Bama beaches convenient, but no Snooki, Pauly D., Washington Post notes

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Outside Looking In: What people outside Alabama are saying about the state:

Bob Carden of The Washington Post first discovered the beauty of Alabama's beaches when first visiting his future in-laws 21 years ago.

"I once called Gulf Shores the Jersey Shore of the South, and my wife almost slung a bowl of crawfish gumbo at me," he writes. "She was offended that I would compare the beaches of her youth to those of Snooki and Pauly D. But in some ways, it's true. If you're from Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi or the Midwest, this is your closest, best ocean beach. Like New Jersey, it draws from a wide area - geographically and otherwise. But comparisons probably end there.

"There are no kitschy boardwalks. It's more grits and less guido. The beaches are free. Alcohol and food are permitted. And, for all that's consumed, the beaches stay pretty clean. Visitors respect the beauty of the place."

Join the conversation by clicking to comment or email Richter atgrichter@bhamnews.com.

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Bama beaches convenient, but no Snooki, Pauly D., Washington Post notes

RNLI lifeguards return to posts

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24 June 2012 Last updated at 08:23 ET

The RNLI's summer lifeguards are returning to patrol four of Ceredigion's busiest beaches.

The lifeguards will be stationed at Aberystwyth north, Llangrannog, New Quay and Aberporth beaches from this weekend.

They returned briefly in Aberystwyth for the Diamond Jubilee bank holiday weekend earlier this month.

They start work at Borth, Clarach, Aberystwyth south and Tresaith beaches on 7 July.

The lifeguards will be at their posts daily from 10:00 to 16:00 BST until 2 September.

The scheme started in Pembrokeshire in 2008 and was extended to take in Carmarthenshire, Swansea and Ceredigion a year later.

The lifeguards have already completed two weeks of intense training and passed fitness tests.

Councillor Gareth Lloyd, who is responsible for tourism on Ceredigion council, said: "We look forward to another incident free summer on Ceredigion's beaches in the safe hands of the RNLI lifeguards."

Elin Jones, RNLI lifeguard supervisor, said the lifeguards were eager to return to their posts.

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Do sugary snacks make you stupid?

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By Madeline Haller Men's Health

Prepping for a big presentation but can't seem to remember any of the content? Blame your sweet tooth.

A diet high in sugar may hamper your memory and ability to learn, says a study published in the Journal of Physiology.

Researchers had two groups of rats drink water mixed with fructose, a type of sugar. One of the groups also received omega-3 fatty acids as a part of their diet. After 6 weeks, the rats who drank only sugar water completed a maze slower than the omega-3-fed mice. (We know you're not a mouse -- but you can still take steps to navigate the maze of life. Check out these 27 Ways to Power Up Your Brain.)

Not only were they slower in the maze, the rats who drank only sugar water had higher triglyceride, glucose, and insulin levels. It appears that they entered a state of insulin resistance, which is where the hormone insulin becomes less effective at lowering your blood sugar, says Fernando Gomez-Pinilla, Ph.D., lead study author and a professor of neurosurgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

Why did sugar wreak havoc on their system?

Here's how it works: Insulin, in addition to controlling blood sugar, also influences the ways in which your brain cells operate. And within the hippocampus -- the part of the brain responsible for short-term and long-term memory -- insulin signaling actually facilitates memory. Therefore, an insulin resistance may be what's causing a disruption in the rats' ability to recall the route they'd learned 6 weeks ago, the researchers hypothesize.

But the good news is, omega-3 fatty acids appeared to have protective effect on the brain.

How so? Although the researchers are unaware of what's happening on a molecular level in the brain, Gomez-Pinilla says it may have to do with the large amount of DHA (the type of omega-3 fatty acid they monitored in the study) that's already present in the brain.

So could sugar slow down your brain, too? The researchers say yes. But since the study monitored the rats for nearly two months, the effect on humans would take several years of exposure to fructose to see these effects. (If you're looking to wean yourself off of sugar, check out these 9 Sneaky Ways to Eat Less.)

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Do sugary snacks make you stupid?

Healthy market addition: Complete Nutrition wants to expand in El Paso

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One of the nation's fastest-growing franchises is planning to open several stores in El Paso.

Complete Nutrition, which specializes in weight loss, sports nutrition and healthy aging products, will have the stores operating by the end of this year, officials said.

Each store will add six to 10 jobs.

"We would like to try to develop two stores in the next 12 months," Steve Brewster, director of development for Complete Nutrition, said in an email. "Ultimately, we hope to have a presence of three to four stores in El Paso.

The company would like to have its stores next to sites with strong co-tenants such as well-known national brands Target, Verizon, Starbucks and Chipotle.

El Paso is ideal for franchise expansion based on a number of carefully measured factors, Brewster said.

"Based on our market analysis and the strength of the Complete Nutrition brand, we are confident that El Paso will be a successful market to enter," he said. "With more than 50 percent of adult Americans taking a daily supplement, the room for growth in communities such as El Paso is limitless."

Company officials are looking for El Pasoans interested in becoming franchisees, he said.

"There has been some franchising interest in the area," Brewster said. "We're still working on the discovery process to find the right owner-operator with health and industry knowledge."

The expansion into the El Paso market is part of a nationwide expansion initiative, which aims to increase Complete

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DNA evidence leads to three robbery suspects

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DNA evidence leads to three robbery suspectsby Chris BristolYakima Herald-Republic

YAKIMA, Wash. -- DNA evidence usually gets headlines in murder cases and sex crimes.

But the discovery of cigarettes butts at the scene of a robbery outside Toppenish last year illustrates the potential DNA has for becoming an everyday crime-fighting tool.

It took nine months for results, but now three people are in custody and a fourth is being sought.

"It's a little unusual," said Stew Graham, chief of detectives for the Yakima County Sheriff's Office. "We have a few more options nowadays."

The arrests stemmed from an incident in September that began at Legends Casino.

According to arrest affidavits, a 42-year-old Toppenish man told deputies he was approached inside the casino by two women about going somewhere for "a little fun."

The man said the trio left the casino and drove a few miles away to Becker Road. One of the women rode with him, directing him where to go, while the other followed in a maroon Jeep Cherokee.

The robbery occurred on a dirt lane off Becker when a small white car blocked the man's vehicle, which was boxed in by the Cherokee from behind. The man said he got out and was beaten and robbed by two men who had been waiting in the white car. They took his wallet and his money -- $47.

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Brain structure helps guide behavior by anticipating changing demands

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Public release date: 24-Jun-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Sue McGreevey smcgreevey@partners.org 617-724-2764 Massachusetts General Hospital

Every day the human brain is presented with tasks ranging from the trivial to the complex. How much mental effort and attention are devoted to each task is usually determined in a split second and without conscious awareness. Now a study from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) researchers finds that a structure deep within the brain, believed to play an important role in regulating conscious control of goal-directed behavior, helps to optimize behavioral responses by predicting how difficult upcoming tasks will be. The report is receiving advance online publication in Nature.

"The dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), which lies deep beneath the outer layer of the frontal lobes, is part of an ancient and enigmatic part of the brain," says Emad Eskandar, MD, of the MGH Department of Neurosurgery, senior author of the Nature paper. "Some have speculated that it plays a role in detecting errors or monitoring for conflicting demands, but exactly how it contributes to regulating behavioral responses is unclear, so we used a variety of scientific techniques to get a better picture of its function."

The study enrolled six participants who were scheduled to undergo cingulotomy a procedure in which a small, precisely placed lesion is created within the ACC to treat severe obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) that has not responded to other types of treatment. A standard part of the cingulotomy procedure involves microelectrode recordings of the activity of single neurons in the area where the lesion is to be placed. To evaluate dACC function, the investigators recorded brain activity from several neurons within the structure while participants performed a behavioral task testing their reactions to visual images.

The task presented participants with a random series of images of three numerals, which could be 0, 1, 2, or 3. In each image, two of the numerals were identical. Participants responded by pressing one of three buttons, the position of which would indicate the identity of the number that was different, with the left button indicating 1, the middle 2 and the right button 3. Each image was ranked in difficulty depending on how much the position of the target numeral or the identity of the duplicate numerals might distract participants from the correct response. For example, when presented with 3-3-2, the correct response would be to press the middle button for number 2; and that image would be ranked more difficult than 3-2-3, in which both the target number and the correct button were in the same position.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of four participants performing the behavioral task prior to the cingulotomy procedure revealed that the task increased metabolic activity within the dACC, a result seen in previous fMRI studies. The fMRI images also revealed that responding to more difficult images produced greater activity levels within the dACC and in other structures known to be involved in decision making. Intraoperative microelectrode recordings of all participants demonstrated that this apparent increase in metabolic activity corresponded with an increase in neuronal activity, linking for the first time the increased activation revealed by fMRI with increased neuronal firing.

Analysis of individual neuron activity indicated that dACC neuronal activity remained elevated immediately after difficult trials. Moreover, participant reaction time revealed that the difficulty of the prior trial had an impact on the next trial: if the preceding trial was of the same level of difficulty, reaction time was shorter; if the two tests were of different difficulty levels even if the second test was easier reaction time was longer. By anticipating the difficulty of upcoming tasks, the authors note, it appears that the dACC speeds up responses when difficulty levels are constant but slows response time down when faced with changing demands in order to promote accuracy.

While behavioral tests conducted after the cingulotomy procedure which destroys tissue within the dACC did not indicate a change in participants' ability to perform the test accurately, the impact of preceding trials on reaction time appeared to vanish. "Participants could still perform the task, but the dACC's role of priming the system based on immediate prior experience was gone," Eskandar explains. "We believe this result indicates an important role for the dACC in rapidly adjusting to different cognitive demands, possibly by recruiting other areas of the brain to solve particular problems."

An associate professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School, Eskandar adds that, while significant cognitive changes have not been reported in patients undergoing cingulotomy, the apparent role of the dACC in adapting to changing situations implies a possible role for the structure in several psychiataric disorders. "A lack of behavior flexibility and adjustment is characteristic of OCD, for example. Whether or not our findings directly relate to these disorders remains to be determined, but we hope that continued study using complex tasks, such as the behavioral test used here, will be helpful in diagnosing or monitoring psychiatric disorders."

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Carl Zeiss Microscopes Now Available from SPOT Imaging Solutions

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SPOT Imaging Solutions, a leading national supplier of scientific imaging equipment, is pleased to announce that they have been appointed an authorized Carl Zeiss microscope dealer in the USA.  The addition of the Zeiss microscopes rounds out SPOT Imaging Solutions’ extensive portfolio of high quality instruments for bioresearch, industrial, education and clinical laboratories.  

Carl Zeiss microscopes are well known for their exceptional optics, innovative design and long life.  Upright, inverted and stereo microscopes from Carl Zeiss are an investment that will prove their worth for years to come.

The Carl Zeiss microscopes are available from local SPOT Imaging Solutions imaging specialists across the country, who configure complete systems to meet your laboratory’s specific application and budget.  SPOT imaging specialists provide installation, training and support for the system, making it simple and easy to get great value.

View the Carl Zeiss Microscopes from SPOT Imaging Solutions online.

Contact SPOT Imaging Solutions

Web: http://www.spotimaging.com

Email: info@spotimaging.com

Phone: 1-866-604-SPOT



 

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Leica Microsystems and Indica Labs Announce Availability of Integrated Advanced Digital Pathology Image Analysis

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Wetzlar, Germany / New Mexico, USA –21 June, 2012

Leica Microsystems, world-leading providers of Total Digital Pathology solutions, and Indica Labs, developing excellence in image analysis for Digital Pathology, today announce the integration of Indica Labs advanced image analysis algorithm portfolio into Leica Microsystems digital pathology solution. Users of the Leica Microsystems Tissue IA product can now source from Indica Labs, a range of image analysis algorithms, providing solutions to many diverse tissue-based quantification applications.

Indica Labs image analysis algorithms for molecular assay and morphological feature detection and quantification in whole slide images, coupled with Leica Microsystems’ Tissue IA, provides an easy to use solution for complex image analysis problems in Digital Pathology. Leica Microsystems Tissue IA software is a key component of the Total Digital Pathology portfolio and enables the analysis of whole slide images at the touch of a button. The Indica Labs range, including algorithms for neurobiology, toxicological pathology and brightfield ISH, can now be seamlessly integrated with Leica’s Tissue IA, providing a powerful, yet easy-to-use solution for a broad range of targeted applications. Furthermore, custom image analysis algorithms can be developed by Indica Labs to meet users’ varied and specific requirements, facilitating true flexibility in analysis options.

Donal O’Shea, Head of Digital Pathology in Leica Microsystems says, “Leica Microsystems remain committed to our open and collaborative approach with third party vendors in the digital pathology market. This collaboration with Indica Labs provides additional choice for our Digital Pathology customers in translational research and biopharma, allowing them engage with a specialist vendor to seek high end image analysis capability, while leveraging the underlying power of Leica Microsystems Digital Pathology solution.”

Indica Labs image analysis solutions are developed with a key focus on the end users’ requirements, providing meaningful output data for publications, reports and studies. With particular focus and experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Indica’s analysis solutions “provide a unique complement to Leica product line.” remarked Indica CEO, Steven Hashagen. “Together we’ve been able to achieve a truly seamless integration which will allow Leica users to access Indica’s large portfolio of precision image analysis  tools within the familiar Tissue IA workflow.”

While Leica will continue to develop and expand their  existing range of Digital Pathology image analysis solutions, including Tissue IA and the Ariol system,  the integration with Indica Labs give additional options to customers, enabling them to choose the  analysis solution that is right for their needs. 

Visit the Leica Microsystems Booth at the Society of  Toxicological Pathology (STP) 2012 Annual Meeting for more information.

About Leica Microsystems
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. Further information can be found at http://www.leicamicrosystems.com
Leica – Total Digital Pathology

About Indica Labs
Indica Labs is the first company to offer tissue specific and application specific image analysis algorithms in a truly integrated digital pathology environment. Pharmaceutical, healthcare, and research organizations worldwide utilize Indica tools for high-throughput, whole-slide image quantification in areas such as neuroscience, metabolism, oncology, toxicological pathology, and more. For more information, please visit http://indicalab.com
Indica – Informed Pathology

Source: Leica Microsystems and Indica Labs

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Definiens Expands Large Data Analytics Functionality to Accelerate Image-based Research and Development

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New Definiens Image Miner™ 2 tightly integrates data mining with image analysis to streamline the knowledge-generation process

Munich, Germany, June 21, 2012 / B3C newswire / - Definiens®, the leading provider of image analysis and data mining solutions for quantitative digital pathology, today announced the release of Definiens Image Miner™ 2. The new product provides researchers in the life sciences with deeper insights into underlying biology by integrating image with data analysis. Image Miner 2 makes the wealth of information in biomedical images accessible, accelerating life sciences research and allowing for successful biomarker development.

By supporting highly effective data exploration and study results, the duration of image-based studies can be reduced from weeks to days. Definiens Image Miner 2 provides researchers with the unique ability to easily switch between investigating trends and patterns in large data sets and drawing attention to subtle analysis details in single images. Using the statistic toolbox and the comprehensive visualization options, insights and new knowledge can be generated from images in an unprecedented way. In combination with Definiens image analysis solutions, Image Miner facilitates the processing of even very large data sets.

“For the first time in this industry workflows are available that allow researchers to unlock the information and knowledge residing in images in a highly productive manner.” says Thomas Heydler, CEO of Definiens. “Biomedical images are a vast, often untapped source of information and represent big data at the same time. Up to this point they often have not been available for detailed analysis. By turning images into computational information, Definiens supports researchers in their endeavors to efficiently develop novel biomarkers, drugs and diagnostics.” 

With seamless links between readouts and underlying images, related target structures are only a mouse-click away from relevant data points. Image Miner 2 supports predictive modeling by correlating image analysis results with data from other sources, such as patient outcome data in the development of predictive biomarkers. Interactive plots and data tables provide real-time feedback on study trends, while quality control and assay validation are facilitated by instant identification of outliers and artifacts.

For more information on Definiens Image Miner 2, sign up for the introductory launch webinar, and find examples illustrating how Definiens Image Miner 2 supports tissue-based biomarker development or high content screening, respectively.

Link to the press release

 

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About Definiens
Definiens is the leading provider of image analysis and data mining solutions for quantitative digital pathology in the life sciences, diagnostic biomarkers and healthcare industries. Definiens software provides detailed readouts from whole tissue slides, cell-based assays and full body scans and allows correlating this information with data derived from other sources. By automating analysis workflows, Definiens helps pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, research institutions, clinical service organizations and pathologists to generate new knowledge and supports better decisions in research, diagnostics and therapy. Definiens’ vision is to open new fields of research, to contribute to development of personalized medicine and to significantly improve the quality of patients’ lives.

Definiens is headquartered in Munich, Germany, and has offices throughout the United States.

 

 

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MMRGlobal and Fujitsu Offer Low-Cost System to Digitize Medical Records

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MMR GlobalFujitsu

LOS ANGELES and SUNNYVALE, Calif., June 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- MMRGlobal, Inc. (OTC: MMRF) and Fujitsu Computer Products of America, Inc., the market leader in document imaging scanners, announced today a strategic alignment to assist physicians in smaller practices to efficiently digitize their medical records and start to meet the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act's meaningful use requirement to provide patients timely online access to their medical records by the end of 2014.

To help physicians convert from paper-based record-keeping to computerized health records, MMRPro, MMRGlobal's premiere scanning and Web-based document management technology, is now integrated with the Fujitsu ScanSnap N1800 Network Scanner. Utilizing a proprietary interface created by DocuFi™, the document imaging solution offers smaller physician offices, community hospitals and surgery centers the ability to digitize, store, manage and share medical records without making the significant investment required while transitioning to a full-blown EMR system. MMRPro is also designed with an integrated patient portal, MMRPatientView, and includes the MMR Stimulus Program, which allows doctors the opportunity to earn administrative reimbursements when their patients upgrade from the free portal to a full-featured patented MyMedicalRecords Personal Health Record. 

"Deploying our network scanning strategy for healthcare providers is seamless to the way an office operates with paper. Additionally, the learning curve to scan, archive and share documents across a physician's office or in a small hospital is minimal," said Marni Carmichael, director of business development, Fujitsu Computer Products of America, Inc. "We're excited to be a part of offering MMRPro to physicians to help them cost-effectively transition from paper to electronic records to improve their overall workflow and patient care."

"Fujitsu has a history of providing quality document imaging solutions to its customers," said Robert H. Lorsch, MMRGlobal Chairman and CEO. "The integration of our patented document imaging system provides physician offices with the necessary tools to easily and affordably digitize their documents in an electronic format and have the ability to securely access patient records remotely using an Internet-connected device, including their iPad."

The Fujitsu ScanSnap N1800 Network Scanner is designed to simplify document collaboration for all types of organizations, including small and midsize businesses (SMBs), groups within an enterprise and across the front office to the back office. The latest network scanner added to the award-winning line of Fujitsu ScanSnap scanning solutions offers new tools to make digitizing documents simple and specialized training unnecessary, enhanced security features to combat the threat of data compromise, and added flexibility to easily create customizable interface screens for a consistent user experience. 

"Our relationship with MMRGlobal and Fujitsu brings a highly automated solution to the patient records management world using ImageRamp™ for MMRGlobal," said Dave Wilson, president and CEO of DocuFi. "ImageRamp enables touch screen use of the Fujitsu ScanSnap N1800 Network Scanner to provide intelligent reading and xml formatting of patient medical records, stored in 2-D barcode form. Users of any skill level can now easily capture medical records into a cloud or SaaS EMR infrastructure."

Source: PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1eT2R)

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Sucessful 3rd International Definiens Symposium

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Definiens thanks all participants of the 3rd International Definiens Symposium last week in Munich for inspiring presentations, fruitful discussions and an stimulating atmosphere. We enjoyed meeting you and exchanging ideas during plenary sessions, workshops, coffee breaks and the evening events.

We will shortly publish additional images and recordings from the presentations.

Thanks for joining us in Munich!

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PathXchange Case of the Week

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This week's Case of the Week is a case by Aldo Alcaraz, a pathologist from Instituto Mexicano Del Seguro Social HGR 180 in Guadalajara, JAL, Mexico. 

Title: Bladder Tumor

Case Information: 56 year old male with dysuria gross hematuria and weight loss. A diagnostic cystoscopy showed a bladder extensively infiltrated by a large tumor with ulceration and hemorrhage. Procedure: Transurethral resection.

Case Creator: Aldo Alcaraz

 

          IMG 0674        IMG 0660        IMG 0661        

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

 

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PathCentral’s 30 Minute Webinars – Creating an Effective Pathology Outreach Program

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Learn what it takes to create an effective pathology outreach program from the company exclusively focused on community pathologists. We will share the top 5 components necessary to be successful against national competitors and easy tools you can use to gain an advantage now! 

You will gain insight into: 

•     How to assess the market potential in your community. 

•     Evaluating your stengths and leveraging them. 

•     The power of marketing tools. What works and what doesn’t. 

•     Finding the low hanging fruit. 

•     EMR interfaces? Assessing cost versus reward. 

•     The “Must Haves” for service

 

Title:

PathCentral's 30 Minute Webinars - Creating an Effective Pathology Outreach Program

Date:

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Time:

9:00 AM - 10:00 PM PDT

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server

 

Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.5 or newer

 

Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/666248638

 

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Upcoming Webinar on Medicare 60-Day Rule — June 20

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The Health Reform Act specifies a procedure for providers receiving overpayments. Section 6402 of the PPACA states that Medicare overpayments are to repaid to the government within 60 days of discovery. The law however raises a number of questions which providers hoped would be answered in recent rules issued by CMS. However, clarifications are still needed, and because the law is already effective, providers need guidance in implementing this law. It is critical that overpayments be handled strictly in accordance with the requirements, because failure to do so could result in a fraud claim with possible civil or even criminal penalties.

Join us for this On Demand Webinar – “Medicare 60-Day Rule: Rules and Penalties on Return of Medicare Overpayments To Control Fraud Measures!” on Wednesday, June 20, 2012 . This webinar has been compiled by Wayne J. Miller, Esq., - Founding partner of the Compliance Law Group, Los Angeles, a law firm focused on health care industry legal compliance for clients nationwide. Wayne has practiced healthcare business and regulatory law throughout his 30-year career. His firm represents a wide range of healthcare industry clients throughout the nation. He is an exceptional speaker on healthcare compliance/reimbursement, transactional and regulatory issues.

Highlights of the session :

• Impact of PPACA Supreme Court decision on the rule’s enforceability 
• Known requirements of the new 60-day rule, as well as the issues still being addressed. 
• Potential liability for violating the law, and how to avoid it 
• When the 60 day repayment period starts 
• What to do if a payment’s status is disputed 
• Best practices for addressing potential overpayments by Medicare 
• What is the basic rule regarding the return of Medicare overpayments 
• What the rule says, and what it doesn’t address 

Register today for this live audio conference using the link below :

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

…..and apply discount code "SAVE20" at checkout to get your $20 discount on registration.

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Grading Medical Apps

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Happtique jumps from selling apps to vetting them

Courtesy of and via FierceMobileHealthcare


Finally! That was my first thought when app store Happtique announced last week that it planned not only to sell health apps, but also to certify their efficacy. It's something I've written about before, and a process I'm excited to see play out.

FierceMobileHealthcare talked with three of the four individuals who have been enlisted to create the certification program for Happtique--Howard Luks, an orthopedic surgeon and professor at New York Medical College; Shuva Roy, the biomedical microdevices director for University of California, San Francisco; and Dave deBronkart, a health blogger and the consumer-facing specialist of the group--who indicated that they're scheduled to hold their first meeting in two to three weeks to sketch out the initial shape of the program, which is due to Happtique by July.

To start, I asked if the program will provide a simple seal of approval, or actually deliver granular grading or rating information. The answer, I was happy to hear, was the latter. Luks said the idea is to provide a grading system that will be attached to all apps in the Happtique store, showing where an app performed well, and where it fell short.

Next, I asked if the program will test actual products, with physicians or tech specialists getting hands-on with individual apps, or if it will certify the design and development process of the app. It's a question all three of the panelists had been pondering, but haven't reached a clear answer yet. Luks and Roy did acknowledge that true product testing could be a herculean undertaking with tens of thousands of health apps already on the market, and more emerging every day.

Corey Ackerman, Happtique's founder, however, told GigaOM last week that he envisioned "a set of standards for apps judged by actual doctors who treat that issue. For example, oncologists won't review diabetes apps." So the scale might be tipping toward a program that actually test-drives apps before certifying them.

With regard to exactly what the panel will be certifying, they said that those decisions won't be made until at least their first meeting. They indicated, though, they're looking to include criteria for app quality, reliability, usability, consumer engagement, value to the user, cost, simplicity, and interoperability.

The panelists were adamant about having a strong clinical element to evaluate the medical viability of apps. "We're looking for evidence-based medicine, proven algorithms, mobile health guides that offer the patient or the enterprise realistic guidance, and realistic, actionable information," Luks said.

Reliability was a key concern, as well. The program will need carefully examine rates of false positive or negative results, incorrect data collection, mistakes in algorithms, or even full app failures, Roy said.

Security, too, was on the panelists' minds. The program will need to determine core security measures such as encryption and password protections, but also evaluate an app's vulnerability to mal- or spyware, and the security of any stored data.

The program may even go so far as to vet the interoperability of apps, determining which can be used on different devices and platforms, and possibly how they interface with different downstream systems such as EHRs, according to Roy.

What's more, the panelists indicated that they also want to include criteria to weed out apps with any significant conflicts of interest. For example, apps from pharmaceutical companies that drive users to their newest drugs would get a big red flag.

Still, while the panelists had strong feelings about many of these criteria, they stressed that the process is wide open yet, and none of these particulars will be nailed down until they've had a few meetings.

Ultimately, I see a huge upside to an app certification program for the healthcare industry. But I also see a huge challenge facing this panel, one they'll be hard-pressed to hurdle in the short six-month window they've been given. I'll certainly be keeping up with our panelists in the coming months to see how things progress. - Sara

Read more: Happtique jumps from selling apps to vetting them - FierceMobileHealthcare http://www.fiercemobilehealthcare.com/story/happtique-jumps-selling-apps-vetting-them/2012-01-17?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=internal#ixzz1yF1lzHhE 

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Hamamatsu’s NanoZoomer whole-slide scanners play a critical role in CSHL’s Mouse Brain Architecture Project

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HamamatsuBRIDGEWATER, N.J., June 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Hamamatsu's NanoZoomer whole-slide scanners help make Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory's (CSHL) Mouse Brain Architecture Project a success by imaging thousands of mouse brain tissue slices. The Mouse Brain Architecture Project is an ongoing endeavor to map neural connectivity in the mouse brain using a systematic, high-throughput process. This process involves labeling a mouse brain region with suitable neuronal tracers, followed by tissue imaging using Hamamatsu's NanoZoomer2.0-HT whole-slide scanners, and then 3D reconstruction of the scanned 2D images. The project's accumulated images can be found online at http://brainarchitecture.org/mouse/about. New images will be continually added to the website.

Since the project's start in 2009, two NanoZoomer2.0-HT scanners have imaged over 400,000 slide-mounted tissues and proven their reliability. The scanners convert glass slides into digital slides quickly and accurately, generating high-quality digital images. The NanoZoomer scanners allow for fast, robust scanning by leveraging our proprietary designs in sensors, auto-focus implementation, slide-handling and easy to understand and navigate user interface. Other features include a Z-stack function to accommodate thicker tissue samples, copy and share capabilities, secure storage of images, and network and database interface support.

For more information about the NanoZoomer whole-slide scanners, including pricing and delivery time, please call Hamamatsu Corporation at 1-800-524-0504 or visit the company's website, http://sales.hamamatsu.com.

About Hamamatsu Corporation
Hamamatsu Corporation is the North American subsidiary of Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. (Japan), a leading manufacturer of devices for the generation and measurement of infrared, visible, and ultraviolet light. These devices include photodiodes, photomultiplier tubes, scientific light sources, infrared detectors, photoconductive detectors, and image sensors. The parent company is dedicated to the advancement of photonics through extensive research. This corporate philosophy results in state-of-the-art products which are used throughout the world in scientific, industrial, and commercial applications. 

Information furnished by Hamamatsu Corporation is believed to be reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed for possible inaccuracies or omissions. Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Source: PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1ezrm)

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Director of Laboratory Informatics and Digital Pathology — SUNY Upstate

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And here it is -- offered by The State of New York -- A Director of Digital Pathology position. To my knowledge, I haven't seen too many jobs for "Director of Digital Pathology".

It looks like the position is being offered by SUNY Upstate Medical Center.  The position requires a MS in Computer Engineering/Medical Informatics or relevant field with a minumum of 5 years work experience and MBA strongly preferred.  

Now the cool part -- project management, review and assessment of current and future information systems, leadership future pathology IT investments AND coordination of integration initiatives to EPIC and other EMRS!

And the really cool part -- the position will also be responsible for implementation of a state-of-the-art Digital Pathology system which will be integrated to large physician practices and hospitals.

Sounds like Syracuse has some big plans for Digital Pathology within their healthcare delivery system.  

Look forward to deliverables to come from whoever accepts this opportunity and challege.

CLINICAL PATHOLOGY ADMIN  
State of New York  
Director of Laboratory Informatics and Digital Pathology  
TH Senior Staff Associate  
NSSL5  
Commensurate with Qualifications  
Full-Time  
100  
Responsible for implementation of a state-of-the-art Digital Pathology system which will be integrated to large physician practices and hospitals. Includes coordination and management of the project, testing, installation, training, budgeting and integration of services. Management of Laboratory Informatics team. Coordination of projects, review and assessment of current and future information systems. Provide business direction for future pathology information technology investments. Leadership and coordination of integration initiatives to EPIC and other EMRs.  
Master of Science in Computer Engineering/Medical Informatics or relevant field with a minimum of five years of experience in informatics. MBA strongly preferred.  
Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm (hours flexible)  
Professional and Administrative  
06-11-2012  
Open Until Filled
Jacqueline Peak  

More information.

SUNY 
Minimum Qualifications: Master of Science in Computer Engineering/Medical Informatics or relevant field with a minimum of five years of experience in informatics. MBA strongly preferred.
Job Standard / Operational Needs: Responsible for implementation of a state-of-the-art Digital Pathology system which will be integrated to large physician practices and hospitals. Includes coordination and management of the project, testing, installation, training, budgeting and integration of services. Management of Laboratory Informatics team. Coordination of projects, review and assessment of current and future information systems. Provide business direction for future pathology information technology investments. Leadership and coordination of integration initiatives to EPIC and other EMRs.

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Aperio Webinar: Quantitative ePathology in Preclinical Safety Studies

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Wednesday, June 20, 2012

7:00 am Pacific Time / 10:00 am Eastern Time
(3:00 pm London GMT / 9:00 am Mexico City CDT)

Presenter: Dr. Kai Hartmann, Definiens

Definiens Tissue Studio® is now available as part of Aperio ePathology Solutions. By creating a tight integration between the Aperio eSlide Manager™ and Definiens Tissue Studio and Developer platforms, researchers now have access to the most comprehensive image analysis and data management solution available today.

In this webinar, Dr. Hartmann will discuss how Definiens and Aperio PRECISION tools can be utilized for quantitative assessment of tissues in preclinical safety studies. Solutions for measuring stain intensity, quantifying morphological features of cells and cellular structures, describing spatial relationships, and mining and reporting data will be presented. Definiens image and data analysis has been shown to reduce study time, increase scoring efficiency, accuracy and objectivity and to relieve the pathologist from tedious, routine tasks.

To register for this Aperio ePathology Solutions webinar click here.

About Aperio
Aperio ePathology Solutions are transforming the practice of pathology. The NETWORK enables remote, simultaneous, real-time viewing and distribution for consults and collaboration, while the PRECISION tools empower pathologists with advanced analytic capabilities. To learn more, visit us at http://www.aperio.com

 


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Museums of London Tour, October 5-14, with Jim Edmonson of the Dittrick Museum

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Friend of Morbid Anatomy Jim Edmonson of Cleveland's Dittrick Medical Museum has just informed us that he will be leading a guided tour of London Museums this October 5th to 14th; stops along the way include such wonderful museums as The Wellcome Collection (who is celebrating its 5th birthday today! Happy birthday!), The Hunterian, and the Old Operating Theatre.

Blurb follows; full details can be found here:

Museums of London Tour
Art, History and Medicine, October 5-14, 2012 

We invite you to join Catherine Scallen, Chair of the Art History department and Jim Edmonson, Curator of the Dittrick Museum on the campus of Case Western Reserve University, for this custom designed tour of the key museums of London, England. Jim's contact with fellow curators and museum directors opens doors and provides the group with unique insights into their collections and aspects not normally open to the general public. Catherine's experience teaching and researching the masters of European Art from 1400 to 1900 will provide historical depth that makes the art museums' collections come alive.  

Please note that our deadline for reserving a place on the London tour is June 30,
so contact us today to secure your reservation.

Please note: the final sign up day has been extended to June 30 from June 15th. If interested, you can find out more here.

Photo: The Hunterian Museum, London, from the museum's website.

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