. Thanks to the advent of H.264/MPEG-4 AVC technology and a recent break through in synchronization, anyone that uses a microscope can instantly share with others EXACTLY what they are seeing. The heart of the system is a patented transmission device which provides instant HD video compression. Using existing microscopes, the included 'C' mountable camera performs like no other product on the market. An optional motorized macro lens and lighted copy stand provide real time macro photography of gross samples, Petri dishes or test tubes.

Also included as part of the system is a high-chromaticity, 42 inch professional grade, commercial display monitor. Not only are the microscopic images displayed larger and clearer than seen through the microscope, but multiple people can simultaneously see the exquisite images you are transmitting. The PathConsult Real Time Telepathology imaging system is a perfect addition to multi-headed microscopes and especially designed for applications where high magnification is required.

The PathConsult Real Time Telepathology imaging system will be a welcome, much needed tool for any pathology application, especially cytopathology. And best yet . . . this system does not require a computer to operate! Just plug it to an internet connection, provide the unique IP address to the remote observer and transmit, (up to 3 observers can view simultaneously with the PathConsult and up to 100 observers can view simultaneously with the PathConsult-Pro). Whatever is steaming can be recorded along with audio. It comes with and analog microphone and a simple one button recording device. It can be used with PC’s, Mac’s and iPad’s. Compatible with all browsers.

Contact:

Robert D. Meyer Instruments, Inc.

Meyer Instruments, Inc.

1304 Langham Creek Drive

Suite 235

Houston TX, 77084

281-579-0342

www.meyerinst.com

SEEING IS BELIEVING!

New Microscope System Leica DM4000 B LED for Biomedical Routine & Research Applications

2012-05-22T16:56:50-04:00

Superior Image Quality with LED Illumination and Intelligent Automation

Wetzlar, Germany. Leica Microsystems launches the new Leica DM4000 B LED – a microscope system with innovative LED illumination optimally suited for biomedical applications.

The specially designed LED transmitted light illumination solution is perfectly integrated in the microscope automation covering a wide range of microscopy applications. LED illumination produces constant color temperature at all intensity levels without heat buildup and thus enables stable results. High luminance and optimal color reproduction provide brilliant images with a clear differentiation of the colors in the sample. With at least 50.000 hours lifetime, the LED illumination is very cost effective; frequent bulb changes are no longer necessary.

Advantages for biomedical research

Thanks to intelligent automation the Leica DM4000 B LED sets parameters for transmitted light and fluorescence illumination according to user’s selection of contrast method and magnification. Most recently used settings are stored and recalled automatically – saving time and allowing the user to focus on the application and not technology. The fully automated fluorescence axis with apochromatic light path provides brilliant images with stunning contrast. Intelligent automation also means: high-quality, publication ready images and maximum reproducability for reliable data analysis.

Ideal for clinical applications

The Leica DM4000 B LED is well suited for clinical applications, e.g. pathology applications with H&E or IHC stained slides. Its special transmitted light modes may be adjusted according to applications and user’s preferences. Repetitive movements are reduced thanks to the intelligent automation along with the ergonomic design.

Integrated system solution

Leica Microsystems offers a complete imaging system from one source: With Leica’s extensive line of color and fluorescence cameras there is a solution for different requirements like high resolution and quick live image. The Leica Application Suite software package fully integrates the Leica DM4000 B LED microscope and digital camera into an optimized system for visualization, storage and documentation of microscope images. The Leica AF6000 advanced fluorescence imaging systems featuring LAS AF software are ideal for very fast, multidimensional fluorescence scans and processing, including live cell time-lapse experiments, multi-positioning and deconvolution.

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Leica Microsystems is a world leader in microscopes and scientific instruments. Founded as a family business in the nineteenth century, the company’s history was marked by unparalleled innovation on its way to becoming a global enterprise.

Its historically close cooperation with the scientific community is the key to Leica Microsystems’ tradition of innovation, which draws on users’ ideas and creates solutions tailored to their requirements. At the global level, Leica Microsystems is organized in four divisions, all of which are among the leaders in their respective fields: the Life Science Division, Industry Division, Biosystems Division and Medical Division.

Leica Microsystems’ Biosystems Division, also known as Leica Biosystems, offers histopathology laboratories the most extensive product range with appropriate products for each work step in histology and for a high level of productivity in the working processes of the entire laboratory.

The company is represented in over 100 countries with 12 manufacturing facilities in 7 countries, sales and service organizations in 19 countries and an international network of dealers. The company is headquartered in Wetzlar, Germany.

New Microscope System Leica DM4000 B LED for Biomedical Routine & Research Applications

2012-05-22T16:56:48-04:00

Superior Image Quality with LED Illumination and Intelligent Automation

Wetzlar, Germany. Leica Microsystems launches the new Leica DM4000 B LED – a microscope system with innovative LED illumination optimally suited for biomedical applications.

Advantages for biomedical research

Ideal for clinical applications

Integrated system solution

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Interesting Case of the Week from PathXchange

2012-05-22T08:00:00-04:00

Courtesy of PathXchange

This week's Case of the Week is a case by Shaza, a pathologist from King Saud University Hospital in Qateef, Saudi Arabia.

Title: Axillary Mass in a 32 Year old Man

Case Information: Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma shows a biphasic pattern which consists of island of cytologically benign hyaline cartilage surrounded by celluar area containing small, primitive-appearing mesenchymal cells arranged around delicate branching vessels.

Case Creator: Shaza

Case of the Week Program

The PX Case of the Week is a program that allows PX members to showcase rare and interesting cases to the online community. Take this opportunity to get in the spotlight with our huge digital pathology community! Creating cases on PathXchange is very simple.

Take a look at this Step-by-Step PDF Guide if you are creating a case for the first time.

Log on now. See you online!

PathXchange Team

PathXchange Benefits

Px forms a platform for collaboration and is the perfect tool to easily share slides, discuss cases, teach students, store slides, conduct research studies and store images in one convenient online location. Our interactions with users revealed that Px has been used in various settings. These are just examples; find out how you can best use Px yourself!

Case Conferencing
Present your cases digitally at the next upcoming conference using PathXchange. PathXchange is the perfect way to present your cases online. Reference each case and slide with a permanent URL for websites, papers, and journals. Present whole slide scans instead of limiting the audience to fixed fields of view. Conferences such as Futurescape 2009 and the Senior Surgical Pathology Meeting (SSPM) in Mumbai have used Px as a reference site for virtual case conferencing.

Slide sharing clubs
Share cases online – save cost and inconveniences associated with re-cutting and shipping slides. The Soft Tissue Slide Club is a similar club that shares and showcases interesting soft tumor cases.

Research Study
Use PathXchange as a platform to conduct research studies. Upload digital cases easily and let pathologists from multiple sites review slides over the internet. Research findings can be easily recorded and aggregated using simple questionnaires. Mayo Clinic is conducting an international consensus study on Autoimmune Pancreatitis (AIP) using PathXchange. Participants from five different countries will be reviewing a virtual library of 40 cases and will record their findings, diagnosis and comments using a questionnaire associated with each case on PathXchange. The results of the study will discussed during the joint American Pancreatic Association and Japanese Pancreatic Association annual meeting in Honolulu this year.

eLearning
Show and provide digital images of interesting cases for teaching purposes. A digitized slide enables anytime, anywhere access to slide sets and provide a more interactive learning environment for students. The Creighton Dermatopathology group on PathXchange provides online cases and resources for residents of Creighton University Medical Center to master their dermatopathology skills. The group presents about 400 rare and interesting cases for routine and common skin lesions.

Forums and Discussions
Have a question related to Pathology? Post it on the Px forum. Px forum provides a quick and easy way to reach out to Px community members to obtain answers, discuss difficult cases etc. Several PathXchange members have been using the Px forum to gain answers to their questions.

PathXchange

GE's Healthymagination names CEO

2012-05-21T23:03:45-04:00

Courtesy of Modern Healthcare:

GE has named Sue Siegel a corporate vice president and CEO of Healthymagination, the company's $6 billion initiative to address global healthcare costs and access.

Siegel, 52, joined the Fairfield, Conn.-based company from Mohr Davidow Ventures, where she most recently served as a general partner, according to a GE news release. She has also held senior positions with Affymetrix, a Santa Clara, Calif.-based provider of genomic analysis tools, and reagents vendor Amersham International, which was acquired by GE Healthcare in 2003.

Siegel replaces Mike Barber, who has been named vice president and general manager of molecular imaging at GE Healthcare. GE launched Healthymagination in May 2009.

In her new role, Siegel will oversee quality- and engagement-related initiatives including an innovation challenge focused on early-stage breast cancer and workplace and community health programs.

By Jaimy Lee

Posted: May 21, 2012 - 3:30 pm ET

Tags: Costs, Executives, Information Technology, Vendors

MD247 Invites Local and National Media to Learn More

2012-05-21T22:54:42-04:00

MD247 launched an “open door” policy regarding its social media operations, allowing local and national media an all access pass to information regarding thetelemedicine provider. The MD247 invitation to local and national media was issued in response to an evolving customer care program, which initially was modified to provide consumers a behind the scenes view of customer care. The addition of an open door policy for the media is meant to provide television reporters, bloggers and journalists the opportunity to have an all access behind the scenes pass that does not require that facts be checked using unreliable resources like Wikipedia or Ripoff Report.

Members of the media opting to contact MD247 to learn more about the MD247 telemedicine program will have the opportunity to learn more about the history telemedicine, where the field of telemedicine is going in the future and how the field will change the medical frontier for patients. In addition to learning about telemedicine, journalists will be walked through subjects like the “talk to a nurse” hotline for symptom checking and the discounted pharmaceutical program card. MD247 management will also address complaints filed on websites like Ripoff Report, and the way in which the changes to MD247 customer care are meant to catch problems before they escalate to the point of nameless complaints.

MD247 encourages members of the media with questions to please make initial contact via email at mgermann (at) md247 (dot) com.

MD247 advised that media parties interested in learning more about the field of telemedicine are encouraged to first visit the newly relaunched MD247 telemedicine website at http://www.md247.com. The newly relaunched site covers the history of telemedicine, current applications of telemedicine and potential future advances using telemedicine.

Largo Florida based MD247.COM (MD247; MD/247; MD 247; M.D.247; MD-247) provides an affordable telemedicine supplement to existing healthcare services. MD247.COM telemedicine program members have unlimited telephone access to a nationwide medical support team, all with just a single phone call to the MD247.COM telemedicine Talk to a Doctor/Talk to a Nurse Hotline. MD247.COM has a virtual platoon of registered nurses; board certified physicians and a support staff available to members for all non-emergency situations. More information about MD247.COM is available online at http://www.md247.com.

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Source: PRWeb

Ventana seeks Senior Product Manager for Digital Pathology

2012-05-21T10:43:00-04:00

At Roche, 80,000 people across 150 countries are pushing back the frontiers of healthcare. Working together, we’ve become one of the world’s leading research-focused healthcare groups. Our success is built on innovation, curiosity and diversity, and on seeing each other’s differences as an advantage. To innovate healthcare, Roche has ambitious plans to keep learning and growing – and is seeking people who have the same goals for themselves.

The Digital Pathology Marketing team seeks a Sr. Product Manager to drive the global commercialization of our line of slide scanners. Digital Pathology is a fast-growing category, with a fast-paced, team oriented work environment, and opportunity to make a big impact for Roche Diagnostics. This role offers a unique opportunity to drive global commercialization of Digital Pathology products.
Reporting to the Sr. International Business Leader for Digital Pathology, you will lead budgeting, planning and global launch activities. Experience with Digital Pathology or Imaging systems highly desirable, but not required.
The Sr. Product Manager owns the assigned product line and is responsible for developing and executing an annual global product line plan that creates command of positioning, promotion, pricing, and costing for a lab-oriented software solution.
The Sr. Product Manager is responsible for providing geographical support for existing products and managing the product lifecycle. Other duties include monitoring supply chain, quality, development activities, and collaborating with Operations to overcome issues.
The Sr. Product Manager continuously monitors customer requirement trends and participates in strategic initiatives as needed. The Sr. Product Manager is the product champion and main conduit for all product-related communications for the product line.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Product positioning, promotion, and pricing.
Development and implementation of marketing initiatives designed to increase revenue, profit, and/or market share for product line.
Development of sales collateral and other marketing materials.
Market analysis including customer data mining, competitive intelligence, product line gap analysis, and market sizing.
Ownership of cross-functional and cross-departmental alignment on product line objectives.
Continuously monitor commercial performance.
Develop product quality requirements.
Develop and maintain product line dashboards.
Provide critical feedback to Product Development teams regarding customer/user requirements.
Development of high-level software requirements, application visual design, and feature development.
Responsible for development of product release strategy and roadmap.
Lead product discontinuation and obsolescence teams.
Support annual Strategic Business Planning effort.
Act as main point of contact and manage global communications for assigned product line.
Monitors work to ensure quality, and continuously promote Quality First Time.

You’re someone who wants to influence your own development. You’re looking for a company where you have the opportunity to pursue your interests across functions and geographies, and where a job title is not considered the final definition of who you are, but the starting point.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Formal Training/Education:

BS or BA in related field required, MS and/or MBA a plus.

Experience:

7 years sales, product management, product marketing and/or technical experience in internet software development or clinical diagnostics or lab instrumentation, based on assignment. Experience defining marketing and sales collateral. Strong knowledge of diagnostic and/or laboratory automation and related clinical/histology experience desired.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint proficiency.
Excellent organizational skills.
Excellent presentation skills.
Excellent communication skills.
Excellent problem solving skills.
Excellent analytical skills.
Strong technical acumen.
Excellent project management skills.
Financial/model building skills.
Significant leadership potential.

The next step is yours. To apply today, click on the "Apply online" link below.

Roche is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Apply online

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Agfa HealthCare opens state-of-the-art, worldwide R&D facility for clinical imaging IT solutions development

2012-05-18T11:00:00-04:00

Courtesy of News-Medical.net (published May 17, 2012)

Delivering Insight through Innovation

Agfa HealthCare announces today the official opening of its brand new research and development (R&D) facility and global data center in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Under the theme of "Delivering Insight through Innovation," Agfa HealthCare was joined by more than 100 guests from the Ontario region, as well as leaders from the greater area of Canada and internationally, to celebrate and commemorate the new home for the worldwide development and introduction of software and advanced enterprise imaging solutions that will facilitate image sharing and access to the complete patient record for healthcare facilities, their clinicians, and patients around the world.

A leader in imaging for more than 120 years, Agfa HealthCare is recognized across Canada and globally for its advancements in digital imaging and imaging informatics, with more than 2300 installations worldwide of its noted IMPAX Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), IMPAX Radiology Information System (RIS) and Imaging Clinical Information System (ICIS). At the core of the Waterloo R&D facility will be further innovations of these products as well as a keen focus on new solutions such as digital pathology that will continue to improve and transform the field of medical imaging and image-enable the EHR. The facility will also house an Agfa HealthCare global data center.

Wordwide center of excellence, pushing the boundaries of imaging innovation

"Here in Waterloo we have established a true worldwide center of excellence to continue to push the boundaries of imaging innovation to help further improve the delivery of patient care for healthcare facilities around the globe," said Christian Reinaudo, President, Agfa-Gevaert Group. "For more than a century, improved care and constant innovation have served as the cornerstones of Agfa HealthCare's product development. We intend to keep our sites clearly focused on these areas today and the future as we collaborate with our world-class healthcare partners to continually deliver better healthcare solutions in Canada and across the globe."

Agfa HealthCare's new R&D facility is strategically located in Waterloo's high tech David Johnston Research and Technology Park, enabling the company to leverage the technological advances and the skilled human resources for which this area is recognized. In addition, the facility's location in this thriving center of commerce gives it proximity to other high tech companies.

100 additional jobs

More than 100 additional jobs have been created by the new facility. Furthermore, with its proximity to the University of Waterloo campus, Agfa HealthCare is further strengthening its ties with the university's faculty and students. The two organizations will build on their successful history of like-minded innovation that currently includes research partnerships and a successful intern program. With strong university curriculums in biomechanics, ontology and other related fields, Agfa HealthCare is able to benefit from the bright minds and skill of students while in return provide invaluable research and workforce opportunities for them.

Continued innovation today and in the future

During today's celebration Canadian and international government officials, as well as recognized leaders from healthcare and academia, were in attendance to help Agfa HealthCare celebrate the opening, and to show their support for the significant benefits to healthcare that the technological developments of the facility will bring. Noted guests and speakers included:

Mr. Brad Duguid, Ontario Minister of Economic Development and Innovation
Belgium Ambassador Bruno van der Pluijm
Dr. Feridun Hamdullarphur, President of the University of Waterloo
Mr. Richard Alvarez, President and CEO, Canada Health Infoway

"Agfa HealthCare extends its sincere thanks to the many parties that are helping to make our accomplishments today and in the future possible, including the Ontario government and our esteemed friends and colleagues at the University of Waterloo," said Michael Green, President and CEO, Americas Region, Agfa HealthCare. "Their support is invaluable, and in turn we look forward to the continued delivery of innovative solutions and technologies that will further improve access to critical healthcare information and improve the efficiency of the diagnostic process for care providers and their patients alike."

Multiple benefits

The benefits of Agfa HealthCare solutions to patient care delivery, physician workflow and healthcare costs are wide and vast. According to Canada Health Infoway, from a care perspective, it is estimated that PACS help the avoidance of 800,000 to 1.3 million unnecessary exams annually. Financially, it is estimated that PACS will generate $850 million to $1 billion a year in health system. Efficiencies are gained through increased clinical productivity and reduced patient transfers. Additionally storage space and staffing expenses can cover the costs of implementing and operating PACS.

Aperio raises $5.5 million

2012-05-18T08:00:00-04:00

Story courtesy of a North San Diego newspaper (by BRADLEY J. FIKES bfikes@nctimes.com)

5/17/12 VISTA (CA) - Aperio Technologies Inc. has raised $5.5 million in debt and security options, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Aperio's digital pathology products convert patient tissue samples on standard glass slides into digital slides that can be shared over the Internet for expert analysis, and stored for later re-examination at any time. The company provides a similar service to life science researchers.

The digital slides show extremely fine detail; they can each take up gigabytes of storage space.

The company's products include rapid, high-resolution sample scanners, a hosting service to store the digital slides, and software to help read slides on a computer monitor.

The 2012 ASCP Annual Meeting Call for Abstracts deadline is extended to May 30, 2012!

2012-05-18T02:08:59-04:00

The 2012 Call for Abstracts deadline is extended to May 30, 2012!

Join us in Boston at the 2012 ASCP Annual Meeting and present your abstract to showcase your achievements …

Three abstract categories –
- Scientific Abstract
- Lab Practice Abstract
- NEW! Educational Practice Abstract
Best poster competition categories, including "Best Poster by a Resident," "Best Poster Submitted from Outside the U.S.," Best Lab Practice Poster," "Best Scientific Poster," and "Best Educational Practice Poster."
More categories for Abstract submissions – 19 in all, from autopsy to public health policy and health care reform.
Electronic posters (ePosters) on display at the ASCP website throughout the meeting.
Learn more...

Remember to submit your abstract by May 30, 2012!

UPMC Digital Pathology Consult Portal Among Top 5 Medical Imaging IT Projects of 2012

2012-05-17T08:44:44-04:00

Congratulations to Gonzalo Romero Lauro and his colleagues at UPMC for the Digital Pathology Consultation Portal.

PRWeb - MAY 14, 2012—One project soars over the EMR seeking relevant patient information. Another crawls through PACS to match studies with specific priors and then perform complex algorithms. Others monitor patient CT radiation dose, assist in study protocoling, and provide a portal for partners in China to access contemporaneous pathology interpretations.

All five projects were selected as the winners of the Top 5 Medical Imaging IT Projects of 2012 in an annual juried competition, co-sponsored by the Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine (SIIM) and Radiology Business Journal (RBJ).

Judged on a matrix of five criteria by a SIIM panel of six judges, the architects of the five winning projects will present their work and discuss the innovation process at the annual SIIM meeting in Orlando, Florida, in a Hot Topic Session at 3:45 PM on June 7. The winning entries will also be featured in the June/July issue of RBJ.

The winners are (in alphabetical order): Tessa Cook, MD, PhD, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, for the RADIANCE Toolkit for Customizable CT Dose Monitoring; Nathan Cross, MD, MS, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, for the RAPTOR system, decision support for contrast risk-assessment and protocol assignment; Bradley J. Erickson, MD, PhD, FSIIM, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota, for a DICOM-enabled workflow engine; Richard L. Kennedy, MSc, CIIP, Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, Sacramento, California, for Integration of Visible Light Imaging with Enterprise PACS and EMR; and Gonzalo Romero Lauro, MBA, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pennsylvania, for The Digital Pathology Consultation Portal.

“This competition recognizes innovation, and this year’s entries were exemplary in their ability to solve problems and meet unmet needs,” says Cheryl Proval, editor of RBJ and VP, publishing, imagingBiz, Tustin, California.

“The contest is a part of an ongoing SIIM strategy to recognize and encourage innovators,” according to Anna Marie Mason, executive director of SIIM. “With the generous support of Bayer, the winners will all receive scholarships to attend SIIM 2012 and present their work.”

“In health care, the right technological advancements have the potential to shorten the time between testing, diagnosis, and treatment, and this year’s entries show great promise,” says Anthony Cinalli, vice president of the informatics business at Bayer HealthCare Radiology & Interventional, which provided an educational grant to underwrite the competition. “At Bayer HealthCare, we were pleased to be involved with this important project.”

About imagingBiz

Founded by longtime industry veteran Curtis Kauffman-Pickelle, imagingBiz includes a portfolio of specialized publications delivering business intelligence to hospitals, imaging centers, and radiology practices.

About SIIM

The Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine is a health care professional organization that seeks to spearhead research, education, and discovery of innovative solutions, new technologies, and applications to improve the delivery of medical imaging services and the quality and safety of patient care. The 2012 SIIM Annual Meeting (http://www.siim2012.org) takes place June 7-10 at the Orlando World Center Marriott.

Source: PRWeb

New Articles on Efficacy of Whole Slide Images/Virtual Microscopy

2012-05-16T13:26:32-04:00

Couple of recent new articles on use of whole slide images/virtual microscopy for use in clinical, education and research. Increasingly, it is becoming clearer and clearer, that pathologists of today and tomorrow will have to train their analog eyes as well as their digital ones to get the full picture of disease without impairments of travel, time, place and most important, quality.

Observer agreement comparing the use of virtual slides with glass slides in the pathology review component of the POSH breast cancer cohort study

Abstract

Aims (1) To compare the use of scanned virtual slide images (virtual microscopy) with glass slides (conventional microscopy) in the assessment of morphological characteristics of breast cancers within the setting of the Prospective study of Outcomes in Sporadic versus Hereditary breast cancer (POSH), involving a cohort of women under 40 years of age, presenting with breast cancer. (2) To assess the acceptability to histopathologists of the use of virtual slide images.

Methods 13 histopathologists from the UK and Australia participated in the POSH pathology review. The observers were asked to assess multiple morphological features such as tumour grade and type. Comparisons were made for a single observer using both virtual images and glass slides. Intra- and inter-observer variability was calculated using the κ statistic and a comparison was made between the use of each image modality.

Results Diagnostic performance with virtual slides was comparable to conventional microscopic assessment, with the measurement of agreement best for vascular invasion, necrosis and the presence of a central scar (κ=0.37–0.78), and poor for more subjective parameters such as pleomorphism, stroma, the nature of the tumour border and the degree of lymphocytic infiltrate (κ=0.1).

Conclusion Virtual slides represent an acceptable methodology for central review of breast cancer histopathology and can circumvent the need for either travel to view material, or the potential problems of sending it by post.

J Clin Pathol 2012;65:403-408 doi:10.1136/jclinpath-2011-200369

Correspondence to: Dr Emily Clare Shaw, Department of Cellular Pathology, Mail point 2, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; ecshaw@doctors.org.uk

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Whole slide imaging (WSI) has been used in conjunction with virtual microscopy (VM) for training or proficiency testing purposes, multicentre research, remote frozen section diagnosis and to seek specialist second opinion in a number of organ systems. The feasibility of using WSI/VM for routine surgical pathology reporting has also been explored. In this review, we discuss the utility and limitations of WSI/VM technology in the histological assessment of specimens from the prostate. Features of WSI/VM that are particularly well suited to assessment of prostate pathology include the ability to examine images at different magnifications as well as to view histology and immunohistochemistry side-by-side on the screen. Use of WSI/VM would also solve the difficulty in obtaining multiple identical copies of small lesions in prostate biopsies for teaching and proficiency testing. It would also permit annotation of the virtual slides, and has been used in a study of i nter-observer variation of Gleason grading to facilitate precise identification of the foci on which grading decisions had been based. However, the large number of sections examined from each set of prostate biopsies would greatly increase time required for scanning as well as the size of the digital file, and would also be an issue if digital archiving of prostate biopsies is contemplated. Z-scanning of glass slides, a process that increases scanning time and file size would be required to permit focusing a virtual slide up and down to assess subtle nuclear features such as nucleolar prominence. The common use of large blocks to process prostatectomy specimens would also be an issue, as few currently available scanners can scan such blocks. A major component of proficiency testing of prostate biopsy assessment involves screening of the cores to detect small atypical foci. However, screening virtual slides of wavy fragmented prostate cores using a computer mouse aided by an overview image is very different from screening glass slides using a microscope stage. Hence, it may be more appropriate in this setting to mark the lesional area and focus only on the interpretation component of competency testing. Other issues limiting the use of digital pathology in prostate pathology include the cost of high quality slide scanners for WSI and high resolution monitors for VM as well as the requirement for fast Internet connection as even a subtle delay in presentation of images on the screen may be very disturbing for a pathologist used to the rapid viewing of glass slides under a microscope. However, these problems are likely to be overcome by technological advances in the future. © 2012 The Authors APMIS © 2012 APMIS.

APMIS 2012(Apr); 120(4): 298-304.
Utility of whole slide imaging and virtual microscopy in prostate pathology.
Camparo P, Egevad L, Algaba F, Berney DM, Boccon-Gibod L, Compérat E, Evans AJ, Grobholz R, Kristiansen G, Langner C, Lopez-Beltran A, Montironi R, Oliveira P, Vainer B, Varma M
Cabinet de Pathologie Amiens, France.
DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0463.2011.02872.x
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Traditionally, education and training in pathology has been delivered using textbooks, glass slides and conventional microscopy. Over the last two decades, the number of web-based pathology resources has expanded dramatically with centralized pathological resources being delivered to many students simultaneously. Recently, whole slide imaging technology allows glass slides to be scanned and viewed on a computer screen via dedicated software. This technology is referred to as virtual microscopy and has created enormous opportunities in pathological training and education. Students are able to learn key histopathological skills, e.g. to identify areas of diagnostic relevance from an entire slide, via a web-based computer environment. Students no longer need to be in the same room as the slides. New human-computer interfaces are also being developed using more natural touch technology to enhance the manipulation of digitized slides. Several major initiatives are also underway introducing online competency and diagnostic decision analysis using virtual microscopy and have important future roles in accreditation and recertification. Finally, researchers are investigating how pathological decision-making is achieved using virtual microscopy and modern eye-tracking devices. Virtual microscopy and digital pathology will continue to improve how pathology training and education is delivered. © 2012 The Authors APMIS © 2012 APMIS.

APMIS 2012(Apr); 120(4): 305-15.
Virtual microscopy and digital pathology in training and education.
Hamilton PW, Wang Y, McCullough SJ
Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, UK. p.hamilton@qub.ac.uk
DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0463.2011.02869.x
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The New Cancer Genetics Laboratory at Baylor College of Medicine

2012-05-15T08:00:00-04:00

The new Cancer Genetics Laboratory at Baylor College of Medicine provides state-of-the-art clinical genetic testing in the area of cancer, both identifying cancer genes and biological markers of disease classification, prognosis and drug response.

The new laboratory is a joint project of the College's Departments of Molecular and Human Genetics, Medicine – Division of Hematology/Oncology, Pediatrics – Division of Hematology/Oncology, Pathology and Immunology, the NCI-designated Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center at BCM, the Baylor College of Medicine Human Genome Sequencing Center, the Texas Children's Cancer Center and Texas Children's Hospital Pathology Laboratory.

Combined strengths

The Cancer Genetics Laboratory combines the strengths of all of its component departments and centers at BCM, making it possible to provide a new test as soon as possible. It is directed by Dr. Marilyn Li, professor of molecular and human genetics at BCM, and Dr. Federico Monzon, associate professor of pathology and immunology at BCM. Dr. Condie Carmack is general manager of the laboratory.

Next-generation sequencing

Li said, "This is a great opportunity to take the latest developments and technologies and apply them to cancer. Cancer is a very complex disorder, and it stands to reason that we should be applying cutting edge technologies. Baylor College of Medicine is known for its early use of complex molecular technologies, like CGH (comparative genomic hybridization) and SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) microarrays. The Cancer Genetics Laboratory has already designed and now offers customized microarrays for cancer testing."

"Next-generation sequencing of mutations associated with specific cellular pathways in cancer is possible now," said Li. "We are offering a next-gen panel to test for hundreds of mutations in one test as well as offering individual cancer mutation testing."

"Combining expertise from the Cancer Genetics Laboratory partners will facilitate developing clinical tests with novel technologies. This environment will allow us to move faster from bench to bedside with the ultimate goal of improving care for patients with cancer," said Monzon. "The Cancer Genetics Laboratory provides both established and novel diagnostic, prognostic and predictive tools that can enable truly personalized cancer medicine."

Technology personalizes care

"The Cancer Genetics Laboratory has launched clinical genomic testing on cancers from patients to try to identify the driver genes in that tumor that need to be targeted for successful treatment," said Dr. C. Kent Osborne, director of the Duncan Cancer Center and the Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center at BCM. "This technology is needed for truly personalized care of cancer patients. Tumors are different in different patients and the reason lies in the particular set of gene mutations that caused the cancer in the first place."

"Each tumor has its own genetic fingerprint of changes in specific genes and the set of mutations in a tumor relates to the cancer's aggressiveness and response to treatment. We can now measure these mutations, which should help clinicians make specific treatment decisions for each patient," said Osborne, who is already planning to make use of the laboratory's services.

Improving quality of care

The Cancer Genetics Laboratory now offers more than 140 tests that help identify the type of cancer as well as identify markers that give information about how well a treatment might work or is working. In the future, the Baylor College of Medicine Human Genome Sequencing Center plans to collaborate with the laboratory to provide whole genome or exome (the portion of the genome that codes for proteins) sequencing of tumors.

The goal of the Cancer Genetics Laboratory is to move the newest research and diagnostic testing into the clinical lab in order to improve the quality of care for patients with cancer. This includes many forms of molecular analysis of the tumor to predict its behavior and to select the most favorable treatment program. The laboratory also provides testing for families that may be at risk for inherited forms of cancer.

Visiopharm Corp Opens Office in New Jersey, United States, to Support Customers and Partners

2012-05-14T09:01:00-04:00

Visiopharm broadening its operations with local support in North America for growing user base.

Hoersholm, Denmark – May 14, 2012 - Visiopharm A/S, a global leader in Quantitative Digital Pathology, announced today that Visiopharm Corp will open an office in New Jersey to support partners and a rapidly growing user base in North America

Visiopharm has experienced a sustained growth in the demand for Quantitative Digital Pathology research tools in North America, with a sharp increase following the recent introduction of Cloud Analysis and the APPCenter.

Digital Pathology specialist Roy K. Min now joins Visiopharm Corp as Regional Sales Manager of North America.

"We are very pleased that Roy is joining us. As an individual he has very high personal and professional standards. He has extensive practical experience with all key aspects of Digital Pathology and how these technologies can be successfully integrated in a research laboratory. We look forward to working with Roy in further building a strong US based organization", says Michael Grunkin, CEO of Visiopharm

Roy is based in New Jersey, United States, and responsible for further expanding sales- , technical-, and application support in the United States.

"I am excited about joining Visiopharm, and what lies ahead. I have known Visiopharm for several years, as a company committed to quality and innovation. I regard them as a leader in Quantitative Digital Pathology, and look forward to help our customers become successful when adopting this important technology for their research", adds Roy Min.

About Visiopharm

Over the past 10 years, Visiopharm image analysis and stereology software has become the preferred Quantitative Digital Pathology solution for leading biopharmaceutical companies, clinical researchers, and academic researchers all over the world. Visiopharm has more than 300 deployed systems worldwide and a large network of distribution and support partners, and is featured in over 400 scientific publications.

Definiens Expands Functionality of Its Leading Solution for Quantitative Digital Pathology with Gene Probe Analysis

2012-05-10T11:42:14-04:00

Definiens Tissue Studio Now Supports the Detection of Spot-like Signals from In Situ Hybridization Assays

Munich, Germany, May 10, 2012 — Definiens®, the leading provider of image analysis and data mining solutions for quantitative digital pathology, today announced that Definiens Tissue Studio® 3.5 now supports the automated analysis of in situ hybridization assays, including SISH, CISH, FISH and dual-ISH. The unique combination of flexibility and ease-of-use that characterizes Definiens Tissue Studio® significantly facilitates the detection of spot-like signals originating from gene probes (or any other stain with spot-like appearance) on a cell-by-cell basis. Definiens Tissue Studio® supports the detection of gene probe signals in both brightfield and immunofluorescene imaging.

The novel functionality complements the robust detection of regions of interest and the comprehensive quantification of cellular parameters and biomarker expression profiles. Definiens Tissue Studio® can be used to analyze images from any solid tissue with any stain, acquired by any scanner or microscope, and in any common file format. With these technological advances, pathologists and researchers can adapt preconfigured solutions to their specific assays with just a few clicks in no more than 30 minutes.

Straightforward workflow, intuitive configuration, as well as flexibility and robustness, have established Definiens Tissue Studio as the leading image analysis solution for quantitative digital pathology. Definiens Tissue Studio opens new dimensions in quantification by significantly reducing study times in translational research, preclinical safety, tissue-based biomarker development and clinical trials around the world. The new version includes a range of improvements that make it easier to use and more powerful than ever.

“Definiens has developed significant experience in the analysis of in situ hybridization assays in recent years,” said Thomas Heydler, CEO of Definiens. “In Definiens Tissue Studio® 3.5, we now make this available to our customers in a very easy-to-use workflow that supports virtually any type of 2D ISH assay. This further strengthens Definiens Tissue Studio’s position as the most comprehensive software package for quantitative digital pathology.”

With just a single configuration, Definiens Tissue Studio® automates the detection of regions of interest and has the capacity to distinguish individual cells and subcellular structures even in heterogeneous tissues samples. The software provides quantitative readouts on morphological characteristics and molecular expression profiles of nuclear, cytoplasmic and membrane biomarkers. In addition, Definiens Tissue Studio® supports robust detection of vessels for automated angiogenesis assays as well as extensive multiplexing for the quantification of numerous parameters from the same tissue sample in immunofluorescence assays.

Visit tissuestudio.definiens.com to learn more or watch the recordings of an introductory webinar series on Definiens’ YouTube channel.

More animals found in biopsies

2012-05-09T14:59:39-04:00

Every once inawhile there is an image on Facebook worth saving and sharing. Here is one with thanks to JP for the upload. Duodenal biopsy resembling T. Rex. Almost as good as the duck in the prostate biopsy.

When you start seeing animals in your biopsies, its time to put the slides down for another day.

Sermo Reveals Results from its Real-Time Medicine™ Mobile App for Physicians

2012-05-09T12:05:27-04:00

Another clear example of the power of 2.0 technologies, mobile computing, hand-held communications, ability to harness collective intelligence rapidly and accurately for best decision making. When will we in Pathology be included on the list of providers and studies included in this powerful collaboration on a broad scale?

Data Shows App Speeds Treatment and Saves Lives in Urgent Care Situations

Cambridge, MA - May 9, 2012 - Sermo, Inc., the largest online community in the United States exclusive to physicians, today announced results from the mobile app it launched ten months ago. Sermo Mobile, which allows physicians to access the country's greatest concentration of medical knowledge in real-time, builds on Sermo's current web platform, where 125,000 U.S. physicians in 68 specialties discuss and consult with each other to provide the highest quality care to their patients.

Perhaps the most valuable feature of the app, iConsult, allows physicians to take or add a photograph at a patient’s bedside, choose a suitable question from the available list (e.g. How would you treat this?) and then immediately send it to relevant specialists on Sermo. Members can view and respond instantly, offering unparalleled access to shared medical expertise.

The app's many successes to date include:

Physicians across more than 30 specialties have used iConsult to crowdsource opinions on dermatological conditions, EKG readings, findings from MRIs, X-rays and other imaging tests, and lab results.
77% of iConsults are answered within an hour with response times often as quick as 1 minute.
iConsults average 12 responses, often by physicians across multiple specialties, demonstrating the complexity and multidisciplinary nature of many medical conditions.
iConsults are usually resolved in less than 2 hours and as quickly as 2 minutes.
The youngest patient helped by an iConsult was 5 weeks old.
Sermo physicians use the mobile app in addition to and not instead of the website, illustrating the added benefit of online collaboration tools at the point of care.
After only 10 months, Sermo Mobile accounts for 45% of total traffic on the Sermo platform.

"Every minute counts in an emergency medical situation, and Sermo Mobile immediately reaches physicians who are in the best position to help," said Jon Michaeli, VP of Marketing and Membership for Sermo. "The variety of cases and speed with which they are being resolved is remarkable, and a true testament to the power of crowdsourcing in a vibrant, professional community like Sermo. We've observed hundreds of iConsults where Sermo members have ensured patients immediately receive the proper care, speeding their recovery, and in some cases, saving their lives."

One cardiologist on Sermo commented, "A few weeks ago I used iConsult to post a brief cardiology case of a young patient with congestive heart failure. His echocardiogram showed a rare condition called non impaction of the left ventricle. Several colleagues immediately posted responses. iConsult is a very valuable tool due to the large number of accessible Sermo members, which ensures instant feedback."

Sermo Mobile is available for Apple iOS devices, including iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Physicians can download Sermo Mobile for free at www.sermo.com/mobile.

CAP ’12 Brings You Special Transformation Programming

2012-05-09T08:00:00-04:00

Register Now

Join us for breakfast and an early morning of free programming (for residents and daily, global, or networking pass registrants) specifically designed to provide you with information you can use now and in the future to continue your transformation!

Tuesday, September 11

TP200 Breakfast Workshop – Digital Pathology: Making a Difference in Your Practice

6:30–7:45 am
CME/CE Not Applicable

This workshop focuses on digital pathology, highlighting the work of the CAP Transformation Program Office Module 4 Emerging Technology team. This session will describe current and emerging digital pathology applications. It will provide insights from current adopters and their reasons for adoption, which vary by practice setting. Additionally, workshop leaders will describe CAP resources for digital pathology practice adoption.

Presenters
Eric F. Glassy MD, FCAP
Eric E. Walk MD, FCAP

Journal of Pathology Looking for Manuscripts on Next Generation Sequencing

2012-05-08T08:00:00-04:00


Call for papers: Next generation sequencing studies with relevance to the understanding of disease mechanisms

IMPACT FACTOR: 7.274		The coupling of pathology with massively parallel sequencing studies provides a unique opportunity to further our understanding of the pathophysiological and pathogenetic mechanisms of human disease, a major interest of The Journal of Pathology. The Journal is now soliciting submissions of primary research based on massively parallel sequencing taking advantage of novel insights into the genetic basis of human diseases, including but not restricted to, the identification of new genotype-phenotype associations and novel driver mutations, characterisation of patterns of genetic instability, and on the topic of intra-tumour genetic heterogeneity. We have recently published a number of such studies:

A whole-genome massively parallel sequencing analysis of BRCA1 mutant oestrogen receptor-negative and -positive breast cancers Natrajan R, Mackay A, Lambros MB, et al., Volume 227, Issue 1, pages 29-41, May 2012 Integrated genome and transcriptome sequencing identifies a novel form of hybrid and aggressive prostate cancer Wu C, Wyatt AW, Lapuk AV, et al., Volume 227, Issue 1, pages 53-61, May 2012 Using next-generation sequencing for the diagnosis of rare disorders: a family with retinitis pigmentosa and skeletal abnormalities Schrader KA, Heravi-Moussavi A, Waters PJ, et al., Volume 225, Issue 1, pages 12-18, September 2011 *Why publish your next generation sequencing study in The Journal of Pathology?* Impact Factor: 7.274 Your manuscript will be fast-tracked and expertly peer-reviewed We aim to give a final decision within 14 days We aim for an initial online publication within 7 days of acceptance Your article will be made free to view online for 6 months, facilitating dissemination within the community. Submission Process Submissions should report studies that use massively parallel sequencing technology to address important questions in the pathobiology of disease. Manuscripts should offer new approaches to considering such data, clinically relevant findings and/or functional insights with validation. Timely reviews and perspectives would also be considered. In your covering letter, please mention that the submission is a response to the “massively parallel sequencing studies call”. Please note that the massively parallel sequencing data included in the manuscript must be made publicly available by the time of publication, and full details of the analysis methods should be provided either in the main manuscript or as supplementary methods.
Submit your research for publication today at mc.manuscriptcentral.com/jpath Find out more in the author guidelines and use the manuscript submission checklist. www.thejournalofpathology.com

Digital Pathology Blog

2012 Pathology Visions Keynote Speaker Announcement

PathConsult Real Time Telepathology HD video imaging now available!

New Microscope System Leica DM4000 B LED for Biomedical Routine & Research Applications

Advantages for biomedical research

Ideal for clinical applications

Integrated system solution

New Microscope System Leica DM4000 B LED for Biomedical Routine & Research Applications

Advantages for biomedical research

Ideal for clinical applications

Integrated system solution

Interesting Case of the Week from PathXchange

GE's Healthymagination names CEO

MD247 Invites Local and National Media to Learn More

Ventana seeks Senior Product Manager for Digital Pathology

Agfa HealthCare opens state-of-the-art, worldwide R&D facility for clinical imaging IT solutions development

Aperio raises $5.5 million

Related Links

The 2012 ASCP Annual Meeting Call for Abstracts deadline is extended to May 30, 2012!

UPMC Digital Pathology Consult Portal Among Top 5 Medical Imaging IT Projects of 2012

New Articles on Efficacy of Whole Slide Images/Virtual Microscopy

The New Cancer Genetics Laboratory at Baylor College of Medicine

Combined strengths

Next-generation sequencing

Technology personalizes care

Improving quality of care

Visiopharm Corp Opens Office in New Jersey, United States, to Support Customers and Partners

Hoersholm, Denmark – May 14, 2012 - Visiopharm A/S, a global leader in Quantitative Digital Pathology, announced today that Visiopharm Corp will open an office in New Jersey to support partners and a rapidly growing user base in North America

Definiens Expands Functionality of Its Leading Solution for Quantitative Digital Pathology with Gene Probe Analysis

More animals found in biopsies

Sermo Reveals Results from its Real-Time Medicine™ Mobile App for Physicians

CAP ’12 Brings You Special Transformation Programming

Register Now

Tuesday, September 11

Journal of Pathology Looking for Manuscripts on Next Generation Sequencing